The sons of knowledge
The Gnosceti are considered a myth by many intellectuals and orators in elite Hesberian circles. Stories of their deeds and powers are considered nothing more than ghost stories used to scare small children.
Some, however, fear their power to use some form of magic in lands where magic does not work. They are rumored to perform magic that gives them control over animals, people, and even governments. Others fear the power of control they are rumored to have over the kings of the non-magical lands. There are even a few that believe that all kings and governments are pawns of the Gnosceti used to fight their esoteric battles.
Through the centuries, various human orators and authors have stepped forward claiming to be Gnosceti. Most of these have been charlatans that present the Gnosceti as a mystery cult that promises power to its adherents.
The Biggest Screts Hide in the Most Obvious Places
The Gnosceti, have no problem with any of these rumors. They use the fear and misinformation to their advantage. They are a rigidly ordered society, the machinations of those higher in the order are not always made known to the acolytes below.
Those that know realize that what is collectively called the Gnosceti is made up of several groups that agree on only one thing – a great teacher came and established the order. The rest are secret wars of succession and various prophecies for and against a messiah.
Gnosceti have set themselves up in fairly important places amongst the human kingdoms in non-magical lands. If they were all part of one group, their control would be assured, as it is, the same government may have two or more factions of the Gnosceti in its ranks at any given time. Many conflicts that arise come from interpretation of the Master’s sayings and quibbles of succession. More than one war has been extended when discussions of doctrine began during peace talks.
Despite their lack of cohesion, the Gnosceti do have access to a power that only they understand. Thought magic doesn’t work in half the world, they are able to wield magic like powers anywhere in the world. Sometimes these powers are quite limited, but the leaders of various factions of Gnosceti have power to rival the most famous of spellcasters. These range from disembodied whispers to illusions of all five senses. A few even have the power to give their illusions substance and affect the real world.
The three main factions differ mostly on rules of succession. They can largely coexist, though relations are frosty at best. Each faction give the other two credit for their devotion to the Prophet. Most issues occur with the minor offshoots – the radical factions that declare war on the rest of the world.