Stargazers

Stargazers, not to be confused with starlisteners, are groups of scientists researching the world and its forces through the observation of the stars and the sky. Stargazers conduct their research in observatories on high mountaintops or lonely deserts and forests, where no other sources of light and magic are present. Ultimately, stargazers wish to find a scientific way to read the forces accurately through the stars and predict natural phenomena based on the movements of the stars.

General scientific approach

Stargazers base their research on empirical observation of the stars through large telescopes and observatories. The most prominent theory of stargazers is that stars and their behavior seem to reflect the forces affecting the physical world. Through observation of the stars, certain events resulting from these forces can be linked to a certain behavior of the one or more stars.
Generally speaking, stargazing follows three steps:
1. Observe

Observing the stars and their normal and abnormal behaviors is key to stargazing. While most stars behave and move in a regular ways, some behaviors or phenomena only occur in relation to certain forces. Stargazers that observe the sky and the stars and look out for irregular or unique movements are called astronomers.

2. Recognize

Not every seemingly inexplicable phenomenon in the world is a result of the forces of the stars. Some phenomena might be the result of magic produced through the Will of a person. Recognizing and understanding instances of forces influencing the physical world is important to draw the right conclusions of the behavior of the stars.

3. Link

Linking the behaviors of the stars to natural instances of forces influencing the physical world is the last and most important step. If a certain natural phenomenon is preceded by a peculiar movement of a star, then this could mean that this star represents the forces associated with said phenomenon. Thus, whenever said star makes a similar movement, this could be followed by the same or a similar natural phenomenon.

Human aspect of stargazing

Even though the stargazers’ approach is scientific in nature, it is undeniable that some individuals have a deeper connection to the stars and the forces they represent than others. Stargazers wish to use the talents of these people to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of the stars and the forces. According to stargazers, many visions and prophecies of for example starlisteners, are too personal and unclear, however. Consequently, some stargazers wish to establish a common framework into which these people can transpose their visions and perceptions in order to reliably interpret them.
Stargazers view the ability to ‘feel’ certain forces as unreliable yet valuable as a starting point for scientific research into a certain celestial behavior or natural phenomenon. Many research institutes are thus willing to pay great sums for people that can accurately display an understanding of said forces coming from the stars.

Tell me about the stars child. What do they tell when they speak to you? What do they show you? What do you feel?

— Daedala interviewing a young Icara

Known stargazing institutes
Central Drought Observatory (Eborya)