Fishers of All

The Order of the Fishers of All are a standoffish and remote monastic tradition. Unlike the Shepherds, who believe their place is to help others, Fishers look inward, seeing the accumulation of all knowledge to be worthy goal by itself. If one were to describe Shepherds as “space paladins”, Fishers are “space wizards.”
Their symbol is a stylized net.

Structure

Fishers start at remote sanctuaries where they begin their training and ultimately pay the Fisher Price. These sanctuaries are called cloisters and are usually named after the founder of the cloister, or an area of esoteric knowledge that particular cloister endeavors to unlock. There are less than two dozen such cloisters in the galaxy. While the cloisters are cordial with each other, they do not owe each other any loyalty, and there is no cohesive organization of all Fishers. However, all Fishers revile Mind Lords, as the enemy of independent thought.
Like other mystical traditions, training starts at an early age. The entire focus is on strengthening and ordering your mind, so that its power can grow. The final step, usually taken just before adulthood, is the paying of the Fisher Price: upper appendages, those used for grasping and manipulation of tools, are amputated. After this, apprentice Fishers are taught how to create their “halo”, a swirling ring of psychic energy that orbits their head. While Fishers can extinguish their halo in an instant with a thought, it is one of their most distinguishing features…along with having no arms.
Once Fishers have paid the Fisher Price, they often leave their cloister and travel the galaxy, seeking knowledge.  Fishers may choose to seek a narrowly defined field of information, or they may choose to "cast their nets wide" and learn whatever should come their way.  Periodically, a Fisher will return to their cloister to disseminate the things they have learned.  In each cloister, and between cloisters, knowledge is currency, and the greater the amassing of knowledge the higher a Fisher's status can become.
Master Fishers, having traveled extensively in search of hidden knowledge, will return to their temple and pay the second Fisher Price: the removal of lower appendages used for locomotion. A true Master Fisher can move and work using only the power of their mind. Master Fishers, while not confined to their cloisters, will often retire from active travel and administer to their cloister, becoming the leaders and teachers of the next generation of Fishers.

Public Agenda

Fishers focus on unlocking all the secrets of the universe using the power and discipline of their mind. Excepting this pursuit, Fishers otherwise hold to no unified creed or beliefs.

History

It is unknown how the Fishers of All began, but prior to the Republic Era of the Second Breath, there were several cloisters of Fishers on a number of worlds.  By the Imperial Era, Fishers were an uncommon sight, but one that did not attract comment.  While certain Fishers have been known to act as advisors to noble houses, even Emperors, there is no tradition of patriotism or service among the cloisters and such positions have been rare.

scientia potentia est

Founding Date

Early Second Breath

Demonym

Fishers