Seborim
The Seborim, occasionally called the Church of Seborisand despite its areligious nature, is a secret society with a small, scattered but influential following amongst the upper echelons of many nations. The organisation promotes a secular philosophy of peaceful enlightenment through gradual social reform, and places great emphasis on the appreciation of aesthetics, and the promotion of beauty and art. Its overarching aim is to improve society through the spiritual and aesthetic enlightenment of its leaders.
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The society's chief symbol is Seboris, a mythical youth who was martyred for his love of peace and beauty in ancient times. Seboris appears, in coded form, in various well known works of art, often depicted as a beautiful young man who sacrifices his life for his art, bound and pierced by arrows or spears. He is also sometimes depicted as drowned with his face visible through water.
Despite its quasi-mystical structure, the Seborim are apolitical and non-theistic, so the society embraces, and permeates, many of the political elites in Ororr, Harthera, the Natorn Isles and to a lesser extent Munatan. It always seeks to influence political agenda by promoting harmony, tolerance and learning.
Life and ritual
Followers of Seboris revere the human form and spirit, plants, animals and natural arts. Followers are generally ministers, teachers, curators, even priests, as well as others in government. Its loose and highly personalised rituals are generally carried out by one or two people only. There are no priests, only teachers. Rituals involve soft chanting and placing symbols such as leaves, rocks, wood or ice in aesthetic patterns, and solitary or guided meditation. Rituals are sometimes concluded by sexual communion, or ritual meals. Many Seborim do not eat meat, though this is not a requirement.
There are many prayers, catechisms, prose and poetry, which are studied and meditated upon. The principle symbol is the ubiquitous pierced figurehead.
Organisation
The society is organised in a cellular structure, being necessary to preserve security. There are at least seven secret ranks, with each cell being headed by a father who is of undisclosed rank.