Hi there! Do you have any tips on how to write a secret society? Whether it's a good or evil society?
Writing Sauce for Secret Societies
Secret (Hidden) vs. Secretive/Classified
An important distinction to make while writing exclusive societies is the extent to which they shirk the eyes of the public and/or government:
“Secret” or “Hidden” societies push their existence under the rug. No one but the members know of their activities at all. (e.g. Camp Half-Blood from the Percy Jackson series, the wizarding society of the Harry Potter series)
“Secretive” or “classified” societies exist publicly with a clear purpose. However, the specifics of their activities are only disclosed to his members. (e.g. the CIA, higher-ranked military organizations)
While secret societies are often illegal, rebellious, or anarchist, secretive societies are legal and institutional.
Here are some other elements that I think a secret society requires. The specifics of how these are implemented will depend on the size of your society.
The Origin Story
What is the society’s motto? Who created it? Why do the members/the public need it?
A goddess creates a secret society of demigods to protect them from monsters.
A professor creates a secret society to teach illegal materials to his best students.
A society of the undead striving for survival on Earth after the
Membership Requirements & Rules
How many newbies? How are they recruited? Any consequences if prospective members fail? Any initiation practices? Consequences for breaking the rules?
Inheriting a particular bloodline: demigods, half-angels/demons, royal blood, etc.
Becoming a supernatural creature: vampire, zombie, werewolf, etc.
A rigorous interview/testing process (could be similar to a job interview)
Sending prospective members on a dangerous mission
Existing members paying prospective members a visit in the middle of the night
Sending out dream messages and instructions for initiation constantly until potential members are obliged to come.
The Cover-Up Story
How does your society keep itself hidden? How do they cover up for their mistakes if classified information leaks out?
Killing any witnesses and outsiders.
Exerting control over media/news/government organizations (either back-door or legally)
Using a magical cover: memory-redaction, mist/veil that manipulates appearances, etc.
The power bestowed by the society upon their members are immediately withdrawn upon excommunication or if they break rules
The cover-up story has to be stronger for larger, ancient secret societies to make it plausible that they’ve managed to survive hidden. Think of strong mechanisms that makes it the members’ own interests to keep the society protected, even though it may cost them their life.
Funding and Maintenance
Where does the society get its money/weapons/materials from?
Generational wealth that the members’ family possess.
Secret governmental/university funding, obtained under someone else’s name
Having members who are placed in high-ranking position in companies, banks, the government, etc.
Could be as simple as a trust fund/endowment fund run under a fake name (e.g paper company, a fake family name that is handed down from one society leader to another)
Hope this helps!
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