A Talking Painting in the corridor further along tells you that humans are being turned into vegetables.

I don't know if such a concept needs the framework of a "faction" to support it. Most such characters have their own affiliations and interests already. There are several libraries, churches, schools and mages' guilds that potential members are part of. I imagine it would work more like your typical scholarly network or society works, arranging conferences, reviewing books and articles, perhaps publishing something every now and then (someone had the initiative of a magical journal some years ago), and meeting in pubs to discuss hot topics. Madrik's been holding some lectures recently, and had a decent turnout. Integrate the efforts of individuals into a society of scholars and give speakers and audience an opportunity to network at events, and you'll probably spawn further projects spontaneously.

In summary: publishing house/quarterly journal, a scholarly network where all interested characters can share their professional and contact information, and regular conferences and meetings with some arranged programme (a lecture, a panel, or whatever) and the opportunity to go to a pub and continue the discussion afterwards. That's what works in the real world, that's what would probably work for us.

It's not very useful debating spirituality in a world where one could literally take a stroll through your "end reward" long before your end. Heh.