http://www.creepyhollows.com/phpBB3/vie ... =8&t=17318
While that thread does have some positive feedback it's not exactly what I'm looking for. Let me first say that I AM NOT LOOKING FOR FREE INFORMATION OR TO BUY ANY OF THEIR ITEMS SECOND HAND. I'm simply trying to make an informed decision on whether or not to join their Cabal. I don't want to spend my hard earned money on something that may not be worth it. I want all my ducks in a row so I don't regret it later. Here are a few questions I have about their Cabal, so if anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated:
Are they real/legit?
This question is not meant to offend. You have to understand that other than their website and the thread I posted a link to above, there is virtually no information on them on the internet. I tried to find reviews and came up empty. They are very secretive, probably for good reason. Other sites that I found that mention them say that it's a possibility they aren't legit as it seems like a role playing game, etc etc. I'm not saying I believe any of that. Quite the contrary, I'm interested in joining the Temple so the vast majority of me believes they are legit. But, due to the lack of information there is always that small part that says it could be fake.
If they indeed are legit please see the below questions
Is their magic practical?
By practical I mean is it "easy" (note I do not use that word lightly) or is it as complicated as Solomonic evocation? For example, will I need to spend thousands of dollars on very rare ritual tools (such as a sword especially engraved with the names of specific spirits during the Hour of Venus on the Day of Jupiter while standing atop a mountain) or countless man hours making them myself? By practical I also mean if it does require ritual tools, are they fairly easy to obtain and at affordable prices? I'm interested in their forthcoming grimoire Charnel Whispers and part of the description says this:
This makes it seem like this grimoire is full of practical magic, which interests me greatly. It took me years to build up my arsenal of tools to practice Solomonic evocation, I'd rather not go through it again.Last, but not least, Charnel Whispers also reveals the simplistic nature of casting such magicks through minimal components or ritual tools
Are their any ongoing fees? Like monthly or yearly dues?
Obviously one must pay for their books and talismans, vessels, adornments, etc. But other than the initital $50 fee to join their Cabal (upon being accepted) are their any ongoing fees such as monthly or yearly dues?
Can the rituals and spells be implemented right away?
Back to the question of practicality. Again, I come from a Solomonic evocation background. A good 80% of the time before any evocation there is a long period of preparation, in many cases months in advance. Ritual baths, fasting, preliminary rites, etc. If I do join Temple of Maergzjirah do their rituals require much prep time? I understand if this question cannot be answered as it may give away secrets of the Temple, if so please just plainly say so.
Is it worth it?
Necromancy is something I'm very interested in but the vast majority of books on the subject that exist on the mass market are just about divinatory practice. The Temple seems to be in line with the type of Necromancy I'd like to become proficient in. Is it worth it to join them?
Again, to any members of the Cabal reading this, it is not meant to offend. I'm just trying to get my head on straight and make a sound decision and not regret it. If they indeed are legit and it is worth it I'm ready to dedicate myself to the Temple and their belief system, but I'd like to know what I'm getting myself into before I pay. Thanks to anyone and everyone who can help.