He often comes to a bad end. Notable magi operating in this mode include Cagliostro, Giordano Bruno, Paracelsus, and Gudjieff. The Nemesis Magus is a rare figure in the generally positive esoteric climate of the west. In the east the role is more common. The historical Buddha with his rules and restrictions to provide accolytes with a slightly new identity to adhere to.
Rules concerning clothing, sex, and diet are particularly effective.
Such systems are indispensible to the Hierophant in his ceaseless quest for followers. The complexities of his systems guarantees protracted tuition and its comparative magical ineffectiveness ensures that few will be tempted to go freelance. Such systems are designed to create dependency. Heresy and Schism always threaten the Hierophant's position and system. Unrealistic ideals and ineffectual means of attaining them will always attract criticism and attempts at revisionism.