Need for Sorcerous Societies (CShaH)

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Many sorcerous societies are restrictive and do not give their members any sort of overt special abilities. So why would anyone want to join one of these organizations? Primarily for protection. Elementalists, especially, need to be fearful of the Brotherhood of the True Flame. Other wizards are fearful of this organization as well, as the Brotherhood wishes to control all who cross its path. Sorcerous societies shield their members from the predations of the Brotherhood and other societies. They also protect their members from those who do not practice magic and may not understand sorcerous ways.
Sorcerous societies are also useful clearing houses of knowledge. These groups share information and resources among members, making the acquisition of spells and special items a bit easier. DMs are encouraged to assume that a sorcerous society has access to all spells up to 7th level and will know someone who can tutor members in spells beyond that level. This saves wizards much work, providing them with spells they would otherwise have to hunt down on their own.
Special items are available from a society as well, as long as they will be used for the betterment of that society. Magical items that contain spells or a few powers are available to most societies; artifacts and other very powerful items are in the possession of the strongest groups. Characters who are members of a sorcerous society should be allowed to use that society's items if they are truly needed to complete a mission given by that society. This is purely a DM's call. Dramatic scenes can be crafted in which the character(s) attempt to convince the leaders of a sorcerous society that they have a real and overwhelming need to take a certain item to complete an important adventure.