iven all the dangers that a Legionnaire faces, it’s difficult to imagine why a wraith would willingly fight on behalf of the Hierarchy. Membership in a Legion is mandatory, but not all Legion positions are military. So why would any wraith want to put his soul on the line? The Hierarchy makes it appealing.

Pay for Legionnaires is low – about an obolus a month before cuts for arming, outfitting and Pathos – but the fringe benefits are compelling. Duty as a military Legionnaire provides a wraith with a measure of authority and respect in the Hierarchy. Without the front-line Legionnaires, Oblivion’s servants would consume the Restless masses as soon as they shed their Cauls, and the Legions are quick to remind troublesome or unruly souls of this. Having authority and winning respect is therefore important to continued existence in the Underworld, where people can be turned into ashtrays and floor tiles. Furthermore, the pride of place that comes from being part of Stygia’s best line of defense often translates into a passion for dedicated soldiers, and the job becomes its own reward.

The Hierarchy also attracts military Legionnaires with promises of protecting the wraiths’ Fetters. Indeed, high-ranking Legionnaires even arrange to have their Fetters gathered and protected in the Skinlands. That’s a pretty good benefit in a realm where life is cheap because it’s already over.

Military duty is an authorized means by which to use Arcanoi, and for the more venal, military service promises plunder. Relics and Stygian steel don’t grow on trees, not even dead ones. Legionnaires can hope to get their hands on the possessions of their enemies, and gain some wealth in the Underworld.

The Hierarchy system of sanctions further strengthens many wraiths’ allegiance to the Hierarchy and is usually what puts service to the Hierarchy over the top in most fence sitter’s minds. Having the favors you’ve acquired recorded and repayment enforced by punishment of the law is a pretty nice benefit for the military, as well as the civil, side of the Hierarchy. In a realm where wealth is a rare commodity, it is sometimes the only form of wealth for those in the lowliest positions.