ver the centuries, changing attitudes in the Skinlands have given rise to many wraiths that, while they respect and support the idea of a strong ruling body in the Underworld, object to many of the Hierarchy’s long-standing policies. This has led to an Old Guard/New Guard split within the government. In general, most Stygian wraiths (at least the long-time residents) belong to the Old Guard, while a growing number of Hierarchy members in the Shadowlands ally themselves with the New Guard.

Both groups agree that there is a need for the Hierarchy to maintain a strong presence in the Shadowlands, that the Hierarchy plays a crucial role in the war against Oblivion, and that it is important to root out Spectres wherever they may be encountered. The major issue, which distinguishes the Old Guard from more modern Hierarchy supporters, is that of the status of thralls.

Many of the Old Guard comes from a time when slavery was not only acceptable, but in which it formed the basis of the economic system of some of the world’s greatest civilizations. These Hierarchs see thralls as chattel, valuable only in what they can be forced to produce.

The New Guard opposes both the use of the word “slave” (adopting the less perjurious term “thrall”), and the entire system whereby one wraith owns another. Some Necropoli in the Shadowlands have adopted the feudal model, proposed at one time by Charon but widely ignored in practice by most of the Stygian Hierarchy. Still others have banned the practice of keeping thralls as personal servants altogether, and have even gone so far as to offer sanctuary to escaped thralls. Despite strong feelings on both sides regarding the issue of thralls, both Old and New Guard agree that some measures must be taken to prevent weak and Fetterless wraiths from feeding the Void.

Other issues upon which the Hierarchy is divided include the matter of contact with the Skinlands, the contesting interpretations of the Code of Charon, and the question of how best to deal with Renegades, Heretics, and the Dark Kingdoms. The Old Guard, of course, opposes Skinriding or the use of any Arcanos that allows contact with the mortal world, upholds a strict interpretation of Charon’s laws, favors the elimination of Renegades and Heretics, and considers the Dark Kingdoms as hostile powers with which they are in direct competitions for souls. The New Guard has a more relaxed attitude toward discreet forays into the Skinlands, claims that the Code of Charon needs to be updated, and favors limited cooperation with Renegades, Heretics, and the Dark Kingdoms where common ground can be found. Since most of the more radical elements within the Hierarchy dwell in the Shadowlands, far from Stygia’s control, the existence of the two philosophical compasses has not caused a major rift in the government of the Underworld. Should Stygia once again take an active part in the affairs of the Shadowlands, the Hierarchy may very well find itself on the verge of civil war.