ome say that the real power in any Necropolis rests not in the hands of the Anacreons, but with their advisory councils of Overlords and Chancellors. These are the wraiths that have direct access to the Anacreon they serve, and whose advice often becomes policy. Their voices often reach the halls of Stygia itself – and truly ambitious Hierarchy wraiths see appointment to the position of Overlord or Chancellor as a sure means of gaining entry into the highest levels of Stygian politics, or perhaps even the halls of Stygia itself. Overlords and Chancellors make up the “cabinet” of the Anacreon, offering council and advice to the Anacreon of their Legion. When either a Maelstrom or an invasion of Spectres threatens the Necropolis, it is the business of both Overlords and Chancellors to remain on top of the situation and formulate strategies for the Anacreon. Usually, the advice of an Overlord takes precedence in times of war over a Chancellor’s recommendation, while in less stressful times the situation tends to be reversed.
Although all Hierarchy ranks above that of Centurion and Adjuster are theoretically direct appointments by an Anacreon, in reality most candidates for higher offices are brought to the Anacreon’s attention by one or more of her trusted councilors. An Overlord or Chancellor can therefore stack the ranks of a Necropolis with wraiths who are loyal to them, while seeming to bring “talent” to the attention of their superior. Although the Anacreons – at least the savvy ones – realize this, there is little they can do to alter this system except exercise damage control by carefully choosing their advisors. It is said that any Anacreon who finds herself suddenly without a job, and her position assumed by one of her staff of advisors, obviously did not choose her Overlords or Chancellors with enough care.
Overlord
Overlords are based directly out of their Citadel and are the personal assistants of the Anacreon. Overlords are responsible for many of the strategic decisions faced by their Legion.
Responsibilities
- Based directly out of the Citadel
- Responsible for military strategy for their Legion (in their respective Citadel).
- Responsible for directly orchestrating and carrying out the orders of the Anacreon that require military actions.
- Responsible for creating and maintaining information ‘avenues’ (intelligence operations) that may facilitate the advance warning of military attacks.
- Responsible for integrating a spy network in key areas of interest to their Legion.
- In the event of an Anacreon’s mysterious disappearance the Overlord is responsible for either directly conducting the investigation, or appointing a military subordinate to conduct the investigation. After the investigation is completed the Overlord must present the information to the acting Anacreon (usually the Chancellor).
- Is always the primary Inquisitor in military situations requiring investigation, or in cases of an Anacreon’s disappearance; but may temporarily appoint others to help. (See Inquisitor role description)
- Responsible for compiling reports from underlings (primarily the Regent) and presenting them to the Anacreon for review.
- May grant status in times of siege or military crisis (like a field commission.)
- May make recommendations to the Anacreon to demote or remove from office a lower ranking military member of the same legion in their Citadel.
Chancellor
Chancellors are the administrative equivalent of Overlords. In Stygia they serve as assistants and advisors to the Deathlords, and are among the few wraiths that are actually admitted into the presence of these enigmatic Underworld leaders. In the Shadowlands, Chancellors act as advisors (along with Overlords) to the Anacreon of a Citadel. They are responsible for the everyday operation and management of a Citadel and oversee all shipments to and from Stygia. Chancellors hold the honorary rank of Overlord.
Responsibilities
- Based directly out of the Citadel
- Responsible for directly orchestrating and carrying out the orders of the Anacreon that require civil actions.
- In the absence of the Anacreon, will assume the position of acting-Anacreon until either the return of the Anacreon or a new one assumes the position.
- Responsible for compiling reports from underlings (primarily the Minister) and presenting them to the Anacreon for review.
- Has the authority to recommend the demotion or removal from office a lower ranking civil member of the same legion in their Citadel.
- In the case of a Legion member being accused of a transgression against their Legion or the Hierarchy, the Chancellor is responsible for holding a hearing to determine guilt or innocence. The Chancellor is judge, jury, and executioner. The accused party only has one chance at recourse… they may request an audience with the Anacreon. If they are denied this request, then the ruling of the Chancellor stands and is carried out.
- Once a month the Chancellors of each Legion shall meet and share with each other the new sanctions and status granted that month, as well as those sanctions that were paid. A master database of all sanctions and status will be kept in the Citadel, and may be used for reference by any current Chancellor.
- Chancellors have the ability to grant positive or negative status to any member of their legion (except the Anacreon) at the cost of one temporary status.
