or the most part social classes are distinguished by a combination of age, arcane power, and freedom of movement. Although social mobility and interactions are not unknown among wraiths, most wraiths ally only with those of similar social class, and trust only those who have proven themselves. Gaunts, who are able to leave the Shadowlands and return at will, are particularly notorious for their cliquishness. Gaunts are afforded considerably more respect than Domens who mainly reside in Stygia. Lemures occupy the lowest of the free-wraith social classes by neither being able to leave the Shadowlands for long periods of time, nor having sufficient age to be higher on the social ladder.

In the Hierarchy a wraith’s age normally automatically bestows some social power because they’ve just flat been around that long. They know the ropes… been around the block… describe it any way you want. The fact is that the age of a free wraith usually indicates the presence of more knowledge and thus power. A Gaunt has more status than the other classes, usually has more money, and will have some amount of influence on higher members in the Hierarchy. Some Gaunts may even have the ear of officials in Stygia. Conceivably, a Gaunt could run the whole show of the Citadel from behind closed doors, especially since most Hierarchy leaders will at the very least listen to any opinions a Gaunt may have.

The biggest conflict between the social classes is when someone with decision-making power begins to weigh a wraith’s words or opinions. For instance, if a younger wraith is brought up on charges (whether real or trumped up) the magistrate will almost always believe the claims of the wraith with the most status. Not good for someone new to the wraith scene.

Gaunts typically have higher levels of lore than most other wraiths. In order to learn many secrets and ins and outs of wraithly society, a younger wraith will have to curry the favor of a Gaunt. In fact, Gaunts tend to have the sway of the guilds and may even be the head of one, so even to perfect one of the arts a young wraith needs to be aware of the knowledgeable Gaunts.