While it had its enemies and rivals, both within and without, nothing could really challenge it. As the years went by, however, Oblivion grew steadily stronger. The ancient rulers of the Hierarchy, the so-called Deathlords, have lost their ties to the living world, and can no longer venture to the Shadowlands to keep firm control. Several generations have passed since Charon himself fell in battle against an immensely powerful Spectre, and the Hierarchy's power is crumbling. The Necropoli have stayed, for the most part, loyal to Stygia and the Hierarchy, for the steady supply of weapons and other soul-forged goods are necessary for the continued stability of an increasingly restless populace.
Oblivion grows stronger with every passing day, and the afterlife grows less eternal by the minute.
Viola is located some distance up the Mississippi from New Orleans, and in the living world is a decaying, dwindling city. These legions work together uneasily, and competition for new inductees is at times rather harsh. Viola's Necropolis is divided into four boroughs that surround the central ruling Citadel, roughly paralleling areas in the living city. Political maneuvering is commonplace, and can be the most dangerous part of death for many wraiths who seek to advance in Hierarchy's ranks. Factions of both Renegades and Heretics remain covertly active in Viola as they do everywhere in the Hierarchy.