Catafalque, the sole city of Nehkmet, is an intricate layout of distinct districts, each bearing its unique ambiance and architecture, ruled by a different Duke or Duchess, collectively creating a harmonious, if somber, tapestry of death and life beyond.

In the North lies the Imperial District, the seat of power, housing the grand structure known as the Imperial Palace of Eternity's End. This is the heart of Catafalque, from where Empress Xjalldan rules. Eternity's End is an imposing, colossal structure, the highest spire touching the cold, distant stars, casting long, solemn shadows over the city, a constant reminder of the Empress's watchful gaze.

Saviors Way lies to the Northwest, a district of solace and redemption, presided over by Shanndra the Savior. Here, souls tormented by guilt and regret find peace through repentance, the district itself echoing with whispered prayers and hopeful sighs.

To the Northeast, you find Phylactaria, a district imbued with an air of serene contemplation. Its ruler, Lord Morvarid, the Pearl of Wisdom, encourages souls to ruminate over their lives, cultivating wisdom from the seeds of their experiences. Phylactaria, with its tranquil courtyards and contemplative silence, feels like a library of life, where each soul is an open book.

Fleshtown, in the far East, is the district of embodied memories. It is presided over by Lady Eshara, the Scribe of Echoes. In Fleshtown, the tangible and the ephemeral intertwine, as souls get a chance to relive their physical sensations, all under Eshara's watchful eyes.

To the South lies Hell's Maw, a district filled with the wails of regret and the echoes of unresolved sins. It is ruled by the Rakshasha Queen, known as Kaliyana, the Soul's Crucible. Here, souls face the consequences of their darker actions, the district's fiery shadows reflecting their inner turmoil.

At the center of Catafalque, where life's storm brews amidst the calm, stands the Forest of Lost Whispers. The forest, a symphony of spectral trees and mournful breezes, is ruled by Ustrand the Tempest, former lover of Shanndra the Savior.

The city of Catafalque is bisected by a large, paved path, leading directly from the city's gate to the Imperial Palace of Eternity's End, aptly named the Path of Reckoning. On the Southern end of this path stands a unique establishment, The Endless. This inn is an oasis of relentless celebration in the realm of the dead, where spectral music fills the air, ghostly laughter echoes in the halls, and the party, quite literally, never ends. Here, the souls can forget their trials for a time and revel in the timeless merriment, a peculiar, yet necessary, contrast in the solemn Realm of the Dead.

The rulers of Catafalque, each with their own distinct domains and interests, find themselves entwined in a complex web of political machinations. The intricate balance of power is maintained through careful diplomacy, strategic alliances, and, at times, subtle subterfuge.

At the heart of this delicate political dance is Empress Xjalldan, who rules from the Imperial Palace of Eternity's End. As the ultimate authority, Xjalldan must balance the unique interests of each district, ensuring a harmonious coexistence within the city of Catafalque. She maintains the equilibrium with a deft hand, relying on her profound wisdom and deep understanding of the complexities of the soul's journey.

Shanndra the Savior, ruler of Saviors Way, is a champion of solace and redemption. She often allies herself with Lord Morvarid of Phylactaria, as both see the benefit in contemplation and redemption. They believe that the path to peace lies in understanding and remorse, often clashing with Kaliyana of Hell's Maw, who sees retribution as a necessary step on the soul's journey.

Kaliyana, the Soul's Crucible, rules Hell's Maw with an iron fist, embodying the harsh consequences of darker deeds. She advocates for a more punitive approach to the souls' evaluation, ensuring that no transgressions go unanswered. This strict perspective puts her at odds with both Shanndra and Morvarid, who favor a more compassionate approach.

Lady Eshara of Fleshtown maintains a neutral position, focusing on her district's purpose of letting the souls relive their physical experiences. Her neutrality often makes her an invaluable mediator when tensions arise among the other rulers.

Ustrand the Tempest, ruler of the Forest of Lost Whispers, holds a unique position. His past romantic connection with Shanndra places him in an intricate situation. He is often torn between his inherent understanding of the need for contemplation, a viewpoint Shanndra shares, and his domain's demand for letting the storm of regret and sorrow play out.

The ruler of The Endless, Seraphel, the Eternal Reveler, though not a Duke, also plays a subtle role in these political maneuverings. The Endless is a haven where the other rulers occasionally leave their responsibilities behind, providing an informal and neutral ground for discussion, negotiation, and even, at times, secretive plotting.

These rulers, each carrying out their divine mandate, tread a fine line between cooperation and competition, their relationships a delicate dance reflecting the myriad facets of Was's psyche. Their intricate political maneuvers, while sometimes contentious, ultimately serve the singular purpose of guiding the souls through their post-life journey in Nehkmet.