Emperor
In the grand tapestry of Rokugan's feudal society, the Emperor stands as the divine and temporal ruler, holding a position of supreme authority and reverence.
Divine Sovereignty: The Emperor is believed to be the mortal representative of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, and holds a divine mandate to rule over all of Rokugan.
Symbol of Unity: As the embodiment of the Empire's unity and spiritual harmony, the Emperor's decisions and decrees are considered sacrosanct.
Central Authority: The Emperor governs the realm from the Imperial Palace in Otosan Uchi, the capital city of Rokugan.
Imperial Edicts: The Emperor issues edicts and imperial decrees that shape the laws, policies, and governance of the Empire.
Courtly Rituals: The Imperial Court is the heart of political intrigue and diplomacy, where courtiers and dignitaries from the Great Clans vie for favor and influence.
Advisory Councils: The Emperor convenes advisory councils, such as the Emerald Champion, the Imperial Chancellor, and the Clan Champions, to aid in decision-making.
Protector of the Celestial Order: The Emperor ensures spiritual harmony by performing rituals and ceremonies to honor the kami and ancestors.
Divine Blessings: The Emperor's blessings are believed to influence the fortune and prosperity of the Empire and its people.
Selection Process: The Emperor selects their heir through the "Emperor's Selection," a complex ritual involving the Great Clans and the Imperial Court. Traditionally, this is the oldest legitimate child of the Emperor. However, an Emporer can use the Emperor's Selection to select an heir who is not next in line. If the Selection was not completed before the death of the Emporer, succession then defaults to the oldest child of the Emperor, then the oldest sibling if no child is available, then the oldest aunt/uncle, and then the oldest cousin.
Legacy: The chosen heir becomes the Crown Prince or Princess, preparing to ascend to the Imperial Throne upon the Emperor's passing.
Exemplar of Bushido: The Emperor embodies the virtues of Bushido—rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty.
Moral Authority: The Emperor's conduct sets a moral standard for all samurai, guiding their behavior and actions.
Patron of the Arts: The Emperor fosters the arts and cultural traditions of Rokugan, patronizing artisans, poets, and scholars.
Cultural Events: The Imperial Court hosts grand festivals, tournaments, and ceremonies that celebrate Rokugan's cultural heritage.
Military Command: The Emperor commands the Imperial Legions and the Seven Great Clans' armies in times of war and crisis. By tradition, this is not done directly. Instead, the Lion Clan Champion is typically tasked with this duty, or in some cases the Emerald Champion. A few times in Imperial History, a Shogun has been named. This is generally considered a slight to the Lion, and to a lesser case, the Emerald Champion.
Security and Stability: Ensures the defense and protection of Rokugan's borders against external threats and internal unrest.
Divine Mandate and Authority
Divine Sovereignty: The Emperor is believed to be the mortal representative of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, and holds a divine mandate to rule over all of Rokugan.
Symbol of Unity: As the embodiment of the Empire's unity and spiritual harmony, the Emperor's decisions and decrees are considered sacrosanct.
Political Leadership
Central Authority: The Emperor governs the realm from the Imperial Palace in Otosan Uchi, the capital city of Rokugan.
Imperial Edicts: The Emperor issues edicts and imperial decrees that shape the laws, policies, and governance of the Empire.
Imperial Court
Courtly Rituals: The Imperial Court is the heart of political intrigue and diplomacy, where courtiers and dignitaries from the Great Clans vie for favor and influence.
Advisory Councils: The Emperor convenes advisory councils, such as the Emerald Champion, the Imperial Chancellor, and the Clan Champions, to aid in decision-making.
Spiritual and Religious Role
Protector of the Celestial Order: The Emperor ensures spiritual harmony by performing rituals and ceremonies to honor the kami and ancestors.
Divine Blessings: The Emperor's blessings are believed to influence the fortune and prosperity of the Empire and its people.
Imperial Succession
Selection Process: The Emperor selects their heir through the "Emperor's Selection," a complex ritual involving the Great Clans and the Imperial Court. Traditionally, this is the oldest legitimate child of the Emperor. However, an Emporer can use the Emperor's Selection to select an heir who is not next in line. If the Selection was not completed before the death of the Emporer, succession then defaults to the oldest child of the Emperor, then the oldest sibling if no child is available, then the oldest aunt/uncle, and then the oldest cousin.
Legacy: The chosen heir becomes the Crown Prince or Princess, preparing to ascend to the Imperial Throne upon the Emperor's passing.
Symbol of Bushido and Virtue
Exemplar of Bushido: The Emperor embodies the virtues of Bushido—rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty.
Moral Authority: The Emperor's conduct sets a moral standard for all samurai, guiding their behavior and actions.
Cultural Custodian
Patron of the Arts: The Emperor fosters the arts and cultural traditions of Rokugan, patronizing artisans, poets, and scholars.
Cultural Events: The Imperial Court hosts grand festivals, tournaments, and ceremonies that celebrate Rokugan's cultural heritage.
Defender of the Realm
Military Command: The Emperor commands the Imperial Legions and the Seven Great Clans' armies in times of war and crisis. By tradition, this is not done directly. Instead, the Lion Clan Champion is typically tasked with this duty, or in some cases the Emerald Champion. A few times in Imperial History, a Shogun has been named. This is generally considered a slight to the Lion, and to a lesser case, the Emerald Champion.
Security and Stability: Ensures the defense and protection of Rokugan's borders against external threats and internal unrest.
Type
Royalty, Honorific / Ceremonial
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