THE IMPERIAL COURT
The Imperial Court Presides over all of the operations of the Empire. They include the leaders from other portions of the Imperial Government which will be outlined later. You will see that much of the powerful offices are kept in check by the information control of their direct subordinate. This is tradition in ancient asian governments.
Emperor (10)
.Underhand (8.7)
.Empress (9.9)
.Emperor's Children (9.4)
.Emerald Champion (9)
..Emerald Chief Magistrate # (7.8 )
...Emerald Magistrate # (4.5)
....Emerald Yoriki # (3.5)
.....Emerald Doshen # (2.5)
.Jade Champion (9)
..Jade Chief Matistrate # (7.8 )
...Jade Magistrate # (4.5)
....Jade Yoriki # (3.5)
.....Jade Doshen # (2.5)
."Kampaku" - Supreme Advisor (9)
.."Sadaijin" and "Udaijin" - Imperial Advisors (8 ) (members of the Dajo-kan as well)
.Master of the Palace Guard (7)
..Palace Guard # (varies)
.Master of the Hidden Guard (6.5)
..Hidden Gaurd # (varies)
.The Shogun (9.9)
..See The Shogunate
.Seppun Daimyo (9.3)
..Seppun family # (varies)
.Miya Daimyo (9.3)
..Miya family # (varies)
.Otomo Daimyo (9.3)
..Otomo family # (varies)
.Voice of the Emperor (9.5)
.."Dajo Daijin" - Imperial Chancellor (9)
...See the Dajo-kan
...Imperial Scribe (7)
...Speaker of the Han (8 )
....Crane Clan Champion (8-8.9)
.....Voice of the Crane (7)
......clan diplomat # (varies)
....Crab Clan Champion (8-8.9)
.....Voice of the Crab (7)
......clan diplomat # (varies)
....Lion Clan Champion (8-8.9)
.....Voice of the Lion (7)
......clan diplomat # (varies)
....Mantis Clan Champion (8-8.9)
.....Voice of the Mantis (7)
......clan diplomat # (varies)
....Dragon Clan Champion (8-8.9)
.....Voice of the Dragon (7)
......clan diplomat # (varies)
....The Elemental Masters (8-8.9)
.....Phoenix Clan Champion (8-8.9)
......Voice of the Phoenix (7)
......clan diplomat # (varies)
....Scorpion Clan Champion (8-8.9)
.....Voice of the Scorpion (7)
......clan diplomat # (varies)
....The Khan (8-8.9)
.....Voice of the Unicorn (7)
......clan diplomat # (varies)
....Minor Clan Daimyo #
....Voice of the Minor Clans (6.5)
.....clan diplomat # (varies)
By Imperial Law, the Imperial Court may only be held if the Kampaku and the Imperial Chancellor are both present.
Offical Duties:
Emperor - The divine ruler of Rokugan. He is the unquestioned head of the Imperial Government and the ultimate relgious leader. He reigns by the concent of the Sun. The decisions of the Emperor are infaliable. His word is law, but he may not contradict or overturn the edicts of past Emperors (which would mess with the whole infaliable thing). He may reinturpret past edicts as he chooses. The Emperor also has complete appointment authority over the entire government. This is not to say that others do not appoint subordinates to positions of power on the Emperor's behalf. It is understood that the Emperor has the final decision in who will serve him and in what capacity. (...and for how long!)
Underhand - Secret spy for the Emperor
Voice of the Emperor - Traditionally, this person speaks for the Emperor on matters of state while he is in the presence of those who cannot hear the Emperor's voice. This is to protect the Emperor's purity in such matters.
Emerald Champion - Highest ranking law enforcer in Rokugan and the Emperor's personal champion.
Chief (emerald/jade) Magistrate - An officer that controls several provences worth of Rokugan and manages it for their champion. They control all of the magistrates beneath them in their juristdiction.
Jade Champion - Highest prosecutor of maho-tsukai in Rokugan
Imperial Scribe - Drafts all Imperial Law and Edicts. In order to keep this position from becoming the defacto ruler of Rokugan, the Imperial Scribe may only draft laws that are brought to him by the Dajo-kan. Alternatively, he may record the words of the Emperor when he makes an edict. The Imperial Scribe does not make the law of Rokugan, he meerly decides the specific legal language. (Which is powerful enough don't you think?!)
Imperial Chancellor - Runs the Imperial Court and presides of the Dajo-kan.
Speaker of the Han - Han means land or state. This person censors the bickering of the Voices of the Clans so that the Imperial Chancellor only is bothered with important issues. No business reaches the Imperial Chancellor unless it is deamed worthy by the Speaker of the Han.
Voice of the (Clan Name Here) - These are the top Ambassadors of the Imperial Court. Any issue of a particular clan is handed up to the court through this person. This officer answers directly to the Clan Champion and is the voice of that clan in the Imperial Court. The Voice is commonly linked by marriage to another important diplomatic person: The Imperial Ambassador. Outlined in "THE CLAN" section, the Imperial Ambassador serves the opposite role of the Voice, carrying word from the Imperial Court to the clan.
THE DAJO-KAN
This is the legistlative body of the Empire. Of course the Emperor may make any decree he wishes, but most law is made through the Dajo-kan. This is because no one person has enough time to analyze the specifics of an issue and research the legal precidents.
The Dajo-kan submits all motions to the Imperial Scribe, who drafts and signs them into law. The Dajo-kan also manages the mundane daily operations of the state.
Imperial Chancellor (9)
."Dainagon" or Great Councilors (7.5) (There are four Dainagon)
."Shonagon" or Minor Councilors (7) (There are three Shonagon)
."Sadaijin" or Minister of the Left (8 ) (traditionally a Crane)
(The Minister of the Left oversees many smaller ministries. These are collectively refered to as the "Ministries of Culture")
.."Sadaiben" or Controler of the Left (7.5)
...Minister of the Center (8 )
...Minister of Ceremony (6)
...Minister of Civil Affairs (6)
...Minister of People's Affairs (5)
."Udaijin" or Minister of the Right (8 ) (traditionally a Lion)
(The Minister of the Right oversees many smaller ministries. These are collectively refered to as the "Ministries of State")
.."Udaiben" or Controler of the Right (7.5)
...Minister of Military Affairs (7 )
...Minister of Justice (5)
...Minister of the Treasury (6)
...Minister of the Imperial Houshold(9.9) (The Empress)
Each Minister oversees a vast ministry. The ministries are massive institutions with officers all over Rokugan. It is these ministries that collect taxes, budget the funds for different parts of the Empire, and even determine festivals and ceremonies.
When the Dajo-kan sits together, the Sadaiben and Udaiben bring motions up for debate. All memebers of the Dajo-kan may participate in the debate of an issue once it is brought to the floor by the Sadaiben or Udaiben. The Sadaiben or Udaiben may only bring an issue to the floor if it has been brought to their attention by their controller. The debate is an open forum of discussion. The Imperial Chancellor makes the final decision as to how long an issue may be discussed and what motions are to be sent to be drafted by the Imperial Scribe. The Emperor may sit in on the Dajo-kan to observe, but his voice is too pure to speak in the Dajo-kan. Only the Voice of the Emperor or the Imperial Chancellor may convey his desires to the Dajo-kan.
Official Duties:
Imperial Chancellor - This person has the powerful position of deciding what motions leave the Dajo-kan to be drafted by the Imperial Scribe. This person also presides over the meetings of the Dajo-kan.
Dainagon and Shonagon - These officers are advisors to the Dajo-kan. They have no ministiries beneath them and carry no authority in a meeting of the Dajo-kan. Their position is advisory only. They are typically appointed by the Emperor for their wisdom and fairmindedness in an attempt to help the Dajo-kan pass just laws.
Minister of the Left and Right - These two officers are the traditional "Right Hand" and "Left Hand" of the Emperor. They advice him on matters of War and State. In the Dajo-kan, they control their half of the ministiries. The ministires under the Minister of the Left are collectively called the "Ministry of Culture" the ministries under the Minister of the Right are collectively called the "Ministry of State"
Controler of the Left and Right - Similar to the Speaker of the Han, these officers make sure that the Ministers of Left and Right are only bothered by pressing matters of the Empire. In order for an issue to be brought to the attention of the Minister of the Left and Right, that minister's controler must allow it.
Duties of the Ministries:
Ministry of Center - Maintians the Imperial Records. Insures the the interests are the Emperor are considered in all matters brought before the Dajo-kan.
Ministry of Ceremony - Maintains the Imperial Histories. Sets Imperial standards for etiquette and custom.
Ministry of Civil Affairs - Maintains the Imperial Maps. Sees that all of the infastructure needs of the Empire are met.
Ministry of People's Affaris - Monitors the value of the Koku. Charts annual rice production. Handles all issues regarding the peasant classes.
Ministry of Military Affairs - Sets the budget and structure for the Imperial Legions. Determines that the needs of defense are met for the Empire. Funds and supports the office of the Ruby Champion.
Ministry of Justice - Sets the budget for the Jade and Emerald Champions. Writes guidlines for behavior of all magistrates in the Empire. Establishes standard punishments and law for the magistrates to use as a guide when performing their duties. Maintains all court records.
Ministry of the Treasury - Collects all Imperial Taxes. Manages the financial needs of the Empire. All Imperial Salaries not covered by other ministiries are handled by the Treasury.
Ministry of the Imperial Household - It is Rokugani tradition that a house his maintained by one of the spouses. Traditionally, the Empress presides over this ministry to make sure that the affairs of the Imperial Palace are properly handled. All of Toshi Ranbo's civil operations are handled through this ministry.
THE SHOGUNATE
This is the military wing of the Imperial Government. Not all of them are soldiers. The military of Rokugan is a government in itself. It is important to note that the shogunate in Rokugan is not the same as the shogunate in Japan (though their offices are nearly identical.) In Rokugan, the shogun has no governing authority. This hierarchy is only used to aid the imperial military in the defense of the Emperor's land.
The Shogun (9.9)
."Kaneri" or The Shogun's Deputy
.."Shikken" or Shogun's Harold (5.8 ) and the "Rensho" or Shogunate Signatory (6.1)
...Shogunate General #
....Shogunate Shikken #
.....Shogunate Taisa #
......Shoguante Chui #
.......Shogunate Gunso #
........Shoguante Nikutai #
.........Shoguante Hohei #
."Kogi Kaishukunin" or The Shogun's Representative
."Tairo" or Great Elder (8 )
.."Roju" or Elder (7.8 )
...Northern "Wakadoshiyori" or Northern Junior Elder (6.5)
....Shogunate Diplomat # (varies)
...Southern "Wakadoshiyori" or Southern Junior Elder (6)
...Eastern "Wakadoshiyori" or Eastern Junior Elder (6.8 )
....Captain of Kaneka's Personal Guard (6.5)
.....Kaneka's Honor Guard # (5.5)
...Western "Wakadoshiyori" or Western Junior Elder (6.9)
....Covert Intellegence Officers # (varies)
...Northern "O-metsuke" or Northern Great Inspector (5.5)
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Dragon (4.5)
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Phoenix (4.5)
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Seppun (4.5)
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Otomo (4.5)
...Southern "O-metsuke" or Southern Great Inspector (5.7)
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Plum Blossom Pass(4.5)
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Seikitsu Pass (4.5)
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Iuchi Pass (4.5)
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Kaiu Wall (4.5)
...Eastern "O-metsuke" or Eastern Great Inspector (5.6)
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Scorpion (4.5)
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Lion (4.5)
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Crane (4.5)
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Mantis (4.5)
...Western "O-metsuke" or Western Great Inspector (5.8 )
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Miya (4.5)
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Crab (4.5)
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Unicorn (4.5)
...."Metsuke" or "Inspector" of the Shadowlands (4.5)
Official Duties:
Shogun's Deputy - This officer is appointed by the Emperor to observe the operations of the Shogunate. All actions taken by the Shogun are open the scrutiny of his deputy. Should the deputy suspect that the Imperial Army is not acting in the best interests of the Emperor, he is to report directly to the Emerald Champion.
Shogun's Harold and Shogunate Signatory - To insure that no written orders are forged, all orders from the shogun must be drafted by the Shogun's Harold. Both the Shogun's Harold and the Shogunate Signatory must be sign the order for it to be a legal command. Like the Shogun's Deputy, these are direct Imperial appointments. This is to insure the loyalty of the shogunate.
The Shogun's Representative - Acts on the shogun's behalf in his absence. While with the shogun, he acts as the shogun's yojimbo. The Shogun's Representative also has the honor of being the second to any Clan Champion who wishes to commit seppuku because no subordinate samurai may raise a sword against his lord.
Great Elder - This officer manages the non-military side of the Shogunate.
Elder - Four officers hold this position. They rotate authority from month to month (meaning each one holds a one month term that cycles through the four members in order). The elder's primary concern is the analysis and forwarding of all intellegence gathering by the shogunate.
Junior Elder - These four officers manage the beaurucracy of the shogunate. Each office manages different aspects of daily operations:
..Northern - Diplomatic relations with all minor clans and vassal families
..Southern - Manages non military personel
..Eastern - Oversees Kaneka's Personal Guard
..Western - Gathers all Covert Intellegence
Great Inspector - These four officers manage the inspectiors who report to the shogunate on the issues facing their particular jurisdiction. In this way, the shogunate can keep up to date on what is going on in the Empire with out waiting on that information from the slower Imperial Court.
Inspector - These 16 officers reside in or near the areas they are to observe. They report anything of note to their Great Inspector so that it may be analyzed by the Elder. Unlike the magistrates, these officers have no authority to search or prosecute in their jurisdiction. Despite this lack of authority, they typically have no trouble in their duties. Refusing a shogunate inspector is likely to draw more scrutiny from the shogun.
