Emerald Champion



The Emerald Champion is the leader of the Emerald Magistrates and is responsible for the protection of the Emperor himself. Upon a vacancy in the post of Emerald Champion, the successor is decided by means of a tournament, to which samurai of all the clans are invited. While Kakita is traditionally considered to be the first Emerald Champion when he defeated Matsu, the post wasn't created until 153, with Doji Hatsuo the first official holder of the mantle.

Succession
When the post of Emerald Champion becomes vacant upon the retirement or death of the previous Champion, a grand tournament is held to select the new Champion. The tournament is generally the same format as many others throughout Rokugan. First, the claimants to the position are given several written and verbal tests to ensure they have the legal knowledge necessary to be appointed the Chief Magistrate of the Empire. After that, a series of iaijutsu duels determine who is most fit to serve as the Emperor's Champion. The Emperor himself presides over the tournament. The new Emerald Champion is not severed from his clan and retains his original family name. (1)

The First Chosen Champion
Seppun Toshiken became the first (and to date only) Emerald Champion to be chosen directly by the Emperor Toturi I in 1132. (3E p. 22) Shortly before his death, Emperor Toturi decided that a tournament should again decide who will succeed the ailing Seppun Toshiken as Emerald Champion, and ordered his son Hantei Naseru to begin with the preparations. The tournament took place even though the Emperor had died without a clear successor, and was won by Daidoji Hachi.