Isawa family

Isawa was a great scholar and sorcerer before the Kami fell to the earth. When Shiba came to him to ask for his help, Isawa refused without a pledge from Shiba to protect his family. In response, the Kami Shiba knelt before Isawa and gave him that promise.

Currently, the Isawa use this promise to retain control of the affairs of the Phoenix clan. The Shiba control the armies, but even this is done under the direction of the Isawa. There are those in the Shiba family who would argue that the Kami did not promise subservience, but these are greatly ignored by the Isawa. There are those in the Empire who would argue, especially after the near-destruction of the clan during the Clan Wars, that the Shiba need to do a better job of protecting the Isawa from themselves, but these people generally make sure that the Phoenix do not hear their comments.