Daimyō

Daimyō, literally “the great names,” was the title of a samurai who had other samurai sworn to his service. They could rule a clan family or a province in the Emperor's name.

Duty

Daimyō oversaw the day-today rule of vast swaths of the Emerald Empire. They were responsible for collecting taxes and, to expedite this process, for the general infrastructure of their realm and wellbeing of their citizens. They were afforded a great deal of leeway in the rule of their domains. Some saw to better the lives of the commoners and samurai they oversaw; others callously exploited these people to advance their personal ambitions.

Attributes

The daimyō of the samurai clans should encompass a strong understanding of political machinations, a solid foundation in logistics, and a familiarity with Rokugan's strict and sometimes arcane legal system, which favored status rather than testimony and propriety over evidence. Most daimyō kept a number of valued retainers who were experts in these fields close to them for consultation.

Provincial Daimyō

Provincial daimyō made up the backbone of the Empire's feudal system and were the lowest ranking daimyō. They oversaw a province, a collection of cities, towns, and the land between them. Unlike city governors and ministers, provincial daimyō were not appointed but inherit their titles through a predetermined line of succession. There were usually three or four provincial daimyō reporting to a single family daimyō. Below them were lesser lords, known as shugo, who ruled over smaller pieces of territory in their lords' names.

Family Daimyō

The family daimyō oversaw the daimyō of all their provinces from their ancestral castle, which might also serve as the capital of a province. In each clan, there was one leading family whose daimyō also served as champion, to whom all others swore loyalty.

See also

• Provincial Daimyō/Meta

References

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