L5r: Legend of the Five Rings Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
in: Imperial Stubs, Imperial Leaders, Law and Government,
and 2 more

Changes: Emperor of Rokugan

Back to page
Edit
No edit summary
Tag: Visual edit
 
(30 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
   
 
== Creation ==
  
== Creation ==
−
The position of Emperor was created by the [[Kami]] [[Hantei]], who was the son of [[Amaterasu]] and [[Onnotangu]] and victor of the [[Tournament of the Kami]]. After the Tournament, Hantei was declared ruler of all Rokugan, <ref>[http://kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/1/dawn.php Dawn of the Empire], by [[Rich Wulf]]</ref> but this was not truly so until the reign of his grandson, [[Hantei Ningi]], when the [[Imperial Court]] and post of [[Emerald Champion]] were officially established. <ref name="WCKS26">''Winter Court: Kyuden Seppun'', p. 26</ref>
 +
The position of Emperor was created by the [[Kami]] [[Hantei]], who was the son of [[Amaterasu]] and [[Onnotangu]] and victor of the [[Tournament of the Kami]]. After the Tournament, Hantei was declared ruler of all Rokugan, <ref>[http://kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/1/dawn.php Dawn of the Empire], by [[Rich Wulf]]</ref> but this was not truly so until the reign of his grandson, [[Hantei Ningi]], when the [[Imperial Court]] and post of [[Emerald Champion]] were officially established. <ref name="WCKS26">''Winter Court: Kyuden Seppun'', p. 26</ref> The [[Chrysanthemum]] became the symbol of the Hantei Dynasty, representing their ties to the Sun Goddess and Hantei’s position as pre-eminent among all the Kami. <ref>''Masters of Magic'', p. 156</ref>
   
 
== Power ==
  
== Power ==
Line 13: Line 13:
   
 
== Religious Leader ==
  
== Religious Leader ==
−
The Emperor was the highest member of the [[Samurai]] caste in the [[Celestial Order]], above the [[Kuge]]. He was also the head of Rokugan's religion, and was even believed to be the voice of the [[Celestial Heavens]]. <ref name="3E26"/> Thus, the Emperor was the leader of the [[Shintao sect|Shintao religion]]. <ref>''Way of Shinsei'', p. 35</ref> As such, the training of the Emperor's children, the prospective future Emperors, had a great focus on the [[Tao of Shinsei]] as well as the religion of the [[Fortunes]]. <ref name="WCKS26"/>
 +
The Emperor was the highest member of the [[Samurai]] caste in the [[Celestial Order]], above the [[Kuge]]. He was also the head of Rokugan's religion, and was even believed to be the voice of the [[Celestial Heavens]]. <ref name="3E26"/> Thus, the Emperor was the leader of the [[Shintao sect|Shintao religion]]. <ref>''Way of Shinsei'', p. 35</ref> As such, the training of the Emperor's children, the prospective future Emperors, had a great focus on the [[Tao of Shinsei]] as well as the religion of the [[Fortunes]]. <ref name="WCKS26"/> The Hantei knew that [[Shinsei]]'s descendant lived, and only to make themselves known when it became necessary to gather the [[Seven Thunders|Thunders]] once more, but he was not aware of his identity. <ref>''Way of Shinsei'', p. 39</ref>
   
 
== Succession ==
  
== Succession ==
−
Imperial succession was generally inherited directly from father to eldest son. If an Emperor had no surviving son, a daughter could claim the throne as Empress. If the Emperor had no surviving child, the Emperor's younger brother or sister could be called to claim the throne. On the rare occasion when an Emperor died without a clear successor, the Empire's [[historian]]s would search through the histories of the [[Otomo family|Otomo]] and find the living person with the closest blood tie to the previous ruling line. <ref name="WCKS26"/>
 +
Imperial succession was generally inherited directly from father to eldest son. If an Emperor had no surviving son, a daughter could claim the throne as Empress. If the Emperor had no surviving child, the Emperor's younger brother or sister could be called to claim the throne. On the rare occasion when an Emperor died without a clear successor, the Empire's historians would search through the histories of the [[Otomo family|Otomo]] and find the living person with the closest blood tie to the previous ruling line. <ref name="WCKS26" />
   
 
=== Name ===
  
=== Name ===
−
Upon rising to the throne the Emperor would cast aside their former name and only be referred to by their dynasty. <ref name="3E26"/> This tradition was begun with Emperor [[Hantei X]] in [[487]]. <ref name="3E13">''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 13</ref> The Emperor would also traditionally take on a unique title, such as Emperor [[Toturi III]], the ''Righteous Emperor'', <ref name="3E26"/> [[Toturi II]], the ''Glorious Emperor'', <ref name="newemperor">[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/5/h5e09p85.php A New Emperor], by [[Rich Wulf]]</ref> or [[Toturi I]], the ''Esplendid Emperor''. <ref name=BlackenedClaws>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/6/h6e08p20.php Blackened Claws], by [[Shawn Carman]] and [[Rich Wulf]]</ref>
 +
Upon rising to the throne the Emperor would cast aside their former name and only be referred to by their dynasty. <ref name="3E26" /> This tradition was begun with Emperor [[Hantei X]] in [[487]]. <ref name="3E13">''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 13</ref> The Emperor would also traditionally take on a unique title, such as Emperor [[Toturi III]], the ''Righteous Emperor'', <ref name="3E26" /> [[Toturi II]], the ''Glorious Emperor'', <ref name="newemperor">[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/5/h5e09p85.php A New Emperor], by [[Rich Wulf]]</ref> or [[Toturi I]], the ''Esplendid Emperor''. <ref name="BlackenedClaws">[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/6/h6e08p20.php Blackened Claws], by [[Shawn Carman]] and [[Rich Wulf]]</ref>
   
 
=== Abdicating Siblings ===
  
=== Abdicating Siblings ===
−
Historically, the children of the Emperor who did not ascend to the throne ritually abdicated their claims to the throne upon the coronation of their eldest brother. They would abandon the dynastic name, and join either the [[Seppun family|Seppun]] or [[Otomo family|Otomo]] [[Imperial Families]]. The only people allowed to bear the Emperor's dynastic name were the Emperor, his wife and his children. On the occasions when the Emperor's siblings were needed to claim the throne after he died with no heir, they were allowed to renounce their abdication. <ref name="WoSc29">''Way of the Scorpion'', p. 29</ref>
 +
Historically, the children of the Emperor who did not ascend to the throne ritually abdicated their claims to the throne upon the coronation of their eldest brother. They would abandon the dynastic name, and join either the [[Seppun family|Seppun]] or [[Otomo family|Otomo]] [[Imperial Families]]. The only people allowed to bear the Emperor's dynastic name were the Emperor, his wife and his children. On the occasions when the Emperor's siblings were needed to claim the throne after he died with no heir, they were allowed to renounce their abdication. <ref name="WoSc29">''Way of the Scorpion'', p. 29</ref> An Imperial spouse whose child ascended to the Throne would also take the Otomo name to eliminate any confusion. <ref>''Secrets of the Empire'', p. 108</ref>
   
 
=== Power ===
  
=== Power ===
−
The Emperor owned all land within the [[Empire]], and allowed his vassals to manage the lands for him. The Emperor was the final arbiter in matters of law, and his commands were immediately considered [[Imperial Edict|Imperial Law]]. Most Emperors wielded this power carefully, to prevent contradicting themselves or previous Emperors or erode the faith placed in them by their followers. The Emperor's Laws were enforced by the [[Emerald Magistrates]], and the [[Imperial Legions]] were his armies. <ref name="3E26"/>
 +
The Emperor owned all land within the [[Empire]], and allowed his vassals to manage the lands for him. The Emperor was the final arbiter in matters of law, and his commands were immediately considered [[Imperial Edict|Imperial Law]]. Most Emperors wielded this power carefully, to prevent contradicting themselves or previous Emperors or erode the faith placed in them by their followers. The Emperor's Laws were enforced by the [[Emerald Magistrates]], and the [[Imperial Legions]] were his armies. <ref name="3E26" />
   
 
{{see also | Emerald Magistrate }}
  
{{see also | Emerald Magistrate }}
Line 36: Line 36:
 
| width="50%" | [[Hantei]] || [[5]] - [[45]]
  
| width="50%" | [[Hantei]] || [[5]] - [[45]]
 
|-
  
|-
−
| [[Hantei Genji]] || [[46]] - [[247]]
 +
| [[Hantei Genji]] || [[45]] - [[247]]
 
|-
  
|-
 
| [[Hantei Ningi]] || [[247]] - ?
  
| [[Hantei Ningi]] || [[247]] - ?
Line 56: Line 56:
 
| [[Hantei X]] || [[487]] - ?
  
| [[Hantei X]] || [[487]] - ?
 
|-
  
|-
−
| [[Hantei XI]] || (circa [[510]])
 +
| [[Hantei XI]] || ? - [[514]]
 
|-
  
|-
−
| [[Hantei XII]] || ? - ?
 +
| [[Hantei XII]] || [[514]] - [[532]]
 
|-
  
|-
−
| [[Hantei XIII]] || ? - ?
 +
| [[Hantei XIII]] || [[532]] - ?
 
|-
  
|-
 
| [[Hantei XIV]] || ? - ?
  
| [[Hantei XIV]] || ? - ?
Line 66: Line 66:
 
| [[Hantei XV]] || ? - [[589]]
  
| [[Hantei XV]] || ? - [[589]]
 
|-
  
|-
−
| [[Hantei XVI]] || [[589]] - [[597]]
 +
| [[Hantei XVI]] || [[589]] - [[610]]
 
|-
  
|-
−
| [[Hantei XVII]] || [[597]] - ?
 +
| [[Otomo Tanaka]] (Regent) || [[610]] - [[616]]
  +
|-
  +
| [[Hantei XVII]] || [[616]] - ?
 
|-
  
|-
 
| [[Hantei XVIII]] || ? - ?
  
| [[Hantei XVIII]] || ? - ?
 
|-
  
|-
−
| [[Hantei XIX]] || ? - ?
 +
| [[Hantei XIX]] || ? - [[650]]
 
|-
  
|-
−
| [[Hantei XX]] || (c. [[660]])
 +
| [[Hantei XX]] || [[650]] - [[728]]
 
|-
  
|-
−
| [[Hantei XXI]] || ? - [[740]]
 +
| [[Hantei XXI]] || [[728]] - [[740]]
 
|-
  
|-
 
| [[Hantei XXII]] || [[740]] - [[821]]
  
| [[Hantei XXII]] || [[740]] - [[821]]
Line 94: Line 96:
 
| [[Hantei XXIX]] || ? - ?
  
| [[Hantei XXIX]] || ? - ?
 
|-
  
|-
−
| [[Hantei XXX]] || ? - ?
 +
| [[Hantei XXX]] || [[879]]
 
|-
  
|-
−
| [[Hantei XXXI]] || ? - ?
 +
| [[Hantei XXXI]] || Late [[9th century]]
 
|-
  
|-
 
| [[Hantei XXXII]] || ? - ?
  
| [[Hantei XXXII]] || ? - ?
Line 106: Line 108:
 
| [[Hantei XXXV]] || ? - ?
  
| [[Hantei XXXV]] || ? - ?
 
|-
  
|-
−
| [[Hantei XXXVI]] || ? - ?
 +
| [[Hantei XXXVI]] || [[11th century]]
 
|-
  
|-
 
| [[Hantei XXXVII]] || ? - [[1103]]
  
| [[Hantei XXXVII]] || ? - [[1103]]
Line 119: Line 121:
   
 
=== Toturi Dynasty ===
  
=== Toturi Dynasty ===
−
After the posession of [[Hantei XXXIX]] by [[Fu Leng]] and his death on the [[Second Day of Thunder]], the throne was claimed by [[Toturi I|Toturi]], the [[Seven Thunders|Lion Thunder]].
 +
After the posession of [[Hantei XXXIX]] by [[Fu Leng]] and his death on the [[Second Day of Thunder]], the throne was claimed by [[Toturi I|Toturi]], the [[Seven Thunders|Lion Thunder]], in [[1129]]. <ref>''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 19</ref>
 
{| width="50%" |
  
{| width="50%" |
 
| width="50%" | [[Toturi I]] || [[1129]] - [[1158]]
  
| width="50%" | [[Toturi I]] || [[1129]] - [[1158]]
Line 135: Line 137:
   
 
=== Vacant Throne ===
  
=== Vacant Throne ===
−
In [[1169]] during the [[Khan's Defiance]] the heirs of the Toturi family died. [[Kaneka]], [[Isawa Sezaru]], and the bride of [[Toturi III]], [[Toturi Kurako]], passed away during the [[Battle of Toshi Ranbo]]. The Throne remained vacant, and the next dynasty was unclear. <ref>[http://www.l5r.com/story/the-truest-test-part-iii/ The True Test, Part 3], by the Legend of the Five Rings [[Story Team]]</ref> <ref name=ReturnHome>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/8/h8e01p90.php The Return Home], by [[Brian Yoon]]</ref>
 +
In [[1169]] during the [[Khan's Defiance]] the heirs of the Toturi family died. [[Kaneka]], [[Isawa Sezaru]], and the bride of [[Toturi III]], [[Toturi Kurako]], passed away during the [[Battle of Toshi Ranbo]]. The Throne remained vacant, and the next dynasty was unclear. <ref>[http://www.l5r.com/story/the-truest-test-part-iii/ The True Test, Part 3], by the Legend of the Five Rings [[Story Team]]</ref> <ref name="ReturnHome">[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/8/h8e01p90.php The Return Home], by [[Brian Yoon]]</ref>
   
 
=== Iweko Dynasty ===
  
=== Iweko Dynasty ===
−
After the [[Celestial Tournament]], the [[Voice of the Jade Sun]] and [[Voice of the Obsidian Moon]] declared [[Kitsuki Iweko]] to be the first of a new divine dynasty. <ref name=Conclusion6>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/2009/05/17/the-conclusion-part-6/ The Conclusion, Part 6], by [[Shawn Carman]]</ref>
 +
After the [[Celestial Tournament]], the [[Voice of the Jade Sun]] and [[Voice of the Obsidian Moon]] declared [[Kitsuki Iweko]] to be the first of a new divine dynasty. <ref name="Conclusion6">[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/2009/05/17/the-conclusion-part-6/ The Conclusion, Part 6], by [[Shawn Carman]]</ref>
   
−
{|width="50%" |
 +
{| width="70%" |
−
| width="50%" | [[Iweko I]] || [[1170]] - Present
 +
| width="30%" | [[Iweko I]] || [[1170]] - [[1200]]
  +
|-
  +
| [[Utaku Zo Sia]] || [[1199]] - [[1200]] (Imperial Regent)
  +
|-
  +
| [[Iweko II]] || [[1200]] - Present
 
|}
  
|}
   
Line 147: Line 153:
 
This a list of known Emperors whose reign was not completely documented, and as such cannot be properly placed in the chronology of reigns.
  
This a list of known Emperors whose reign was not completely documented, and as such cannot be properly placed in the chronology of reigns.
   
−
{|width="50%" |
 +
{| width="50%" |
 
| width="50%" | [[Hantei Saimei]] || ? - ?
  
| width="50%" | [[Hantei Saimei]] || ? - ?
  +
|-
  +
| [[Iron-Willed Emperor]] || (c. [[913]])
 
|}
  
|}
   

Latest revision as of 17:05, 16 February 2019

Imperial

Mon of the Emperors of Rokugan

The Emperor of Rokugan was the title given to the ruler of the Empire of Rokugan. It was a hereditary monarchy whose throne passed, with few exceptions, from eldest son to eldest son. Three dynasties have held the title of Emperor: the Hantei family, under whom the title was established and held for over a thousand years, the Toturi family, the dynasty whose last blood member Toturi III died without an heir, throwing the line of succession into confusion, and the Iweko family, the newest dynasty to claim the throne. Toturi III's wife Toturi Kurako acted as regent until her death in 1169, resulting in even more turmoil. Toturi III's remaining living siblings had also been killed in 1169, leaving no clear succession. Following the Celestial Tournament in 1170, Iweko I became the first Empress of the new Iweko family dynasty.

Creation[]

The position of Emperor was created by the Kami Hantei, who was the son of Amaterasu and Onnotangu and victor of the Tournament of the Kami. After the Tournament, Hantei was declared ruler of all Rokugan, [1] but this was not truly so until the reign of his grandson, Hantei Ningi, when the Imperial Court and post of Emerald Champion were officially established. [2] The Chrysanthemum became the symbol of the Hantei Dynasty, representing their ties to the Sun Goddess and Hantei’s position as pre-eminent among all the Kami. [3]

Power[]

The Emperor of Rokugan was the highest authority in the Empire of Rokugan. Inherent in the position was absolute administrative, judicial, religious and military control of the empire, although many of these roles were delegated to trusted subordinates. [4] The Emperor held the highest position in the Empire through prestige and not real military or political power. The Daimyos of the Great Clans, real holders of the military power, respected him and they could take no action without his blessing. [5]

Titles of the Emperor[]

The Emperor could be referred to as tenno, or "Heavenly Sovereign". The heir apparent could be referred to as kotaishi. [2] The Emperor could also be known as the "Son of Heaven". [6]

Religious Leader[]

The Emperor was the highest member of the Samurai caste in the Celestial Order, above the Kuge. He was also the head of Rokugan's religion, and was even believed to be the voice of the Celestial Heavens. [6] Thus, the Emperor was the leader of the Shintao religion. [7] As such, the training of the Emperor's children, the prospective future Emperors, had a great focus on the Tao of Shinsei as well as the religion of the Fortunes. [2] The Hantei knew that Shinsei's descendant lived, and only to make themselves known when it became necessary to gather the Thunders once more, but he was not aware of his identity. [8]

Succession[]

Imperial succession was generally inherited directly from father to eldest son. If an Emperor had no surviving son, a daughter could claim the throne as Empress. If the Emperor had no surviving child, the Emperor's younger brother or sister could be called to claim the throne. On the rare occasion when an Emperor died without a clear successor, the Empire's historians would search through the histories of the Otomo and find the living person with the closest blood tie to the previous ruling line. [2]

Name[]

Upon rising to the throne the Emperor would cast aside their former name and only be referred to by their dynasty. [6] This tradition was begun with Emperor Hantei X in 487. [9] The Emperor would also traditionally take on a unique title, such as Emperor Toturi III, the Righteous Emperor, [6] Toturi II, the Glorious Emperor, [10] or Toturi I, the Esplendid Emperor. [11]

Abdicating Siblings[]

Historically, the children of the Emperor who did not ascend to the throne ritually abdicated their claims to the throne upon the coronation of their eldest brother. They would abandon the dynastic name, and join either the Seppun or Otomo Imperial Families. The only people allowed to bear the Emperor's dynastic name were the Emperor, his wife and his children. On the occasions when the Emperor's siblings were needed to claim the throne after he died with no heir, they were allowed to renounce their abdication. [12] An Imperial spouse whose child ascended to the Throne would also take the Otomo name to eliminate any confusion. [13]

Power[]

The Emperor owned all land within the Empire, and allowed his vassals to manage the lands for him. The Emperor was the final arbiter in matters of law, and his commands were immediately considered Imperial Law. Most Emperors wielded this power carefully, to prevent contradicting themselves or previous Emperors or erode the faith placed in them by their followers. The Emperor's Laws were enforced by the Emerald Magistrates, and the Imperial Legions were his armies. [6]

For further information on this section, please see Emerald Magistrate
For further information on this section, please see Imperial Legions

Emperors of Rokugan[]

Hantei Dynasty[]

Begun with Hantei at the foundation of the empire, the Hantei Dynasty ruled Rokugan for eleven centuries.

Hantei 5 - 45
Hantei Genji 45 - 247
Hantei Ningi 247 - ?
Hantei Bosai ? - 371
Hantei Fujiwa 371 - 391
Otomo Tohojatsu (Regent) 391 - 397
Hantei Kusada 397 - 435
Hantei Yugozohime 435 - 442
Hantei Muhaki 442 - ?
Hantei Retsuhime ? - 487
Hantei X 487 - ?
Hantei XI ? - 514
Hantei XII 514 - 532
Hantei XIII 532 - ?
Hantei XIV ? - ?
Hantei XV ? - 589
Hantei XVI 589 - 610
Otomo Tanaka (Regent) 610 - 616
Hantei XVII 616 - ?
Hantei XVIII ? - ?
Hantei XIX ? - 650
Hantei XX 650 - 728
Hantei XXI 728 - 740
Hantei XXII 740 - 821
Hantei XXIII 821 - ?
Hantei XXIV ? - ?
Hantei XXV ? - ?
Hantei XXVI ? - ?
Hantei XXVII ? - ?
Hantei XXVIII ? - ?
Hantei XXIX ? - ?
Hantei XXX 879
Hantei XXXI Late 9th century
Hantei XXXII ? - ?
Hantei XXXIII ? - ?
Hantei XXXIV ? - ?
Hantei XXXV ? - ?
Hantei XXXVI 11th century
Hantei XXXVII ? - 1103
Hantei XXXVIII 1103 - 1123
Hantei XXXIX 1123 - 1128

Interregnum[]

After his assassination of Hantei XXXVIII during the Scorpion Coup, Bayushi Shoju claimed the empire, crowning himself Emperor Shoju I. His reign lasted five days, from his assassination of the emperor in the evening of 14th day of the Rooster in 1123, until his death at the hands of Akodo Toturi in the evening of the 19th day of the Rooster.

Toturi Dynasty[]

After the posession of Hantei XXXIX by Fu Leng and his death on the Second Day of Thunder, the throne was claimed by Toturi, the Lion Thunder, in 1129. [14]

Toturi I 1129 - 1158
Takuan (regent) 1130 - 1132
Toturi Kaede 1158 - 1160
Toturi II 1159 - 1160
Toturi III 1160 - 1168
Toturi Kurako (regent) 1168 - 1169

Vacant Throne[]

In 1169 during the Khan's Defiance the heirs of the Toturi family died. Kaneka, Isawa Sezaru, and the bride of Toturi III, Toturi Kurako, passed away during the Battle of Toshi Ranbo. The Throne remained vacant, and the next dynasty was unclear. [15] [16]

Iweko Dynasty[]

After the Celestial Tournament, the Voice of the Jade Sun and Voice of the Obsidian Moon declared Kitsuki Iweko to be the first of a new divine dynasty. [17]

Iweko I 1170 - 1200
Utaku Zo Sia 1199 - 1200 (Imperial Regent)
Iweko II 1200 - Present

Unknown dates[]

This a list of known Emperors whose reign was not completely documented, and as such cannot be properly placed in the chronology of reigns.

Hantei Saimei ? - ?
Iron-Willed Emperor (c. 913)

References

  1. ↑ Dawn of the Empire, by Rich Wulf
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Winter Court: Kyuden Seppun, p. 26
  3. ↑ Masters of Magic, p. 156
  4. ↑ Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire, p. 38
  5. ↑ Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire, p. 39
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 26
  7. ↑ Way of Shinsei, p. 35
  8. ↑ Way of Shinsei, p. 39
  9. ↑ Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 13
  10. ↑ A New Emperor, by Rich Wulf
  11. ↑ Blackened Claws, by Shawn Carman and Rich Wulf
  12. ↑ Way of the Scorpion, p. 29
  13. ↑ Secrets of the Empire, p. 108
  14. ↑ Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 19
  15. ↑ The True Test, Part 3, by the Legend of the Five Rings Story Team
  16. ↑ The Return Home, by Brian Yoon
  17. ↑ The Conclusion, Part 6, by Shawn Carman



Imperial This Imperial Families related article is a stub. That means that it has been started, but is incomplete. You can help by adding to the information here.
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms