Imperials

Imperials
History
Founded on	Kamigawa
Membership
Notable members	Eiko Shizuki, Kaito Shizuki, Light-Paws, The Wanderer

The Imperials are the reigning faction of modern-day Kamigawa, blessed by Kyodai.

Description

The Imperials are the most widespread and powerful organization on Kamigawa, founded to help Kyodai manage the merging of the mortal and spirit realms. Over time, they expanded into government and rulership. Although peaceful management remains the heart of their organization, they are not afraid to bring their authority to bear on any activity that threatens their mission. The current regime takes an active, widespread role in restricting new technologies, which they insist is necessary to maintain social stability.

Those wishing to join the Imperials must undergo a grueling education. Trainees frequently go on to become samurai, kami intercessors, moth riders, and mech pilots. Some families have served the Imperials for generations, and their children begin training from the time they can hold a sword. But people from all walks of life are encouraged to join—loyalty, not social class, is what's important to the Imperials. Through dedication and hard work, one can rise to positions of wealth and power.

The Imperial court interacts with the kami frequently, and many kami willingly work with the Imperials, lending their power to help them deal with merges and the possible side effects of merges. The title "Emperor of Kamigawa" is given to whomever Kyodai has chosen to bond with, thus connecting them to the body and soul of the plane.

History

After the prosperous reign of Michiko Konda, her descendants worked tirelessly with the great kami Kyodai to maintain her legacy and uphold order and justice in Kamigawa. However, as generations passed, these noble pursuits gave way to dynastic in-fighting.

Eventually, an emperor died young without an heir, creating a crisis of succession. Some believed it should be her brother, others her husband. Eiganjo descended into all-out war, and it spread across the kingdom when local lords saw the opportunity to seize individual power. Many died, noble and peasant alike.

The Yamazaki clan had served the Konda military for decades and earned a reputation for their unshakeable sense of duty to their citizens. A young Yamazaki solider felt the two warring successors were betraying and endangering the Kamigawan people. Inspired by his own ancestor's story of challenging a deadly imperial decree, he took it upon himself to end the contest for the throne. He successfully assassinated the late emperor's husband, but when he went for the brother, he found his target armed and ready for battle in the throne room.

Upon seeing such confrontation in her own chambers, Kyodai had enough. She stripped the Konda family of their hereditary duty as rulers. From then on, they would be ordinary citizens, and the emperor would never again be chosen by blood. Now, the kami would elect rulers for their noble qualities and commitment to the nation.

With the guidance and wisdom of Kyodai, the Imperials ushered in an age of collective peace and prosperity. The arts flourished until performers lined every street, and strides were made to improve relations with the kami so mortals could live a harmonious life filled with magic. Minamo Academy was rebuilt with the promise of transparency to conduct research that would improve lives. New laws were written to ensure fair treatment of every citizen—mortal or spirit—renewing the faith in their leaders.

In-game references

Associated cards:

• Imperial Oath
• Imperial Recovery Unit
• Imperial Subduer
• Intercessor's Arrest

Referred to:

• Akki War Paint
• Dragonfly Suit
• Eiganjo Exemplar
• Eiganjo Uprising
• Futurist Operative
• Golden-Tail Disciple
• Isshin, Two Heavens as One
• Mnemonic Sphere
• Papercraft Decoy
• Repel the Vile
• Seismic Wave
• Shrine Steward
• Sky-Blessed Samurai
• The Shattered States Era
• When We Were Young