Taissen

Taissen

Overview

The position of Taissen is a complicated one, with many different names and meanings throughout its long history.

Etymology

Taissen is but one of many names for the position, with other variants being Taizokan, and its shortening Siokan. The original term was Daizokan, with the meaning of "Great One who is Regent (of an Army)." This sense was used for the generals of the Alsivai and Koisha before spreading to the Ischurri, who began to prefer Taizokan and Siokan. When it reached the Soranni, it had become Taissen which means simply "Great at War."

History and Modern Use

History

The first Taissens were primarily the generals of the Koisha and Alsivai courts, although this term would be evolved into modern Shokai. At the same time, the Ischurri began using the word to refer to their warleaders during the early imperial period. The Soranni translated the post as Taissen, and the post began to exist as a grand marshal of sorts, generals of the entire nation. This sense continued on as the Ilsairi fled to Ischurrai, where the leader of the armies of the realm under Atshara was granted the title Taissen. When the Zannisht order was founded, they began to favor the term Taissen over the word for general (Eksetai - Great Captain). As a result, in the modern day the title is most frequently associated with the leader of the Ischurri armies as well as the grandmaster of the Zannisht order.

Modern Use

The Taissen of Ischurrai are the right-hands of the king, with the post being the most prestigious one achievable bar that of the kingship itself. Their job consists of rallying and coordinating campaigns, training soldiers, and even leading armies at times.