The Shogun of Akanowa
The Shogun of Akanowa is the premier rank amonst the Akanowian nobility, and answers only to the king. As such, the Shogun is the king's trusted representative in the Akanowa and enacts policy on his or her behalf. The position is held by the Sun Family, who have maintained the position since the Sun Tshuma united Akanowa more than a thousands years ago.
Requirements
The Shogun, currently, must be a member of the House of Sun. The ancestors of two generations must have been Shogun in order to qualify, a claim only the House of Sun can unequivocally claim.
The House of Sun is the current ruling family of Akanowa, though without the assent of the lords of that realm it would be difficult for any prospective Shogun to hold power. The honour of the family is crucial in this regard.
Appointment
The Shogun is traditionally appointed in a Water Garden Ceremony, which involves the new Shogun kneeing on a giant waterlily in meditation. If the waterlily sinks, then it is clear that the Shogun has no honour and will not be accepted as Shogun. If they successfully complete their vigil, then they emerge from the water as the new Shogun.
Duties
The Shogun is first and foremost a military leader. More than any other realm Akanowa frequently sees foreign invasions and raids from the Simian Empire and so the Shogun is expected to be able to marshal and lead soldiers. The Shogun also deals with the administration of Akanowa - in practice, this entails ensuring that the High King's policies are upheld and implemented into the vassal kingdom.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
If the lords of Akanowa deem the Shogun to be utterly without honour, they could vote to remove the family holding the position from being eligible to be Shogun. Despite the public loss of honour to the Sun family when the Cloak of the High King was destroyed during the reign of High King Richard VI in 916 AF, the protection of the House of Leongling staved off such a vote.
Notable Holders
Sun Tshuma - the creator and first holder of the title of Shogun.
Sun Xia - the lover of Richard VI who held the Cloak in trust, which led it's destruction and the loss of the family honour.
Sun Jen - the young Shogun who currently holds the title of Shogun.
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Status
Extant
Form of Address
My Lord Shogun/My Lady Shogun (Gender Specific)
Source of Authority
The High King of the Great Realm, and the lords of Akanowa
Length of Term
Life
First Holder
Current Holders
Reports directly to
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