The Jade Guard

Base Of Operations: Imperial Palace, Kinai – Xian Empire   Commonly known info: Created after the death of the False Emperor O-Doku, the Jade Guard are the sister army to the White Lotus Society.  They act as the Hatamoto, the elite personal guard of the Emperor.  It is their duty to protect the true emperor, even from the machinations of the great clans and members of the Imperial household.    Goals and Ideals:  Above all else, a member of the Jade Guard is loyal to the Emperor.  The shugenja of the Jade Guard watch over the surface thoughts of its members, looking specifically for signs of plots against the imperial line originating from the great clans.  It is their sacred duty to put an end to the ages old tradition of manipulating the throne.   Leadership:  At the head of the Jade Guard is the Shogun, the Emperor’s general and chief advisor.  Under him are the spiritual advisors and monitors of the guard, the shugenja.  Stationed primarily in the Imperial City where they can be close to the Emperor himself   Behind the Curtain Information:  In the wake of the Era of Falling Stars, the country is split and so is the Jade Guard, their commander the Shogun has a legitimate claim to the throne but so does the reigning Emperor.  The throne now stands with a split army of body guards, and divided clans.  There are those within the ranks of the guard who would see the Emperor executed, recognizing only the sovereignty of the shogun, where the Imperial loyalists plot to see the Shogun put to death.  Both rulers find themselves surrounded by loyalists of each side, each is now held hostage by those whose job it is to keep them safe.  Power has been stolen away by the Shugenja of the Jade Guard who now dictate the majority of Imperial law while this “unpleasantness sorts itself out”  Few people realize that the dark hand of the Mokurai are pulling the strings in an attempt to seize control of the Empire with a coup from the shadows.