Charter of the Emerald Magistrate

Wherein is delineated: those matters which concern the Emerald Magistrates; those duties which
the Emerald Magistrate shall at all times labor to discharge; those restrictions placed upon the
Magistrate to ensure honorable justice within his or her jurisdiction; and those rights and privileges
give to the Magistrate to aid in the pursuit of justice and social order.

The Way of the Magistrate

Few other positions in the Emerald Empire so clearly reveal the complexity of politics as
that of Magistrate. There are in fact too distinct types of Magistrates: the Imperial Magistrates and
the Clan Magistrates. Each follows a separate (if similar) hierarchy while acting to uphold the law
and to enforce the will of their lord. The situation is made more complicated by fact that while there
are several Magistrate schools, service as a Magistrate is by appointment and samurai of any
school may find themselves called upon to serve their lord (or the Emperor) in this way. Clan
Magistrates are selected by a family daimyo or the Clan daimyo. Imperial Magistrates are chosen
by the Emperor himself. Occasionally the Emerald Champion will "recommend" someone for a
particular place in the Emperor's service.

The roles of Clan Magistrates tend to be narrowly defined and fairly consistent from Clan to
Clan. Magistrates of higher rank (by birth or experience) serve as the judges, either in a specific
region or city or wandering their lord's lands. They report to the daimyo's karo and are answerable
to the karo and the daimyo. Lower ranking Magistrates are known as yoriki, or aides, to a more
powerful Magistrate. These are the vassals of the Magistrates, and actually enforce the laws rather
than sitting in judgment. Yoriki are hired by the Magistrate directly, and after a period of testing may
be asked to swear fealty by the Magistrate. Clan Magistrates are almost always a member of that
daimyo's Clan, but yoriki may be from any Clan dependent on the skills of the yoriki and the tastes
of the individual Magistrate. It is not at all uncommon for a Crab Magistrate to attract a Scorpion
yoriki to help him ferret out black market activity in his city or for a Lion Magistrate to hire a Phoenix
yoriki to watch for maho amongst his peasants.

Imperial Magistrates are the enforcers of the Emperor's Law. Headed by the Emerald
Champion, the Imperial Magistrates form a complex web of political favors and family politics. Like
Clan Magistrates, Imperial Magistrates receive their post by appointment. Traditionally Imperial
Magistrates are chosen only from the Seven Clans by the Emperor. Exceptions have been made for
ronin of exceptional merit, or when the Emperor has wished to send a particularly pointed message
of displeasure to the Clans. After he has chosen someone to join his service, the Emerald
Champion determines the function each Magistrate will perform. Only a fraction of the Imperial
Magistrates hear cases and decide upon punishment. Those that do are immensely powerful,
determining the sentences of those brought before them. These Magistrates are often assigned
territories: an entire Clan's lands, a family's, a single province or a city being the most common.
This role is parallel to that performed by the daimyo's judges, but Imperial Magistrates hear crimes
which occur between two Clans, or crimes which cover the territory of more than one Clan. Many
more act as agents for the Emperor, gathering information on the state of the realm and acting
directly to quell unrest. Others are assigned as aides or bodyguards (and discretely as spies) to
persons in the Emperor's favor (or suspicion). The Imperial Magistrates are also charged with the
protection of the Emperor's roads and the legitimate travelers there on. This last task requires
enormous manpower.

As these appointments are made by the Emperor personally, who also has a hand in their
assignment, the Imperial Magistrates are undoubtedly the Emperor's most powerful tool towards
controlling the Clans. In a single stroke the Emperor can remove a threat by appointing a samurai to
his service (refusal is nearly impossible) and then seeing to it that the samurai is dispatched to an
area where he has no power-base, no friends, and is likely to stymie another opponent. Magistrates
can be dispatched both publicly and covertly to watch troublemakers and provide a constant
reminder that the Emperor is watching. The appointment also carries a large element of prestige,
making it a useful tool in rewarding samurai who have promoted the interests of the Emperor. The
Seven Clans put great stock in the Imperial Magistrates, and in seeing that the members of their
Clan are appointed. Controlling a large number of posts in the service is an important part of the
inter-Clan jockeying for position.

The position of the Emerald Champion is also filled by a member of the Seven Clans. When
the previous Emerald Champion retires or dies a grand tournament is held to select a new
Champion. The format is one used for many tournaments in the empire. A series of written and
verbal tests weed out those who lack the minimal legal expertise to serve as the chief Magistrate of
the Empire. Those who remain then perform a series of iaijutsu duels to determine the individual
most fit to serve as the Emperor's hand. This process is presided over by the Emperor. One of the
signs of the true power of the Clans over the Emperor rest in the fact that the Emerald Champion
retains his names, both family and personal. He serves the Emperor but there is no implication that
he is severed from his family or Clan.

In Imperial service the younger, more active Magistrates wander the empire dispensing
justice where needed. These Magistrates are often present for annual festivals and gatherings,
oversee the conduct of duels, and are given charge of the roads of the Empire. They share the
powers of the judge Magistrates on a more immediate level. Both judges and traveling Magistrates
in the Imperial service must remain cordial with the lord(s) of their districts, but are only answerable
to higher-ranking Magistrates and ultimately to the Emperor. Imperial Magistrates also retain yoriki,
though somewhat less often and fewer than the Clan Magistrates. This is primarily because the
duties of the Imperial Magistrate are so much more changeable.

Yoriki are employees or vassals of a particular Magistrate and act as investigators and
police chiefs for their lord. They gather individuals who have relevant testimony, record that
testimony, and otherwise prepare the case for speedy consideration by their master. Yoriki also
handle prisoners and conduct questioning which ranges from polite inquiry to outright torture. Yoriki
do not share in the protection from the local daimyo that their superiors posses and must walk a fine
line in the performance of their duties. The yoriki have considerable autonomy and are far more
numerous than Magistrates, with over a hundred serving some powerful Magistrates. The yoriki also
direct and oversee the doshin.

Doshin are the lowest rank of samurai in the Magistrate chain. Their dress clearly identifies
them as peace officers and they patrol the streets and roads for their yoriki. They reduce crime with
their mere presence, and can be quite skilled at intimidation. They have power to arrest, detain, and
question anyone they suspect of a crime. In practice, a character with a much higher glory will be
approached more gently or the doshin may simply relay his suspicions to his superior, avoiding a
public scene.

At the bottom of the pyramid are the deputies. These are members of lower castes chosen
and employed by a doshin to aid in the prevention of crime. They act as aides and informants for
the doshin. They do not necessarily make public their service, which could interfere with their work
as informants. many of these deputies come from the family of the village headman. In some cities
service as a deputy has become hereditary. They may take action to end or prevent violence, but
have no other powers to enforce the law.

Symbols of the Law

Imperial Magistrates carry a jade orb (about 4 inches in diameter) as a symbol of their
office; their own mon and the Imperial crest are often etched on the surface. This orb is a symbol of
authority, the purity of the Emperor's rule, and also a handy gavel, making an unmistakable sound
when struck against a table. Clan Magistrates may carry a variety of symbols, but the most common
is the mon of their lord worked in jade. Lower ranking officers (yoriki and doshin) of both services
carry a jitte, as the symbol of their authority and a useful tool for quelling fights. The jitte may be as
ornate or simple as the bearer likes. Traveling Magistrates promoted "from the ranks" often still
carry their jitte for its practical value.

Court of the Magistrate

While the yoriki and the doshin perform their duties on the streets and roads, the
Magistrates sit in judgment in special offices. The Magistrate's courtroom is generally an open yard
in the middle of the court buildings. A raised dais on one side provides a shady and comfortable
place for the Magistrate to sit. A scribe and a bodyguard are located close by. The other end of the
yard is dominated by "the white sands of judgment:" a flat, cleared area several yards wide covered
with pure white sand. The accused is brought before the Magistrate and kneels on the sands.
Troublesome prisoners may be beaten until they kneel or fall. The court scribe reads the list of
crimes with which the accused is charged, followed by his confession (see below). Then the
Magistrate may question the prisoner if he wishes. This is usually done if the judge wants to clarify
any points to determine more of the prisoner's character before passing judgment. At this point the
Magistrate determines the sentence, which is carried out immediately.

The court buildings will include scribe offices, storage for legal documents, a library of legal
texts, and barracks for the yoriki and the doshin. The Magistrate's home may be attached to the
court complex or elsewhere.

As Magistrates are busy people they can not always get away from their court to meet with
their yoriki or other characters. Characters of lower rank than the Magistrate may find that their
audience places them on the white sands; an uncomfortable position indeed!

Salary and Gifts

Servants of the Emperor receive a salary commiserate with their station. Average salaries
are listed in the table below. These salaries may seem high, but Magistrates are expected to attract
loyal vassals out of their own pockets. The wages listed for yoriki and doshin vary more, depending
on their Magistrate's salary. Magistrates and lesser officers can also expect to receive gifts from the
daimyo of the region they protect. These gifts (often fine clothing bearing the daimyo's crest) are not
seen as bribes, but as the rightful reward of diligent service. No mere material goods should sway a
Magistrate from his dutiful service to his lord or the Emperor. Magistrates and lesser officers
convicted of taking bribes (or rewards for false service) can expect a lingering, shameful death.

A Word about Torture

Before an accused criminal may be tried, a confession is required. If the criminal will not
confess willingly, a confession may be extracted through torture. This is both a legal and proper way
for a yoriki to gain a confession. Torture, however, involves both blood and dead flesh. This makes it
very distasteful to the samurai class. Magistrate judges will have a number of eta retainers who are
practiced in this unpleasant skill. When a yoriki wishes to employ torture on an accused criminal he
must petition his master to use the eta. This situation requires the yoriki to present a thoughtful,
well-conceived petition to a superior, justifying the use of torture while keeping the spiritual pollution
and possible loss of honor from reaching the yoriki (and keeping the use of torture firmly in the
hands of a NPC/the GM). In this case, even though torture is both a low skill and repugnant in our
society, it is being used in the service of the character's lord with both the lord's knowledge and
permission. In Rokugan it is better to confess quickly.

Rank and the Law

A rough guide in comparing a character's glory rank and position in the Magistrate hierarchy
is provided below. Particularly senior or respected servants of the Emperor may have a glory rank
one (or rarely two) higher than their position would indicate. Glory rank is very important at the
higher levels as a defendant may appeal the decisions of a Magistrate of lower rank than himself.
Appeals are considered a wasteful process, so the case is usually placed before a Magistrate of
sufficient rank in the first place.

Glory Position Salary

8 Chief Magistrate of a Clan 5000 koku
7 Chief Magistrate of a Family 1000 koku
6 Chief Magistrate of a Province 400 koku
5 Traveling Magistrate 120 koku
4 Yoriki 40 koku
3 Minor Yoriki 15 koku
2 Doshin 10 koku
1 Doshin 7 koku
0 Deputy varies

Playing as a Magistrate
The process for creating a Magistrate character is essentially the same as for creating a
bushi. Select a Clan and a family, then select a school. Families with popular Magistrate schools
include the Asako (Phoenix), Shinjo (Unicorn), and Kitsuki (Dragon) families. They way of the
Dragon sourcebook describes the Kitsuki Magistrate school. The others are described below. Once
a school has been selected, write down your first rank technique and kit, then complete the
character as you would a bushi. Unless the character has purchased additional glory, they will most
likely begin as a doshin. Remember that being a Magistrate is also simply a matter of filling a post,
so you may have a "Magistrate" character who was not trained by a Magistrate school. Bushi and
shugenja Magistrates are common, and although they do not attain any of the abilities of the
Magistrate schools listed below, their knowledge of other areas often proves of great use.

Running Magistrates
Having one or more characters serve as Imperial Magistrates is one of the most simple and
handy ways of explaining why characters from multiple Clans are working together in close concert.
If you choose to use this device, it is helpful to understand the types of service such characters are
expected to perform and who they will be reporting to. "Magistrate campaigns" are both mobile and
colorful. Play up the glory aspects and spice with a few "bad seeds" and vicious battles. Vary the
duties required of the players regularly as well as the location. They may even live long enough to
see the entire underbelly of Rokugan.

Playing as Clan Magistrates can be equally rewarding. A yoriki balancing allegiance to his
Magistrate, the local lord, and his own family has a challenging life indeed. Such characters are less
able to roam. Focus on a single locale and develop the atmosphere. Intrigue as well as complex,
slow building plots are the meat of such campaigns.
 Remember that Magistrates come from many different schools and every Clan. The
opportunity for mixed groups cannot be over-emphasized. Characters with an appointment to serve
should consider at least one level of law, but otherwise anyone's favorite concept can be adapted
and quickly brought into the group. When a Lion works hand in hand with a Scorpion, woe betide
any enemy of the Emperor.

Part One: Jurisdiction

Wherein is delineated those crimes which are specifically the concern of the Emerald Magistrate
and which require diligent pursuit.

 Section One: Crimes Against The Emperor Any attempt to harm, insult, endanger, steal
from or otherwise inconvenience the Son of Heaven is a crime deserving of the utmost
attention from all Emerald Magistrates. Any similar action taken against a member of the
Emperor's family shall be constituted as a gesture against the Emperor himself and as such
merits the attention of the Emerald Magistrate. Similarly, any action against a direct servant
of the Emperor or the Imperial Family shall also be a matter of concern for the Emerald
Magistrate.
 Section Two: National Crimes Crimes (including theft, murder, treason, robbery, murder,
forgery, armed uprising, tax fraud and other transgression of local law) which are national in
scope, either in planning or execution, are a concern for all Emerald Magistrates.
 Section Three: Shadowlands Incursions Any entry into Rokugan by denizens of the
Shadowlands or by those who have been corrupted by the influence of the Shadowlands, or
by those who have made pacts with the sinister forces of the Shadowlands, are forbidden
by law. The enforcement of this law is the duty of the Emerald Magistrates. Crimes
committed within Rokugan by violators of this law also fall withing the enforcement charter
of the Emerald Magistrates.
 Section Four: Fugitives The capture of any criminal who has fled across city or clan
territorial boundaries is a matter of concern for all Emerald Magistrates, regardless of the
scope of the crime or the location of its commission. Similarly, any criminal who flees the
location of his or her crime, or attempts to, falls within the operational purview of Emerald
Magistrates.
 Section Five: Organized Blasphemy Any meeting of more than two individuals for the
express purpose of participating in blasphemous or obscene rituals is forbidden, and is a
matter of concern for the Emerald Magistrates.
 Section Six: Civil Disorder and General Lawlessness Any crimes or actions with result
in widespread civil disorder and/or general disrespect for the law and its enforcers is within
the jurisdiction of the Emerald Magistrates.

Part Two: Duties

Wherein are delineated those tasks that the Emerald Magistrate is honor-bound to perform in
additon to enforcing Imperial Law.

 Section One: Tax and Tariff Collection It is the duty of the office of the Emerald
Magistrate to oversee the collection of the yearly Imperial Tax and to enforce tariffs upon
goods being transported across clan boundaries. In the case of larger cities this duty may
be delegated to tax officials operating under official charger from teh Emerald Champion. In
such cases, it is still the duty of the local Emerald Magistrate(s) to audit the collections,
ensure their accuracy and protect the tax collectors and the gathered taxes.
 Section Two: Authorizing Travel Papers It is the duty of the Emerald Magistrate to make
him- or herself available at least one day a week to sign Imperial travel documents. Such
documents are required only in the following instances: for persons who intend to travel
 across two different clan boundaries; for persons who require an open pass to all points
within the Emerald Empire; for persons whose travel papers are to remain valid for longer
than one year but not more than five years; or for residents who are not native to Rokugan.
 Section Three: Protection of Visiting Dignitaries Dignitaries from outside Clan
boundaries may, if they wish, request that the local Emerald Magistrate provide protection
against threats mundane, military and supernatural. The Emerald Champion is bound to
provide protection appropriate to the threat and to the visitor's social station.
 Section Four: Briefing the Emerald Champion Once per month, the Emerald Magistrate
shall meet with the Emerald Champion to provide a briefing on his or her current and
ongoing activities and investigations. The Emerald Champion shall also be informed about
any matters of national concern.
 Section Five: Notification of Non-Jurisdictional Crimes When any Emerald Magistrate
becomes aware of a crime that is outside his or her jurisdiction, that Magistrate is honor
bound to give a thorough briefing on the matter to whatever authority has jurisdiction over
the crime in question.
 Section Six: Briefing the Governor The city or regional Governor of the province in which
an Emerald Magistrate is stationed may, at any time, demand an accounting of the
Magistrate's current and ongoing investigations. The Emerald Magistrate is to provide a
detailed accounting in no less than three days. The Governor may not demand such an
accounting more than once per month.
 Section Seven: Notification of Accusations If a person of samurai class, living or dead,
has been accused of or implicated in a crime being investigated by the Emerald
Magistrates, it is the duty of said Magistrates to inform the local family and/or clan leader of
the accusation.

Part Three: Restrictions

Wherein are delineated those tasks, investigations and duties which are excluded from the
obligations of the Emerald Magistrate

 Section One: Incidental Law Enforcement It is not the duty of the Emerald Magistrate to
provide street patrols or random policing.
 Section Two: Problems of Limited Scope It is not the duty of the Emerald Magistrates to
investigate crimes which are strictly a local concern
 Section Three: Authorization of Blood Feuds Emerald Magistrates have no authority
over the matter of blood feuds. They can neither authorize such a feud nor declare one
invalid.
 Section Four: Levying of Troops Emerald Magistrates have no authority to command the
service of troops except as noted below in Part Four: Sections Five and Six
 Section Five: Acceptance of Gifts and Monies No Emerald Magistrate shall accept gifts,
favors, monies, services or special considerations in exchange for any aspect of his or her
duties as magistrate.

Part Four: Rights

Wherein are delineated those special privileges, powers and rights which are given to Emerald
Magistrates to enable them to better pursue their goals and duties

 Section One: Right of Questioning In the case of persons of inferior social class, station
or worth, an Emerald Magistrate may arrest and restrain the individual for questioning about
criminal matters. The right of arrest, restraint and inquisition also applies to individuals of
superior social class, worth or station who are apprehended in a criminal act by an Emerald
Magistrate. Persons of higher social rank, station or value may be apprehended,
 imprisoned and questioned if the Emerald Magistrate has obtained a valid Order of
Appearance (cf. Part, Section Three)
 Section Two: Right of Sentencing If a signed confession has been notarized by an
Emerald Magistrate, that Magistrate may opt to sentence the confessed criminal. This right
of sentencing may be passed on to a different Emerald Magistrate, at the option of the
notarizing Magistrate. Transcribed confessions are legitimate only in the case of illiterate
criminals. Sentences are to be appropriate for the crime and its circumstances. Possible
sentences include, but are not limited to the following: execution by beheading for samurai
criminals; execution by hanging from the neck for criminals of lower class; class-appropriate
executions for spouses, parents or children of criminals, cuffing for periods not to exceed
three months; public beatings with rods, sticks or whipse; house arrest; or fines, the sum of
which is to be remitted to the office of the Emerald Champion.
 Section Three: Orders of Appearance An Emerald Magistrate may exercise rights of
arrest, imprisonment and inquisition upon persons of higher social worth only upon the
presentation of a valid Order of Appearance. An Order of Appearance must describe in
detail the crime of which the samurai is accused, it must be dated within one month of its
presentation and it must be signed by the presenting Magistrate or Magistrates. In addition
to this signature, it must also have the signature of one of the following: the Emerald
Champion; the city or province Governor; or the local chief magistrate. The date of an Order
of Appearance must be listed as the date on which the last individidual signed it.
 Section Four: Right to Prior Information It is the duty of local Governors and daimyo to
inform Emerald Magistrates of large scale military or police actions within that Emerald
Magistrate's jurisdiction at least one day before the action occurs.
 Section Five: Right to Commandeer Troops Emerald Magistrates have the right to
amass groups of troops for necessary operations, provided that they inform the local
daimyo of Governor of their intentions. They may commandeer troops from local leaders if
they can show demonstrable need and provide reasonable financial compensation for the
troops services.
 Section Six: Right of Imperial Levy Emerald Magistrates may, at any time, petition the
Emerald Champion for the command of Emerald Legions. The assignment of those Legions
is entirely at the discretion of the Emerald Champion. Emerald Legions have rights of
actions and armament in any and all places within the Emerald Empire.
 Section Seven: Right of Privy Investigation If there is a conflict of jurisdiction between an
Emerald Magistrate and a local magistrate, the jurisdiction of the Emerald Magistrate takes
precedence. If the Emerald Magistrate presents the local magistrate with a signed and
dated Order of Privy Investigation, that magistrate must immediately cease all new
investigations into the matter of contention. An Order of Privy Investigation is valid only if it
fulfills the following conditions: it is dated on the day it was completed; it is signed by the
Emerald Magistrate; it contains a complete description of the crime in question; and it
explains, completely and reasonably, why the two investigations cannont proceed in parallel
fashion.
 Section Eight: Right of Travel Authorization In addition to their power to pen Imperial
travel documents (defined in Part Two, Section Two), Emerald Magistrates also have the
right to provide valid travel documents of more limited scope. These documents cannot be
confiscated or contradicted by local magistrates for more than two days.

Shinjo Magistrate School

Techniques
Rank 1 No One Escapes Justice
 The magistrate is taught the methods of sensing each clue the prey leaves behind; these
form a path, straight from the hunter to the prey. The magistrate adds his honor on all rolls
for Hunting and Investigation. Any use of Intimidation or Temptation skills against the
magistrate need to drop their highest dice.
Rank 2 Chasing the Wind
The magistrate is driven by the righteousness of her cause. When facing an opponent with
an Honor rank of less than 2, he will keep an extra die for all bugei skills and damage rolls.
Rank 3 Ride Until Dawn
The magistrate learns to endure the rigors often required by his work. His devotion to
justice carries him through trying times. He may operate normally without rest or food for a
number of days equal to half of his honor rank (rounded up). He also gain +2k0 to resist
incapacitating effects, such as Dazed or Stunned.
Rank 4 Swift Justice
At this rank, the Shinjo have learned to make attacks as a simple action: Once for
themselves and once for the Emperor, in whose honor they serve.
Rank 5 The Ki-rin's Blessing
The Lady Shinjo's true form and spirit was said to be the Ki-rin. That spirit still guards those
who have given their lives to the pursuit of justice. Any being with an Honor Rank of less
than 3 and more than 7 falters when attacking the magistrate, dropping their highest die
both to attack and for damage.