As catalogued by the Imperial Pearl Court, sealed by command of the Dynasty
Compiled with annotations from Malrix Morvain, First Chair of the Pearlwright Collegium
The title SHOGUN is not inherited.
It is survived.
Only members of the Imperial Dynasty may attempt the Ascension Trials, but blood alone grants no authority.
To become Shogun is to endure a ritual that kills more candidates than it crowns.
Most reigns are short.
Few end peacefully.
All leave scars across the Western Ocean.
Below is the recognized lineage from the Age of Three Courts to the present.
Reign: 261 years ago – 233 years ago
Duration: 28 years
Cause of Death: Fell in the Battle of Nine Wakes
Akaru unified the early military clans under one banner and established the High Court of Waves. He was the first to require that all prospective admirals demonstrate mastery of Meito-style discipline.
His reign ended when he personally led a fleet against the Nine Wakes Rebellion and, refusing to retreat, died holding the line so his fleet could escape a colossal pearl storm.
Akaru’s sword—Radiant Tide—has never been found.
Reign: 233 – 210 years ago
Duration: 23 years
Cause of Death: Ritual misfire during Pearl-Seal Reforging
A Shogun known for strict governance and for fortifying the borders of the Western Ocean. He created the system of Pearl Courts still used today.
He attempted to stabilize a cracked Large Pearl during a sacred reforging ceremony. The pearl detonated, vaporizing half the palace. Hinoshiro’s body was never recovered.
Reign: 210 – 191 years ago
Duration: 19 years
Cause of Death: Duel with his successor
Masayo was a prodigy in naval maneuvering, famous for defeating pirate armadas with half-sized fleets. He codified the modern Privateer hierarchy, placing them under dual authority of Dynasty and Shogunate.
He was challenged by his nephew during the Ascension Eclipse.
Masayo accepted.
The duel ended with Masayo’s death and the crowning of his challenger.
Reign: 191 – 164 years ago
Duration: 27 years
Cause of Death: Assassination by cursed-blade poisoning
Eizuki was the most peaceful Shogun in recorded history. Under their rule, the seas entered an era of prosperity and expanded trade.
That peace earned enemies.
A renegade Yoto cult embedded a Cursed Pearl into Eizuki’s ceremonial cup.
Death came silently during a meeting of the High Court.
Reign: 164 – 143 years ago
Duration: 21 years
Cause of Death: Overuse of Great Pearl ritual invocation
Yashiro wielded Meito-style power that rivaled modern sword gods. He attempted to tame a Great Pearl Beast using ritual resonance alone.
The ritual worked—but drained his life force.
He died minutes after the beast bowed.
His death is still taught as a warning:
“Do not command the sea itself. It listens—and costs.”
Reign: 143 – 118 years ago
Duration: 25 years
Cause of Death: Childbirth during Ascension year
A rare female Shogun, beloved by both Dynasty and Shogunate. She modernized the High Court’s internal laws, instituted anti-corruption reforms, and expanded education for sword schools.
She perished giving birth to twins—one of whom later became the next Shogun.
Her death left the empire politically fractured for nearly a decade.
Reign: 118 – 76 years ago
Duration: 42 years
Cause of Death: Killed by the first Buccaneer coalition
Renjiro was a warlord and expansionist who nearly conquered the Southern Crescent. He is the reason Buccaneers exist—his brutal policies forced several pirate lords into alliance.
The Buccaneers ambushed his flagship using a Meito stormbomb.
Renjiro’s body was found still gripping the helm.
Reign: 76 – 39 years ago
Duration: 37 years
Cause of Death: Unknown (lost at sea)
Kairo despised pearl ritual and relied purely on military might. Under his reign, the Shogunate was at its strongest and most feared.
During a diplomatic voyage, his ship vanished.
Only a single Large Pearl drifted ashore—cracked through its center.
Many believe a Great Pearl Beast took him.
Others whisper mutiny.
Reign: 39 – 12 years ago
Duration: 27 years
Cause of Death: Assassinated by Imperial agents (unofficial)
Retsu was the most politically independent Shogun in centuries. He frequently defied the Dynasty and nearly severed administrative ties altogether. He also increased Privateer autonomy, alarming the Pearl Court.
He died “mysteriously” in his sleep.
The Dynasty denies involvement.
The Shogunate does not believe them.
Reign: 12 years ago – present
Age: 44
Notable Traits:
Former Meito-style prodigy
Sponsor of the Twin-Sword Monastery’s legitimacy
Overseer of Hakuyune’s recognition as Sword God
Open admirer of Titan-Forged Powder Kegs (rare for Shoguns)
Keeps both Dynasty and Shogunate in uneasy cooperation
Kaigan is a terrifyingly competent Shogun—balanced, disciplined, and deeply respected. He has survived five assassination attempts, two sanctioned duels, and a direct strike from a Large Pearl destabilization.
He allows Flexor Timmins and Hakuyune to duel freely, stating:
“If legends must be born, let the empire witness it.”
Kaigan is acutely aware that either of them might one day become contenders for his seat—or threats to it.
There are currently three members of the Imperial Dynasty eligible for the Ascension Trials, though none have attempted it:
Prince Jiraku — Scholar, no martial inclination
Princess Mirei — Privateer commander, rumored Meito affinity
Lord Tanso — Too young (age 9), but spiritually potent
The High Court watches them closely.
The Dynasty hides them carefully.
The Shogunate waits.