The Shiba family is a prominent Phoenix Clan family descended from the Kami Shiba. [1] The Phoenix Clan Champion was selected among them. Every Shiba, even the Phoenix Champion, had sworn to serve the Isawa and knelt before them. [2] Shiba's oath was known as the Promise. [3] The Shiba were the Phoenix's lone warrior family and foremost of the Empire's yōjimbō. [4] Shiba Castle was its ancestral seat of power. [5]
Descended from the founding Kami Shiba. [1:1]
The family Mon is a symbolic phoenix crossed with two sabers.
These warriors study theology and philosophy to better understand and guard their Isawa charges from threats both mundane and supernatural. [4:1] The Shiba focused on keeping the Phoenix Clan safe and rely first and foremost on diplomacy before resorting to force. The Shiba were expected to be learned in scholarly ways as well as in the warrior arts. [6] The Shiba family also assisted in diplomatic and economic affairs that affected the Phoenix. [7]
The Shiba provinces were mostly rolling plains sprawling between the Isawa Mori and the Mountains of Regret to the south. Fishing was important on its coastline, which was less rugged and better developed than that of the Isawa lands to the north. [8]
The following are the most prominent Isawa schools:
Since the founding of the Phoenix Clan the daimyō of the Shiba family had been the Phoenix Clan Champion. [2:1]
Also known as jizamurai, vassals are smaller families that pledge loyalty to one of the greater clan families. They are often formed as a reward for great service. Known vassal families are listed below.