Satrapy

A satrapy, in terms of the parlance of the Oseuda Empire, refers to any self-governing group of settlements whose direct loyalty to a regional governor, or satrap. As these regional governors owe fealty to nobles above them, and these in turn owe fealty to nobles of the Inner Court, it can be said that a satrapy is the most distant unit of governance within the Imperial hierarchy.

Etymology
Satrap, and the derived term satrapy, derive from a series of Distant words. Imperial linguistic sages state that the term is derived from a translation of the word "Protector" or perhaps "Lord Protector", and it is this meaning that is most commonly used in modern Oseudan language.

Ranking
As with most things governmental within the Empire, the ranking of satrapies is directly tied to their distance from the Imperial Court at Kogo No Toshi as determined by the centenial tako no hi ceremony. From this geographical sorting, a distinct hierarchy has formed.

Dai Ichi-dako
Satrapies considered dai ichi-dako or 'of the first kite', are those closest to the Imperial Court but still geographically distant enough to rank as a satrapy. Normally the governance of these satrapies is given to the later daughters or the rare son and more rarely an illegitimate child of a lower ranking noble, and the derogatory term orokana satrap (for idiot satrap) has arisen from this practice.

Notable Dai Ichi-dako Settlements

 * Inikimon
 * Numuke
 * Ashitamu

Dai Ni-dako
Dai ni-dako 'second kite' satrapies are those significantly more distant, both geographically and politically, from the intrigue of Imperial Court. It is at this remove that military might begins to fade, patrols being less frequent and normally only present during major conflicts or routine tax collection. While occasionally governed by a Samurai, in which case they retain the designation 'satrapy' despite the greater accuracy of being bushi no toshi, 'Samurai's lands'. In most instances, however, dai ni-dako satrapies are governed by a locally selected satrap based on a variety of criteria.

Notable Dai Ni-dako Settlements

 * Osaren Kunon
 * Irochuri
 * Anamiwa

Dai San-dako
Some of the most distant regions of the Empire, dai san-dako or 'third kite' satrapies are considered borderlands at best and arana yaban ('savage wilderness') at worst. While regions still considered a part of the Empire exist beyond the dai san-dako satrapies most persons within polite society do not speak of them, deeming them ta de guanghuan zhi wai (usually abbreviated ta de) or 'outside the aura (of the Empress)'. Governed by satraps with little or no military backing, most are held by tenacity, shrewdness and force of will alone.

Notable Dai San-dako Settlements

 * Inateran
 * Kofusa Romoki
 * Chise