The Empress of the Kentoku Archipelago, also known as the Rora of the Dasaka Empire, sits on the Diamond Throne and rules the realm from Sado. Although the titles are usually used synonymously and always are held by the same person they are separate in the eyes of Dasakan law. The title of empress is temporal in nature and refers to the sovereign's physical presence over the realm, while "rora" is specific to the sovereign's spiritual authority granted through Zuto Nui and grants them eminence over all other Dasaka. The titles were meant to compliment and fortify the other, as written by law scholars in the beginning of the Empire.
Rora traditionally reign until they feels they have accomplished all that they could in their role as sovereign, typically a while after they become datsue, at which point they abdicate in favor of the crown princess and assume the post-regal title of "Tenjō." They can then become scholars of law, priestesses of Zuto Nui, return to the clan territory, advise the current rora, or pursue any line of work they please. Famous examples of this were Arsexis II, who was enthralled with studying the Kanohi Dragons, and Yunara, who served as an eminent scholar post-abdication.
Chōjo of the Dasaka Empire
A similar distinction can be made between the titles of crown princess and the Chōjo. Both can be applied to the heir apparent to the throne, but are separate. In the past, crown princesses have been Toroshu of the Umbraline Clan, in which case they did not hold the rank of chōjo, which is particular to the heir's spiritual role on Sado. All heirs apparent have been crown princesses, but not all crown princesses have been chōjo.
List of Rora
There have been dozens of rora in the thousands of years of the Empire, so this list is not exhaustive.
Note: Individuals marked with a † were chōjo before acceding the throne; all others were Umbraline toroshu.
Trivia
- The titles were based on Japanese words. "Rora" was based on the Japanese word rūrā, which means "ruler." Similarly, "chojō" was based on ōjo, meaning "princess," and "tenjō" on tenchō, or "culminating point."
- Rora may also hold the title "Lady of Sado," meant to indicate their individual rulership of the mentioned island and the Imperial Palace.