Organizations, Guilds, and Societies of Daijo: the Mekage
Mekage: (“shadow eye”) secretive organization that is speculatively known to the public, sometimes referred to as the “eyes of the Emperor”. The Mekage secure information and further the ambitions of the high-council through spying, assassination, and persuasion. They report to the Imperial high-council and sometimes take special missions from the emperor himself
The Mekage traditionally have employed humans, tengu, and oni in their services. As the kappa and satori tend to avoid larger-scale politics unless absolutely necessary, they have little interest in serving directly under the emperor.
There are generally two known ranks within the Mekage: grand ninja and shinobi. It is unknown how many grand ninja exist, but there are enough shinobi within the organization to deter even long-founded criminal organizations from meddling in Imperial affairs.
Prior to the Peace of Daijo, the Shimane Empire (a precursor to the Empire of Daijo) consisted mostly of human island-kingdoms in the great sea It was during this time that the Mekage grew to notoriety. Imperial favor (which meant the support of the Mekage) was a much sought-after prize: a unit of Mekage ninja could wipe out an enemy battalion or incite revolts in rival provinces. Since the peace, however, the Mekage have become known for their less insidious, more subtle arts of subterfuge and occasional assassination.
Favoring dangerous poisons and sheer martial prowess, the Mekage use very little magic. The few magics employed by Mekage ninja tend to be spying rituals, cantrips of deceit and simple umbramancy.
While the average citizen of Daijo may fear and respect the Mekage, they are more aspirational idols for children and a subject of legends from the dark ages and War of the Monsters. People of upper-class, large business-owners, tradesmen, and politicians hold a very real fear of the Mekage, however. One must be careful not to deal with enemies of the high-council for fear of coming face to face with His Divine Majesty’s justice.