Geography in the Suikoden series

The Suikoden series of role-playing games are all set in the same world. While much information comes from the games themselves, some information concerning the world of Suikoden is only available in various Suikoden-related publications so far, and may change with later installments. Listed in this article are the fictional nations and areas included in the respective games, organized by game of appearance.

Toran
The Toran region is named after Lake Toran, located in the region's center. Prior to the events of Suikoden, Toran was a part of the Holy Kingdom of Harmonia. As Harmonia struggled to control its borders, Karnach Rugner and Julian Silverberg took advantage of Harmonia's political instability to stage a successful coup d'etat. The Toran region and Harmonia's capital, the Holy City of Rupanda, was lost in the conflict; Harmonia was forced to relocate its capital to the Crystal Valley. Rupanda was renamed Gregminster and would become the capital of the Scarlet Moon Empire and the Toran Republic.

Karnach Rugner declared the Toran region's independence as "Scarlet Moon Empire" and his descendants ruled over the empire in the two centuries which followed. Julian Silverberg and his descendants would continue to live in the Toran region and became famed as a family of military strategists. However, the empire eventually falls when Emperor Barbarossa Rugner is ousted by rebels during the Gate Rune Wars. The Scarlet Moon Empire is replaced by the nascent "Toran Republic" at the end of Suikoden.

Dunan

Dunan is the setting of Suikoden II. The Dunan Region is to the north of Toran from Suikoden and to the southeast of the Grasslands. It is split between the City-States of Jowston and the Kingdom of Highland. In the course of Suikoden II, the Highland Kingdom nearly conquers the City-States; however, the City-States receive some aid, and win the war after all, unifying the nations as the Dunan Republic. The Tinto Republic, also in the area and allied with the City-States, remained independent, however.

Notable locations include:

* Muse, a large town to the north of Lake Dunan and the capital of the Jowston City States.
** White Deer Inn, a small inn east of Muse mostly notable for the Sindar ruins nearby.
* Coronet, a fishing town to the south of Muse.
* South Window, the southernmost town of the Jowston Alliance. It was the capital of Dunan until Lady Anabelle's father Darcell moved the capital to Muse. Its government is run by Lord Grenmeyer until his death at the hands of Solon Jhee.
* North Window, South Window's sister town, which was destroyed by Neclord. It is also Viktor's hometown. Neclord later moves to North Window for a time, where he abducts various young girls; Viktor, the Star Dragon Sword, and Riou chase him off, though. North Window is later used as a temporary home by refugees from Muse and Leona.
* Radat, a town to the east of South Window that lies on the River Dunan.
* Kuskus, a town on the south shore of Lake Dunan.
* Two River, a "small" town to the west of South Window (separated by a series of rivers) and is divided into three sections: Human, Kobold, and Winger.
* Matilda Knightdom, small region northwest of Muse ruled by the knights of Matilda, originally allied with Highland in Suikoden 2.
* Greenhill, a college town to the north of Two River. It is governed by Mayor Teresa Wisemail.
* Ryube, a small village to the east of the Muse Principality burnt to the ground by Luca Blight and the Highland soldiers in the Dunan Unification War.

Tinto Republic
The Tinto Republic is based in the area of Dunan. It chose to be independent rather than join with the Dunan Republic after the Dunan Unification War. Its revenue is generated by mining, especially the "Water Gem" item which is used for Rune creation. Tinto has been at war with both the clans of the Grasslands and the Zexen Confederacy in an attempt to expand its land. Its capital is Tinto City and its president is Gustav Pendragon.

Grasslands
The Grasslands is an open stretch of plains that stretches between Holy Harmonia to the east, the Northern Outlands to the north, the Zexen Federation to the west, and the Tinto Republic to the south. It is where Suikoden III is set.

The Grasslands is home to several different tribes of people, known as the Six Clans of Grassland. The Six Clans — Alma Kinan, Chisha, Duck, Karaya, Lizard, and Safir — are not truly a "government;" they are more a decentralized alliance. To the west lies the Zexen Confederation, a merchant nation more associated with Harmonia than the Six Clans.

Six Clans

Karaya Clan — Headed by Chief Lucia, the Karaya Clan is an aggressive warrior and hunter clan. Many of its warriors are seen using curved swords or bows. The Karaya clan aided the Highland Army under Jowy Blight during the Dunan Unification War to reclaim land that Greenhill had taken from Karaya. After Highland lost, the Karaya returned to their original land, but not before Mayor Teresa Wisemail investigated Lucia's claim that Gorudo and Alec Wisemail had murdered her father Kinua.

The Karayan village, burned down by the Zexen Knights in the Second Fire Bringer War, was rebuilt at the end of the war, with the help of the new chief, Hugo.

Chisha Clan — A peaceful clan that lives in the eastern section of Grassland. Headed by Chief Sana, Chisha is known for their clothing and for their cooking. They are much more pacifistic then the other peoples of Grassland. Chisa doesn't have a decent military force.

Duck Clan — A tribe that lives near the middle of Grassland in a permanent settlement known as Duck Village, the Duck Clan is known for their cooking and that the clan is a group of walking, bipedal ducks. Often, Duck clansmen are hired as guides for parties traveling eastward. They are generally peaceful, but are known to be among the first to charge into battle when battle is necessary.

Lizard Clan — A strong warrior tribe of bipedal lizards that live in the Great Hollow, a massive underground cave. Headed by Chief Zepon, they are closely allied with the Karaya clan; the leader of the army, Dupa, is known to have drinks together with Chief Lucia on occasion. The Lizard Clan often clashes with the Zexen Federation.

During the Second Fire Bringer War, Chief Zepon was assassinated and was then replaced by the new chief and former army leader, Dupa.

Alma Kinan Clan — A clan of all women, the members of the Alma Kinan clan have a reputation for being spiritualists who commune with nature and the spirits. Headed by the young Chief Yuiri, they have a permanent settlement deep in the forest that is protected by a magical barrier. It is difficult for outsiders to penetrate through the barrier without the aid of an Alma Kinan member.

Safir Clan — The Safir Clan is one of the tribes of Grassland, but they are not ever seen in Suikoden III. They are attacked and defeated in Harmonia's invasion.

Kanaa Clan — Once a part of the Grasslands, the Kanaa were conquered by Harmonia during the First Fire Bringer War. This was not contested by the other Grassland clans, and the town was renamed Le Buque. Through an agreement between Geddoe and Sasarai, they are in the process of gaining their independence from Harmonian rule by the end of Suikoden III.

Other areas
Village of Werebeasts — A village inhabited by werebeasts which was destroyed by Windy.

Milit — A village located between Tinto, Caleria, and Kamaro. This village was preyed upon at one time by troops of the Allied Army of Dunan during the Dunan Unification War. Although these troops were acting against their own military code, the Allied Army's administration was not aware of the pillaging that went on in the Grasslands. Due to this fact, the people in this village are extremely skeptical of the goodness of the newly created nation of Dunan. However, because they were rescued by bandits by the hands of Camus, Miklotov, and the Lampdragon Trio, they seem to have regained their trust in their new neighbors.

Amur Plains — A vast plain that lies between the Karaya Clan and Vinay del Zexay. Random rocks and bushes line the road, but otherwise there is little to see.

Zexen Confederacy

A mercantile nation that formed its own new nation 55 years prior to Suikoden III. Headed by an elected senate, trade and merchants are encouraged. Zexen is richer and more "civilized" than the Grasslands, but they are regarded by Harmonia as little more than an offshoot of a Grassland tribe. The military forces of Zexen are commanded by the Six Mighty Knights of Zexen.

Vinay del Zexay — The capital of the Zexen Federation. It is a seaport, and the Council and the Knights of Zexen are based here. It is a center of commerce and diplomacy.

Brass Castle — On the eastern border of Zexen, Brass Castle is the destination of many caravans before heading east to Grassland or south to Tinto. Brass Castle is the frontier defensive line against Grassland, but it is a generally open and accessible city.

Budehuc Castle — Owned by Master Thomas, Budehuc Castle is an old, run-down fort. Many castle masters have headed up this castle before, but they all ran away when they couldn't take the pressure. Budehuc has a small population, but it is selected as the base of operations during the Second Fire Bringer War.

Island Nations

Featured in Suikoden IV, the Island Nations Federation is the government of the Island Nations area in all later Suikodens. The area lies south of the Kooluk Empire, which itself is south of the Toran area. During the time period of Suikoden IV (some ~150 years prior to Suikoden I), the islands were loose and decentralized. During the Kooluk invasion, they unified to repel the Kooluk Empire. At the end of the game, Lino En Kuldes takes control of the separate island kingdoms and unites them in the Island Nations Federation.

Places in the Island Nations include:

Kingdom of Obel — One of the most powerful kingdoms within the Island Nations before its unification, Obel is ruled by Lino En Kuldes. It is believed to be the origin of the Rune of Punishment, given that the Queen of Obel appeared to be its first bearer and used its power to prevent pirates from destroying Obel's Royal Entourage during the Kooluk-Obel War. Following the war, Obel becomes the center of diplomacy for the Island Nations.

Knightdom of Razril — The Knightdom of Razril is a bustling port town that is part of the Dukedom of Gaien, a much larger island located directly to the west of Razril. The Dukedom of Gaien largely disregards Razril, despite the fact the Gaien Knights (the Knights of Razril) remain a presence on the island. Though conquered by the Kooluk Empire during the Island Liberation War, it eventually gains its independence from both Kooluk and Gaien.

Middleport — Middleport was once a part of the Dukedom of Gaien, but has gained its independence and is owned by Schtolteheim Reinbach II, an illustrious merchant. It is a center of commerce and trades freely with the Kooluk Empire and the Island Nations navy, remaining neutral during the conflict between the two groups.

Iluya — Iluya is an island which falls victim to the Kooluk Empire's Rune Cannon and is virtually destroyed as a result. As a result of the debris from the blast, the area around the island after the blast is perpetually drenched in heavy rain. Kooluk uses the ruins of Iluya as its base of operations during the war.

Nay Island — A peaceful place filled mostly with older residents, most of the young people on Nay Island have left for a more exciting life on Obel Island. Nay Island initially remains neutral in the Island Nation conflict, but joins them against the Kooluk Empire when Iluya Island is destroyed and Nay Island welcomes its displaced residents. The island is also home to a Kobold settlement, a village of colourful (usually) cat shaped buildings. Its inhabitants happily coexist with other residents on the island, though interaction tends to be limited.

Na-Nal Island — Known for its strong warriors, Na-Nal is home to both humans and elves, who live in separate communities as a result of distrust for the other group. It is peacefully acquired by the Kooluk Empire early in the war, but soon finds itself in the middle of the conflict when the Island Nations Army attacks.

Deserted Island — An uninhabited island in the middle of the sea, the Deserted Island is frequented by mermaids, whose existence remains unknown until the arrival of the Cray Trading Company. Chiepoo sets up shop here after the war ends and the island is eventually renamed Chiepoo Island in his honour.

Pirate's Nest — The Pirate's Nest is a hideaway of the largest pirate groups in the region, include those under the command of Lady Kika. Because Kika and Lino En Kuldes are on good terms, the remnants of the Obel Royal Fleet is able to gain sanctuary at Pirate's Nest.

Hermitage Island — Known also as Hut Island, Hermitage Island is a relatively secluded isle located directly west of Pirates' Nest. Strategist Elenor Silverberg has made her home here since her exile from the Scarlet Moon Empire.

Mordo Island — Located northwest of Obel Island, Mordo Island is believed to contained a vast amount of buried treasure. The island is home also to bathhouse owners who tend to exploit their customers.

Donut Island — The aptly named Donut Island is shaped like a donut and contains a vast amount of treasure.

Limestone Shelves — An island full of limestone with a large waterfall that runs down the rocks in the middle of the island. Like Donut Island, Limestone Shelves is also full of treasure.

Mountain Mass Island — Located directly north of Razril and south of the Scarlet Moon Empire, Mountain Mass Island is full of mountains and treasure. An old ship crashed on the island a long time ago.

Nirva Island — A main stopping point for traders and foreign dignitaries between the Island Nations and the Queendom of Falena to the south, Nirva is frequented by tourists, merchants and pirates. In Suikoden V, the Prince of Falena visits Nirva Island, an outlying island closer to Falena used as for stocking and resupply by passing ships.

Falena

The Queendom of Falena is the nation in which Suikoden V is set. While mostly inland, the Feitas River unites the Queendom and is the main method of transportation within Falena. The government is a (possibly constitutional, since there is also a Senate) monarchy in which the first-born female to the throne is the heir.

Sol-Falena is the capital of Falena and thus the location of the royal palace and the Senate. It has easy access to the Feitas River. Nearby, the East Palace is where the Dawn Rune is kept (under normal circumstances), and the West Palace is the site of the Twilight Rune. Part of the purification rites done before a princess' marriage include praying at the East Palace, though in Suikoden V the Dawn Rune was missing during the time of Lymsleia's rites.

Lunas is a holy town to the north of Sol-Falena governed by the Oracle — at the time of Suikoden V, Haswar. It is illegal to develop or hunt on its lands without prior permission. Though never seen in the game, Lunas is presumably nearby Alseid, a village of elves in Falena.

Stormfist is the old capital of Falena. It still has its own impressive governing quarters, and the arena in which the Sacred Games and other gladiatorial events take place. In Suikoden V, it is the Godwin faction's base of power; more than 100 years ago, the Aethlebald family ruled it. To its south, is the Herschville Naval Base and, farther south, the fortified town of Doraat, which are both also affiliated with Godwins.

Agate Prison is located southwest of the Northern Wharf, and north of Baska Mine on a small island at a mini-lake created by the Feitas River. It has rivers running off it to the Northeast and South. It is made accessible from the Baska Mine by the efforts of the dwarves, somewhat compromising its security. Lucretia Merces was held here by Arshtat after she criticized her decisions over Lordlake.

Yashuna is a village of hot springs generally accessed by river travel. It is nearby the Ceras Lake Ruins, which later reveals an ancient Sindar castle used by the Prince as a base for his campaign. The beavers' village is also in the area.

Rainwall is a town to the east of Sol-Falena and the seat of the Barows faction's power. The revolving bridge connects it to Sol-Falena. Other towns in the area include Haud, a town of "artists" favored by Salum Barows, and Estrise, a port town which trades with both the Island Nations, Armes, and the Northern Continent. Farther to the southeast, Sable is a town in the mountainous territory near the Armes border. Lord Solis Raubel of Sable and Lord Boz Wilde are both allies of Salum Barows.

Lordlake is a town in the southeast of Falena that has traditionally been sympathetic to the royal family. It was once verdant and prosperous, but after the revolt two years prior to the beginning of Suikoden V, Arshtat scorched the town and its surroundings with the Sun Rune, killing its Lord Rovere and many others in the process. Lordlake bears a considerable grudge toward the royal family for this; they also detest the Godwins for further closing off their water supply with the so-called "Hatred Fortress" damming the river.

Lelcar is a town in the south of Falena, stretching across the Feitas River. It is divided into three sections; the royalist eastern bank (nearer to Lordlake), the neutral central island, and the Godwin-sympathetic western bank (nearer to Doraat).

Sauronix Castle is the home of the Dragon Cavalry. The people in the area are ethnically distinct than most other inhabitants of Falena, though they generally consider themselves loyal Falenans.

Harmonia
The Holy Kingdom of Harmonia is a theocratic country east of the Grasslands and north of Highland. A large and somewhat mysterious nation, the foundation of Harmonia marked the beginning of recorded history in the Suikoden series. The country had never been directly featured in any of the main games of the series, but has nevertheless exerted influence over other countries in the game.

Since the dawn of its creation, Harmonia has been involved in the politics of other nations. Its armies, led by Harmonian bishops, are reknown for its force and ability to travel large distances in short periods of time. In the Suikoden series, Harmonia is responsible for aiding Highland forces in Suikoden II and for invading the Grasslands a second time after a fifty year truce between the nations end in Suikoden III. However, though the nation has held a long history of political expansion, it has also suffered from internal instability.

Established when the hero Hikusaak overthrew the ancient kingdom of Aronia during the Hero's War, Harmonia has been ruled by Hikusaak for hundreds of years, unhindered by age due to bearing the Circle Rune, and has been known as the Absolute One by the Harmonians. In recent decades, he has not been seen in public and rumours circulated that he had died, despite insistence by the Harmonian Temple that he remains alive. In his absence, the aristocracy has taken over leadership of the nation. Since then, politics have been sharply divided into two factions vying for different goals: the Temple Faction, composed of nobles supporting the priests of Harmonia, seek to maintain the status quo, while the People's Faction wish to abolish the strict caste system and allow more equality between classes.

Harmonian citizens are divided by a caste system of three groups: First Class, Second Class, and Third Class. First Class citizens are pure blooded Harmonians, who due to strict marriage practices, all have blond hair and blue eyes; they hold most of the power and wealth of Harmonia. Second Class citizens are members of countries that Harmonia invaded, but surrendered to their rule and are seen as ordinary citizens. Third Class citizens are members are countries that resisted Harmonian control, as well as demihumans such as kobolds. There are others who are exempt from these labels, such as members of the Howling Voice Guild.

Locations
Crystal Valley is the capital of Harmonia. Various important sites such as the One Temple and the Soledt Academy of Military Science are present here. The Crystal Valley's size so immense that it would take at least two days for a horse-drawn carriage to pass the length of the city.

Caleria is a Harmonian city that is close to the border of the Grasslands. It is the home of the Harmonian Southern Fringe Security Force, and the Harmonian Border Guards. Trade is an important part of Caleria's economy. It is at a crossroads, and facilitates trade between Harmonia, the Grasslands, and the Dunan region.

Marid is a village in Harmonia, which is run by an innkeeper. Nash Latkje came upon this village where a dragon was proving to be a blight to the people there.

Le Buque is a town that once belonged to the Grasslands, but was taken from them during the First Fire Bringer War. The town's most intriguing facet is the mantors that are bred there. The people there are Third Class Citizens, since they fought against Harmonia as the Kanaa Clan in the first Fire Bringer War. In the Suikoden III manga, Geddoe gains the support of Le Buque for the second Fire Bringer War through a negotiation with Franz, the leader of the mantor riders under Harmonian leadership, and with Sasarai after the bishop takes refuge in Budehuc Castle.

The Tower is a small fort with a large central tower, where the Howling Voice Guild learn their trade and live.

Howling Voice Guild
The Howling Voice Guild is a secretive intelligence organization that serves Harmonia. The Guild houses and trains an elite combat force within its headquarters, known simply as "The Tower." Guild members are hired out by various entities for missions which often fall under the categories of either protection or assassination. Known members of the Guild include Clive, Kelley, Elza, Nash Latkje, and Cathari.

The Guild is run by its council of Elders, though it elects a "Guild Master" to serve as a figurehead leader. Gunners who have risen to the rank of Knight Class are typically considered eligible for this position. As of Suikoden III, the Guild Master is Clive.

Due to the Guild's monopoly on firearms and gunpowder, most of the Guild's operatives specialize in gun-related combat. There are other areas of specialization, however, such as poisoning.

Other

The Northern Outlands, also known as the Nameless Lands, lie to the north of the Grasslands. It is a cold and frigid place, mostly notable as the place where Thomas grew up before moving back to the Zexen Confederation in Suikoden III. Boris Wizen also studied here before appearing in Dunan at the time of Suikoden II. The Free Knights of Camaro are based near this area, in between the Grasslands and Northern Outlands.

The Kooluk Empire is located on the southern border of the Scarlet Moon Empire on a peninsula. It is nearby the Island Nations and is the main antagonist in Suikoden IV; much of Suikoden Tactics is set in Kooluk. It is unstable because its emperor possesses little influence over its military, which is under the control of corrupt nobles. The Kooluk Empire possesses an antagonistic relationship with both the Scarlet Moon Empire and the Dukedom of Gaien. The empire is eventually dissolved by Corselia, the last surviving member of the royal family, at the end of Suikoden Tactics. By the start of the first Suikoden it is only a rough collection of independent settlements.

The Gaien Dukedom is a largely unknown part of the Suikoden. At the start of Suikoden IV, Gaien controlled some of the islands. A piece of official Konami artwork shows it to be a large island to the west of the Island Nations Federation. There are no current characters in the Suikoden series that are known to be from Gaien.

The New Armes Kingdom is to the southeast of Falena. It has fought occasional skirmishes with Falena, and fought a major war roughly 10 years prior to the start of Suikoden V. It seems to have a fairly consistent Arabian style (also shared by Caleria far to the north) and is ruled by a council of chieftains and a king. Several characters who appear in Suikoden V are from New Armes.

Nagarea is a nation to the southwest of Falena. It is ruled by a theocracy that, in the past, was incredibly fanatical and violent; their sending of armed "missionaries" into Falena triggered a long and bloody war, and was one of the causes for the Dragon cavalry of Sauronix Castle to be formed. The road to Nagarea is mountainous and narrow, and trade is rare. Since those times, an earthquake caused the route to become even more treacherous. Nagarea has thus become isolationistic and shown little interest in interacting with the outside world, spurning Lymsleia's coronation in Suikoden V. According to information on Nether Gate in Suikoden V, some Nether Gate members who took the order to disband badly fled to Nagarea. There are no current characters in the Suikoden series that are known to be from Nagarea.

Katana is a mysterious country whose location is unknown. The name "Katana" is not it's real name, and was only acquired due to its notability for producing katana weapons. Characters from Katana include Genshu and Hazuki, who appear in Suikoden II and Suikoden V respectively.

Kanakan is a nation to the south of the Toran region mentioned but never actually seen in the series. It is famous for its Falcon style of fencing and training of warriors by "Roundier Haia" or "Master Haia". Characters trained in Kanakan include Anita, Belcoot and Valeria. Characters born in Kanakan include Lotte and Templeton. It's specific location is unknown, although it is roughly southeast of Toran. It is also unknown whether it is an island or part of the mainland. Many characters also specify that wine from Kanakan is highly superior to most other locations.

The Western Continent is an area on which little information is available from the current Suikoden games. The Lindwurm Mercenary Brigade seen in Suikoden V is based in Zelant, a kingdom on this continent. Characters from here include Richard and Mueller, who both appear in Suikoden V.

Reception
In a review mocking Suikoden IV as "Gilligan's Island: The RPG," Shane Bettenhausen criticized Suikoden IV for its "geography" by saying, "Relocating Suikoden's established gameplay to the vast and choppy seas doesn't do it any favors—instead of exploring diverse geography on foot, you're steering a boat across a bleak, boring ocean."

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