Twelfth Harmonian Southern Fringe Defense Force Unit

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The Twelfth Harmonian Southern Frontier Defense Force Unit or The 12th is a fictitious crew of mercenaries in the Suikoden series of role-playing games.

[edit] Unit Members

There are 5 members of the 12th Unit: Ace, Geddoe, Jacques, Joker, and Queen. At the end of Suikoden III, Aila accompanies them as a trainee.

[edit] Unit History

The Harmonian Southern Frontier Defense Force is based in the citadel of Caleria. Most missions here are forays into the neighboring territory of Grassland, although there are also missions sent to other areas, such as the Northern Outlands, and Dunan. The paymasters of Harmonia do not care about the personal lives of those working for the unit, as long as they do their jobs.

Each unit is given a stipend for their expenses, and must turn in itemized reports in regards to their expenses.

Any member may recruit an outsider into the HSFDF. There is paperwork involved, but, as Jacques worked with the unit before this was even finalized, it appears as though the paperwork is more formality than anything else.

Mercenaries are considered under the Harmonian army, and it's not uncommon for a bishop or similar person of power to order the units to assist the regular Harmonian army. Mercenaries are above second-class citizens, such as those from Le Buque.

[edit] The 12th

The 12th is unique among the units of the HSFDF. They are a group of comrades who have abandoned their pasts and work together for Harmonia because it pays the bills. With the exception of Geddoe, the members of the unit each abandon their name when they join, using an alias instead. The aliases of the 12th are all based on the trump deck of cards.

With the exception of Jacques, each of the members have, at one time in their lives, had the country of Harmonia as their enemy. Ace was a member of the Dunan Army, Geddoe was a Fire Bringer, Joker allowed Nash Latkje to retrieve his equipment, and Queen had her home country, Sanadia, conquered by Harmonia when she was a girl.

The original four members of the group: Ace, Geddoe, Joker, and Queen, have a massive reputation about them. They are known to be the best of the best. Three years prior to Suikoden III, they worked for the Higheast Rebellion in Dunan, which is what garnered their reputation. Jacques also has something of a reputation there, as he was hired by Geddoe on the spot, which speaks very highly of his skills.

The 12th Unit are heavy drinkers, and they are often seen wasted before noon. Accompanied by the alcohol are often jokes made at each other's expense. Ace is often the butt of many a joke, due to his amorous tendencies around the opposite sex.

The 12th Unit has a professional rivalry with the 14th Unit. This is due to the fact that the 14th is seen as the #2 unit, and constantly want to one-up the 12th and be thought of as the best. Geddoe and Duke, the leader of the 14th, are often seen at each other's throats, likewise with Queen and Elaine. Ace was romantically involved with Elaine, giving her a gift worth an entire mission's pay. However, she rejected it. Afterwards, the two of them barely get along.

Geddoe met Jacques during an expedition into Grassland. He was suitably impressed with Jacques's skill with a bow that Geddoe offered him a job on the spot.

Aila joined with the crew after her home in Karaya Village was destroyed. Aila survived the carnage because she was away with Ace and Joker, chasing Sarah at the time. Aila accompanied them because she believed she would find Sarah again. She grew to like the life of a mercenary, and asked Jacques if she could join the team. He said he'd talk to Geddoe about it, but forgot to do so until after the war. Geddoe agrees, if Jacques promises he'll take responsibility, which he agrees to.