Harmonia (Suikoden)
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The Holy Kingdom of Harmonia is a large theocratic country in the north of the setting of the Suikoden games. Its foundation dates back to the far reaches of time. In the Year -2 of the Sun Calendar, the area where present day Harmonia exists was ruled by Aronia, an ancient kingdom. Aronia was overrun by the Hero, Hikusaak, during The Hero's War and Holy Harmonia was set up in its place.
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[edit] History & Warfare
Since the dawn of its creation, Harmonia has had many dealings into the politics of other nations. Its armies are known throughout the world for its force. Each army is lead by a Bishop, and can travel large distances in a short space of time to reach the battlefield.
Harmonia held its borders firmly for centuries, and sought to expand them as much as possible. In the 20's of the Sun Calendar, Harmonia fought its way into the Lorimar region of Toran, but met with fierce resistance. A paladin named Klift fought them, and held its armies back. A truce was written, and Lorimar was left alone. Klift then went on to found the Warrior's Village, and the region was independent since. This ceased Harmonia's southern expansion.
In the 230's, Harmonia's position became more unstable. It had increasing trouble in keeping its borders. With internal conflict raging, Kranach Rugner found his chance to begin a coup. Harmonia lost control of the Toran region and their capital city, the Holy City of Rupanda. Harmonia's new capital city was Crystal Valley, far to the north. Rupanda was re-named Gregminster, and became the capital for Kranach's new country, the Scarlet Moon Empire.
This set off a civil war within Harmonia, that lasted for several more years. One citizen, Maroux Blight, brought it to an end, and Harmonia rewarded his service. They gave him land at the North-East of the Dunan region, in which he created his new country, the Highland Kingdom. Doing this, Harmonia dusted its hands of the southern regions, and focused on its internal affairs.
Over the next few hundred years, Harmonia seemed to do nothing, as if it was garnering its strength for future conflict. Its next action was conquering Sanadia, a nearby country. Harmonia captured a prisoner from the Grasslands, the Flame Champion, for staging a rebellion. He was held for four years, until he escaped. Using his newfound freedom, he staged another rebellion, starting the First Fire Bringer War. The Flame Champion, with the True Fire Rune, allied himself with other Rune Bearers, who collectively were called the Fire Bringer. Harmonia was winning the war, the sheer size of their army conquering the Six Clans of the Grasslands, until a crucial moment. The Flame Champion lost control of the True Fire Rune, and an enormous explosion decimated the battlefield, killing soldiers of both sides. With this loss, Harmonia signed a Fifty Year truce with the Grasslands, postponing the end of the war.
Harmonia then took part in the Dunan Unification War in the Year 460, at the aid of their close allies, the Highland Kingdom. Bishop Sasarai was sent to lead this force, and engaged the Allied Army on several occasions, but did not sway the end result, with the Dunan Forces winning the war, and annexing the Highland Kingdom to their new country, the Dunan Republic.
In 472, Harmonia invaded the former Highland region, now called the Higheast Principality, as a rebellion occurred by disgruntled Higheast Loyalists. Harmonia invaded in an attempt to return the region to Harmonian control, but was crushed by Teresa Wisemail's troops.
Fifty Years after the end of the First Fire Bringer War, Harmonia began another attack on the Grasslands. This was met with resistance, as a new Flame Champion arose and stalled Harmonia's advance.
[edit] Hikusaak
The Hero, Hikusaak, is an infamous character. He has ruled Harmonia for hundreds of years, unhindered by age due to being in possession of the Circle Rune. He is called The Absolute One by his people. However, in the past few decades, Hikusaak has not been seen in public. This has lead to rumors of his death being circulated, but the Harmonian Temple insists that he is still alive. In his absence, the Aristocracy has taken over leadership of Harmonia.
[edit] Harmonian Culture
Harmonia has a caste system as their social structure. Citizens are labeled as First Class Citizens, Second Class Citizens, and Third Class Citizens. First Class Citizens are pure blood Harmonians, who, due to strict marriage practices, all have blond hair and blue eyes. They hold most of the power and wealth of Harmonia, and most hold contempt towards those of lower classes. Second Class Citizens are members of countries that Harmonia invaded, but surrendered to their rule. These are seen as ordinary citizens. Third Class Citizens are members are countries that resisted Harmonian control. This category is shared by all the other races of the Suikoden World, who are discriminated against. There are others who are exempt from these labels, such as members of the Howling Voice Guild.
Politics in Harmonia is sharply divided by two groups who vie for different goals. The Temple Faction is composed mostly of nobles, who are in support of the priests of Harmonia. This is a very conservative group, who use their great power to keep Harmonia’s unequal system continuing. There is also the People’s Faction, who are composed of the citizens of Harmonia, and look to change society. They wish to abolish the caste system that is in place, and to have equality between the classes. Both sides are stout in their stances, and as of Suikoden III, there hasn’t been any change.
[edit] Cities & Places of Interest
Crystal Valley is the capital of Harmonia. Famous and important sites, such as the One Temple and the Soledt Academy of Military Science, are present here. Crystal Valley is meant to be enormous; so much so 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.
The Tower is a small fort with a large central tower, where the Howling Voice Guild learn their trade and live.
[edit] People of Interest
Sasarai; Nash Latkje; Lena Suphina; Hikusaak; Cathari.
[edit] 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.
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.
Known members of the Guild include Clive, Kelley, Elza, Nash Latkje, and Cathari.
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