Lepant

Lepant (レパント, Repanto) is a character in Suikoden who makes an appearance in Suikoden II. He is a rich merchant who became the President of the Toran Republic.

History
"Think of your friends. Think of your families. And fight for them!"

- Lepant

Lepant was Kouan's wealthiest trader and some would credit the town's welfare to his good works. He was known to be well accomplished in both the literary and military arts and very much respected. He was known for his patronage and many alchemists and intellectuals could be seen entering and leaving his mansion.

Normally mild-mannered, he had no mercy for those who would harm his beloved family. He was actually very passionate but excelled at controlling his emotions. His sense of chivalry and responsibility in equal measure, combined with his charisma contributed to his respect and esteem in Kouan. As a leader, he was capable of swift and measured decision making.

During a party held by a local lord, Lepant would be introduced to Eileen, the daughter of a regional lord, by an acquaintance. The two quickly developed romantic feelings for one another and eventually married. They would have a son together, Sheena, in SY 442.

Lepant learned through his frequent visitors that Mathiu Silverberg, the skilled military strategist of the Scarlet Moon Empire, had retired to Seika and opened a school. Intrigued, Lepant would visit Mathiu and the two gradually became friends, sometimes taking drinks together. Lepant would go on to provide supplies for Mathiu's school.

Initially during the Gate Rune War, Lepant refused to involve himself with the Toran Liberation Army, fearing the danger such cooperation would bring to his family. When the Liberation Army attempted to steal the Lepant family sword Kirinji in order to force a meeting, Lepant reacted with anger, only calming down when he heard the name of his friend, Mathiu Silverberg.

Lepant gently rebuffed the rebel forces, not willing to place his own feelings above his family. For them, he was willing to endure the empire's oppression. However, Kraze Miles, the newly appointed military commander of Kouan, kidnapped Lepant's wife, Eileen. Furious, Lepant would fight through Kraze's guards, sword in hand, and rescue his beloved wife.

No longer given the option to look away from the empire's cruelty, Lepant would then try and annul their marriage so as to spare Eileen from any retribution brought down on Lepant as a wanted man. Eileen would reject his attempts and together they would join the Toran Liberation Army.

Possessed of righteousness, well-liked, and highly capable as a commander, Lepant devoted himself as one the primary commanders of the Liberation Army. When the army moved to attack Moravia in the Senan region, Mathiu charged Lepant with drawing out the garrison at the Fortress of Duha.

After the Gate Rune War, once McDohl had declined the position, Lepant was elected the first President of the Toran Republic, in part due to his success as a leader in Kouan. As President, he would throw himself into the role, working hard towards the nationwide reconstruction needed following the war. He would prove to be a popular president due to his hard work.

During the Dunan Unification War, he would give an audience to the leader of the New State Army. He would assign his son, Sheena, to the force as well as forming a declaration of friendship between the New State Army and the Toran Republic in order to thwart the ambitions of Luca Blight.

When McDohl returned to Gregminster during the war, Lepant immediately attempted to give up his position to his former commander. McDohl rejected the offer, valuing his freedom and still dealing with his own grief from the war. Lepant recognized his will and did not try and force the issue, but hoped that he would return someday. He recognized that McDohl, not himself, represented the hope and unity of the young Toran Republic.

By the time of the War of the Champions, Lepant continued to serve as President of the Republic.

Trivia

 * Lepant is perhaps named after the town of Lepanto or the battle which took place there. On 7 October 1571, there was a large naval battle in the Gulf of Patras (Greece), near the town of Lepanto.
 * Lepant passes his sword onto his son, Sheena, after taking on a more prominent government role.
 * Lepant is the only returning character in Suikoden II who receives a portrait, but never joins the player's party or convoy.
 * Like McDohl, Lepant's ending in Suikoden was inexplicably changed in the English versions of Suikoden; in his Japanese ending, he becomes elected the first President of the Toran Republic, but the English version says that Lepant returns to Kouan to live in peace with his family.