Grassland

The Grassland (グラスランド, Gurasurando) is a large region that is the focus of Suikoden III. It is also mentioned or explored in Suikoden II and Genso Suikogaiden Vol.2.

Geography
The Grassland is a substantial geographical region located mainly to the northwest of the Dunan Republic. It is bordered by the Tinto Republic to the south and the western coast is under the domain of the Zexen Federation, a region considered part of the Grassland geographically but distinct socially. The Holy Kingdom of Harmonia lies to the northeast of the Grassland.

The region is characterized by vast, dry plains, creating an inhospitable and harsh environment for its inhabitants. It is also noteworthy for its position as an axis between three nations, making it a prominent location for trade routes. In the far north, the Grassland is stopped by a mountain range and a series of lakes.

Industry
The Grassland lacks a main industry. Its landscape of vast plains offers opportunities for development, but its inhospitable nature hinders significant economic activities. Nonetheless, due to its strategic location and trade routes, it holds importance as a trade hub, with commerce stretching from the Zexen Federation in the west to Muse City in the east.

The tribes in the region historically engaged in looting neighboring regions and trade caravans, with exceptions for those who paid for protection. Although this behavior was tolerated to some extent, tensions between the tribes and the Zexen Federation led to conflicts and skirmishes.

History
The Grassland has a rich historical background, spreading west from the Tinto Republic and the Matilda Knightdom to the eastern fringes of the Zexen Federation. Numerous self-governing peoples have inhabited this expanse since ancient times, including the Karaya Clan, led by Lucia, and organizations like the Kamaro Alliance of Free Knights.

Non-human races, such as the Duck Clan and Lizard Clan, are also present in the region. The most influential clans form the Six Clans, an informal alliance engaging in diplomacy and, at times, war with neighboring nations.

The Grassland has been coveted by neighboring countries, leading to conflicts and invasions by Tinto City and the Holy Kingdom of Harmonia. In SY 425, a massive Harmonian invasion of the region was repelled through the efforts of the Fire Bringer, particularly the Flame Champion, who is celebrated as the savior of the Grassland.

Relations between Zexen and Grasland had been relatively calm since the exploits of the Fire Bringer, with occasional flare ups due to looting expeditions, until SY 465. In that year, Zexen would lay claim to an area of Grasland territory. This territorial dispute triggered a resurgence of conflict.

In SY 471, a Lizard Clan force attacked a Zexen trading party on its way to Grasland. A conference was held, but the Lizard Clan claimed the attack was a fabrication by Zexen, looking to expand their territory. This set off a full-scale war between the two powers yet again.

Skirmishes and conflicts escalated, leading to the War of the Champions in 475. During this war, the Six Clans and the Zexen Federation went to war only to ally against the invasion of the Grassland by the Holy Kingdom of Harmonia.