Gregminster

Gregminster (グレッグミンスター, Guregguminsutā) is a city which appears in both Suikoden and Suikoden II. It is the capital of the Toran Republic and its predecessor, the Scarlet Moon Empire.

Information
Originally known as the holy city of Rupanda, the city was renamed Gregminster when Cranach Rugner declared independence from the Holy Kingdom of Harmonia in 230, establishing the Scarlet Moon Empire and has served as a national capital since that time.

The city of Gregminster was virtually destroyed during the War of Succession of 446 as Geil Rugner's own bandit forces ransacked and looted the city while imposing martial law and harsh curfews. But the rise of Barbarosa Rugner to the throne saw the city rebuilt, more beautiful than before. As the city prospered, Gregminster housed many high-ranking officials of the Empire, giving rise to a sense of superiority from inhabitants of the city.

Its culture and economy eventually centered around the mercantile industry, making the city famed for its art and ceramics above all else. The architecture of the city reflects this, and all houses are built with ivory-colored walls and contrasting red doors.

In the middle of the city stands the Golden Goddess statue. This statue was made by the renowned artist, Basil. It is said that the statue is a mirror image of Barbarosa's late wife, Claudia.

Gregminster suffered greatly during the Gate Rune War, the city eventually becoming isolated from the rest of the nation. Eventually, after a final climatic battle, Gregminster fell to the forces of the Toran Liberation Army, ending the war. Following the war, Gregminster remained the capital, now of the Toran Republic. Since then, President Lepant has continued to develop the city as a commercial center.

Music
Gregminster's theme in Suikoden is the song "Beautiful Golden City", which is song 5 on disc 1 of the Genso Suikoden Original Game Soundtrack. By the end of the game, Gregminster's theme becomes "Echoes of Impermanence", which is song 19 on disc 2 of the same album.

In Suikoden II, Gregminster's original theme returns, rearranged, as "The Golden City Shines Once More", and is song 2, disc 2 of the second box of the Genso Suikoden II Official Soundtrack.