Han Cunningham

Han Cunningham (ハーン・カニンガム, Hān Kaningamu) is a supporting character in Suikoden II. Han is a Highland general and the former bearer of the Black Sword Rune. He was a close friend of Riou's guardian, Genkaku.

Suikoden II
Han Cunningham was raised in the same village as Genkaku, who would become his close friend. At some unspecified point in the past, he and Genkaku encountered the two halves of the Rune of Beginning. Gaining the Black Sword Rune, the two eventually ended up fighting on opposing sides during the Jowston-Highland War.

Leading the Highland Army in that war, Han easily defeated Muse Principality and it appeared that he was poised to defeat Jowston in one fell swoop. However, Genkaku, now a general of Jowston, was able to counter Han's advance and the war began to turn into a stalemate. Despite this war, Han and Genkaku continued their respect for one another and even met in the middle of the battlefield to share drinks and talk.

To end the war, Highland king Agares Blight suggested that the two generals duelled for their respective nations to see who would claim Kyaro, the only remaining disputed territory. When it came time for the duel, Genkaku would not fight since he knew his blade had been poisoned and he did not want to kill his friend. Han had no choice but to disarm Genkaku and claim Kyaro for Highland. In 435, he and Genkaku sealed their respective Runes away at the shrine in Toto Village.

Following this, Han Cunningham, the hero that technically won the war for Highland, was appointed general of the Highland Army's 2nd Company, the royal guards. It was Han who was responsible for saving Sara and Luca Blight from the ruffians hired by Muse and, as such, was one of the few people Luca held any measure of respect for. It was also Han who tutored Luca in swordsmanship.

During the Dunan Unification War, he remained with the 2nd Company under orders in Highland territory. He led the defence of L'Renouille at the Last Battle but was unable to prevent the city from being breached. Inside L'Renouille Palace, he faced off against Genkaku's adopted son, Riou, in a duel but was defeated once more before passing away.