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City-States of Jowston: Difference between revisions

Alliance of city states centered around Lake Dunan
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m Text replacement - "New State" to "New Alliance"
 
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{{Country
{{Country
|name= City-State of Jowston
|name= City-States of Jowston
|image=
|jpname= ジョウストン都市同盟
|roname= Jousuton Toshidōmei
|image= City-States of Jowston flag
|caption= Flag of the City-States of Jowston
|capital= [[Muse City]]
|capital= [[Muse City]]
|demonym=
|government=
|established= 314
|established= 314
|dissolution = 460
|dissolution = 460
|rulers = '''Alliance Leader'''<br>''Unknown number of leaders''<br>[[Uriah]]<br>''Unknown number of leaders''<br>[[Darell]] (?)<br>[[Anabelle]] (?-460)
|rulers = '''Alliance Leader'''<br>''Unknown number of leaders''<br>[[Uriah]]<br>''Unknown number of leaders''<br>[[Darell]]<br>[[Anabelle]] (?-460)
|continent= Northern continent
|continent= Northern continent
}}The '''City-State of Jowston''' (ジョウストン都市同盟, ''Aka Tsuki Teikoku''), also known as the Jowston Alliance or simply Jowston, was a nation located on the [[Northern continent]]. It is the setting for [[Suikoden II]] and also appears in [[Genso Suikogaiden Volume 1]].
}}
The '''City-States of Jowston''' (ジョウストン都市同盟, ''Jousuton Toshidōmei''), also known as the Jowston Alliance or simply Jowston, is a decentralized alliance of five cities and one knightly order, formed in year 314 of the [[solar calendar]] to counter threats from the Highland Kingdom and the Scarlet Moon Empire.


==Information==
Known for its cultural diversity and democratic governance, the alliance played a key role in regional stability until its transformation following the [[Dunan Unification War]] in 460. It is the primary setting for [[Suikoden II]], [[Genso Suikogaiden Vol.1]], and [[Genso Suikoden Card Stories]].
Established in order to counter balance the growing power of the Highland Kingdom in the Dunan region following the collapse of the Dunan Kingdom in SY 252, the Jowston Alliance was signed by the three principal states that made up the former kingdom; South Window, Muse and Two River as well as the Matilda Knightdom, a military organisation founded by Muse which had gained it's own independence.


SY 314 saw the formation of the City-States of Jowston with the agreement being signed at Jowston Hill in Muse City. Originally intended to be named after the Muse hero, General Jowston, who was famed for defending the region from Highland. However, insisting that they had played a greater part in that defence, the Matilda Knights opposed the name. A quick compromise was reached when it was agreed that the new nation would be officially named after the hill and not the person.
In the 1999 English language localization of Suikoden II, it was called the '''City-State of Jowston''' (singular).
 
==Overview==
The City-States of Jowston was a coalition of city-states and knightly orders formed in the year 314 ([[solar calendar]]) to counter the threats posed by the [[Highland Kingdom]] to the north and the [[Scarlet Moon Empire]] to the south.
 
Centered around [[Lake Dunan]], the alliance initially consisted of the city-states of [[Muse Principality|Muse]], [[South Window Principality|South Window]], [[Two River Principality|Two River]], and the [[Matilda Knightdom]], with [[Greenhill Principality|Greenhill]] and [[Tinto Principality|Tinto]] joining later in 378 and 366, respectively. The alliance was named after [[Jowston Hill]], where the pact was signed under a large tree, though its name also unofficially honored [[Jowston (Character)|Jowston]], a heroic mayor of Muse who defended the hill against Highland's forces for two months.
 
The City-States also had its own calendar, beginning in 314 of the solar calendar, when the City-States of Jowston was established. The [[Dunan Unification War]] took place in the year 147 according to this calendar.


==History==
==History==
The years following the establishment of the alliance saw the foundation of the Grand Leaf Academy in 362, located within the Greenhill region of Muse in order to be a centre of education for all citizens of Jowston. The alliance expanded in the year 366 with the incorporation of the western frontier mining town of Tinto. Seven years later, 373, saw the Greenhill region, it's importance haven grown, insisting upon the "independence of higher learning," Greenhill petitioned the Jowston Alliance for independence which was granted. By 378, Greenhill was accepted into the City-State, now an independent member.
===Founding and Structure===
The alliance was established in response to the constant aggression from the [[Highland Kingdom]], which had long sought to expand its territory into the [[Dunan (region)|Dunan]] region. The cities and knights united under a decentralized governance system, with policies decided by voting rights allocated according to each member's population.
 
[[Muse City]], the alliance's capital, served as its political and cultural center, while the [[Matilda Knights]] provided military strength. Due its lack of a unified army, the alliance relied on the combined forces of its member cities and occasional mercenary contracts to defend its territories. This loose structure allowed for cultural diversity and economic prosperity, making the City-States a hub for trade and cultural exchange.
 
===Conflicts and Key Events===
The City-States' history was marked by frequent conflicts with both the Highland Kingdom and the [[Scarlet Moon Empire]]. In 428, King [[Robert Blight]] launched a major invasion of the City-States. The defense was spearheaded by [[Genkaku]], a legendary commander from Muse, who later negotiated a ceasefire with [[Han Cunningham]], a Highland general and his childhood friend. This peace, though short-lived, was highly regarded and demonstrated the alliance's resilience.


The continued tense situation with Highland exploded in 428 with the Jowston-Highland War beginning with the invasion of Muse. Caught unaware and under the poor leadership of Muse mayor Darel, Muse soon fell, along with Greenhill and Matilda. Forced to engaged in guerilla tactics against the Highland occupied territories under 432, the tactical ability of Genkaku led to what became known as the Great Offensive with the reclamation of all occupied territories.
Members of the Jowston Alliance also fought wars of expansion. In 447, forces of [[Tinto Principality|Tinto]] and [[South Window Principality|South Window]] attempted to take advantage of the [[War of Succession]] in the [[Scarlet Moon Empire]] by invading only to be eventually repelled the following year.


The war ended in SY 434 with the loss of the Jowston territory of Kyaro to Highland following a duel of champions between Genkaku and Highland's Han Cunningham.
A similar situation would happen in 456 where those same City-States invaded again during the [[Gate Rune War]], occupying the region of [[Senan]]. Following the war, the new [[Toran Republic]] would lead a force to reclaim the territory, succeeding by 458.


Following the war, cracks began to appear within the alliance. Internal discord and politics began to infest the member states and support was lacking. SY 447 saw Tinto forces attack the [[Scarlet Moon Empire]] to take advantage of the discord caused by the Scarlet Moon Succession War. Without support, they were eventually repelled.
In 460, the [[Dunan Unification War]] erupted after Prince [[Luca Blight]] of Highland orchestrated a false flag attack to incite war. The Jowston Alliance, weakened by internal divisions and the invasion of Muse, swiftly collapsed in the face of Highland's aggressive advance.


During the [[Gate Rune War]], [[Mathiu Silverberg]] of the [[Toran Liberation Army]] sent forged documents to South Window and Tinto informing them of (untrue) Imperial plans to invade their territory. Outraged, Tinto and South Window invaded the Senan region thus forcing Imperial General Kasim Hazil to surrender to the Liberation Army. Senan would be held by Jowston until 458 when the newly found Toran Republic set out to recapture the lands lost during the Toran Liberation War. Known as the Toran-Jowston War, South Window was forced to pull back first leaving the Tinto forces in danger who also retreated.
The former members of the Alliance would be revitalized by the rise of the [[New Alliance Army]], under the leadership of Genkaku's adopted son. This army ultimately unified the region, ending the war and reshaping the political landscape by reforging the fractured City-States into a new [[Dunan Republic]].


The fall of Jowston came in 460 when Highland finally broke the cease fire truce between the two nations and rapidly attacked, and torched, the towns of Toto and Ryube in eastern Muse. Muse called for help under the terms of the Jowston Alliance but by now the cracks that had formed in the Alliance were too great and Muse was mostly rebuffed.
===Legacy===
During its history, the City-States of Jowston played a crucial role in maintaining regional stability and resisting external threats. Its decentralized structure and cultural diversity made it a unique political entity, though its lack of centralization also left it vulnerable to internal strife. Following the Dunan Unification War, the alliance's legacy lived on in the newly formed Dunan Republic, which sought to build a more unified and peaceful future.


After Muse fell, the Alliance quickly collapsed, with each state closing its borders and trying to either fight or negotiate with Highland individually. Eventually the [[New State Army]] emerged to unite the fragmented city-states and repel the Highland invasion.
==Geography and Flag==
The City-States of Jowston was located in the center of the Northern Continent, around [[Lake Dunan]]. Jowston shared land borders with [[Holy Kingdom of Harmonia|Harmonia]], [[Highland Kingdom|Highland]], the [[Grasslands]] and the [[Toran Republic]]. Its capital was [[Muse City]], located in the nation's main province, [[Muse Principality]].


==Geography==
In addition to the flags used by each city, there was also a flag for the City-States itself. It was blue with a yellow circle, three swords, and six feathers. The six feathers symbolized the five cities and one knightdom that comprised the City-States.
The City-State of Jowston was located in the centre of the Northern Continent, around [[Lake Dunan]]. Jowston shared land borders with Harmonia, Highland, the Grassland and the Toran Republic. Its capital was Muse City, located in the nations main province, Muse Principality.


{{Top icons
|Suikoden= no
|Suikoden II= yes
|Suikoden III= no
|Suikoden IV= no
|Suikoden V= no
|Tierkreis= no
|Suikogaiden 1= yes
|Suikogaiden 2= no
|Tactics= no
|Card Stories= no
}}


[[Category:Countries]] [[Category:Countries in Suikoden II]]
==Other languages and releases==
{{flex}}
{{Other Names}}
{{Other Names row|Japanese kanji|ジョウストン都市同盟}}
{{Other Names row|Japanese romaji|Jousuton Toshidōmei}}
{{Other Names row|Chinese simplified (HDR)|裘斯顿都市同盟}}
{{Other Names row|Chinese traditional (HDR)|裘斯頓都市同盟}}
{{Other Names row|Chinese pinyin|Qiúsīdùn dūshì tóngméng}}
{{Other Names footer}}
 
{{Other Names}}
{{Other Names row|English (S1)|United City-States of Jowstone}}
{{Other Names row|English (S2)|City-State of Jowston}}
{{Other Names row|English (HDR)|City-States of Jowston}}
{{Other Names row|French|Cités-États de Jowston}}
{{Other Names row|German (S2)|Jowston-Städtebund}}
{{Other Names row|German (HDR)|Stadtstaaten von Jowston}}
{{Other Names row|Italian|Città-stato di Jowston}}
{{Other Names row|Spanish|Ciudades-estado de Jowston}}
{{Other Names footer}}
</div>
 
==References==
# [[Genso Suikoden II Art Works]], page 29
# [[Genso Suikoden I&II Official World Guide Book]] (ISBN 4-471-36033-7), pages 54-5
# [[Genso Suikogaiden Vol.1 World Guide Book]] (ISBN 4-575-16237-X), pages 61, 73, 87
# [[Genso Suikoden Encyclopaedia]] (ISBN 4-575-16297-3), pages 136-7
# [[Genso Suikoden Kiwami Encyclopedia]], pages 165, 255
 
[[de:Stadt-Staat von Jowston]]
{{Navbox S2 locations}}
{{Navbox G1}}{{Short description|Alliance of city states centered around Lake Dunan}}
[[Category:Countries]] [[Category:Countries in Suikoden II]] [[Category:Countries in Genso Suikogaiden Vol.1]]

Latest revision as of 12:29, 22 March 2025

City-States of Jowston
ジョウストン都市同盟 Jousuton Toshidōmei
Flag of the City-States of Jowston
Basic Information
Capital
Continent
Northern continent
History Information
Established
SY 314
Dissolution
SY 460
Rulers
Alliance Leader
Unknown number of leaders
Uriah
Unknown number of leaders
Darell
Anabelle (?-460)

The City-States of Jowston (ジョウストン都市同盟, Jousuton Toshidōmei), also known as the Jowston Alliance or simply Jowston, is a decentralized alliance of five cities and one knightly order, formed in year 314 of the solar calendar to counter threats from the Highland Kingdom and the Scarlet Moon Empire.

Known for its cultural diversity and democratic governance, the alliance played a key role in regional stability until its transformation following the Dunan Unification War in 460. It is the primary setting for Suikoden II, Genso Suikogaiden Vol.1, and Genso Suikoden Card Stories.

In the 1999 English language localization of Suikoden II, it was called the City-State of Jowston (singular).

Overview

The City-States of Jowston was a coalition of city-states and knightly orders formed in the year 314 (solar calendar) to counter the threats posed by the Highland Kingdom to the north and the Scarlet Moon Empire to the south.

Centered around Lake Dunan, the alliance initially consisted of the city-states of Muse, South Window, Two River, and the Matilda Knightdom, with Greenhill and Tinto joining later in 378 and 366, respectively. The alliance was named after Jowston Hill, where the pact was signed under a large tree, though its name also unofficially honored Jowston, a heroic mayor of Muse who defended the hill against Highland's forces for two months.

The City-States also had its own calendar, beginning in 314 of the solar calendar, when the City-States of Jowston was established. The Dunan Unification War took place in the year 147 according to this calendar.

History

Founding and Structure

The alliance was established in response to the constant aggression from the Highland Kingdom, which had long sought to expand its territory into the Dunan region. The cities and knights united under a decentralized governance system, with policies decided by voting rights allocated according to each member's population.

Muse City, the alliance's capital, served as its political and cultural center, while the Matilda Knights provided military strength. Due its lack of a unified army, the alliance relied on the combined forces of its member cities and occasional mercenary contracts to defend its territories. This loose structure allowed for cultural diversity and economic prosperity, making the City-States a hub for trade and cultural exchange.

Conflicts and Key Events

The City-States' history was marked by frequent conflicts with both the Highland Kingdom and the Scarlet Moon Empire. In 428, King Robert Blight launched a major invasion of the City-States. The defense was spearheaded by Genkaku, a legendary commander from Muse, who later negotiated a ceasefire with Han Cunningham, a Highland general and his childhood friend. This peace, though short-lived, was highly regarded and demonstrated the alliance's resilience.

Members of the Jowston Alliance also fought wars of expansion. In 447, forces of Tinto and South Window attempted to take advantage of the War of Succession in the Scarlet Moon Empire by invading only to be eventually repelled the following year.

A similar situation would happen in 456 where those same City-States invaded again during the Gate Rune War, occupying the region of Senan. Following the war, the new Toran Republic would lead a force to reclaim the territory, succeeding by 458.

In 460, the Dunan Unification War erupted after Prince Luca Blight of Highland orchestrated a false flag attack to incite war. The Jowston Alliance, weakened by internal divisions and the invasion of Muse, swiftly collapsed in the face of Highland's aggressive advance.

The former members of the Alliance would be revitalized by the rise of the New Alliance Army, under the leadership of Genkaku's adopted son. This army ultimately unified the region, ending the war and reshaping the political landscape by reforging the fractured City-States into a new Dunan Republic.

Legacy

During its history, the City-States of Jowston played a crucial role in maintaining regional stability and resisting external threats. Its decentralized structure and cultural diversity made it a unique political entity, though its lack of centralization also left it vulnerable to internal strife. Following the Dunan Unification War, the alliance's legacy lived on in the newly formed Dunan Republic, which sought to build a more unified and peaceful future.

Geography and Flag

The City-States of Jowston was located in the center of the Northern Continent, around Lake Dunan. Jowston shared land borders with Harmonia, Highland, the Grasslands and the Toran Republic. Its capital was Muse City, located in the nation's main province, Muse Principality.

In addition to the flags used by each city, there was also a flag for the City-States itself. It was blue with a yellow circle, three swords, and six feathers. The six feathers symbolized the five cities and one knightdom that comprised the City-States.


Other languages and releases

Japanese kanji ジョウストン都市同盟
Japanese romaji Jousuton Toshidōmei
Chinese simplified (HDR) 裘斯顿都市同盟
Chinese traditional (HDR) 裘斯頓都市同盟
Chinese pinyin Qiúsīdùn dūshì tóngméng
English (S1) United City-States of Jowstone
English (S2) City-State of Jowston
English (HDR) City-States of Jowston
French Cités-États de Jowston
German (S2) Jowston-Städtebund
German (HDR) Stadtstaaten von Jowston
Italian Città-stato di Jowston
Spanish Ciudades-estado de Jowston

References

  1. Genso Suikoden II Art Works, page 29
  2. Genso Suikoden I&II Official World Guide Book (ISBN 4-471-36033-7), pages 54-5
  3. Genso Suikogaiden Vol.1 World Guide Book (ISBN 4-575-16237-X), pages 61, 73, 87
  4. Genso Suikoden Encyclopaedia (ISBN 4-575-16297-3), pages 136-7
  5. Genso Suikoden Kiwami Encyclopedia, pages 165, 255