The Scarlet Moon Empire (赤月帝国, Akatsuki Teikoku) is a powerful and centralized nation that rules the lands around Lake Toran. Established by Kranach Rugner, a nobleman of the Holy Kingdom of Harmonia, the empire declared independence during Harmonia's civil war and became a dominant force in the region. Known for its absolute monarchy and highly structured Imperial Army, the empire has fallen into decline due to corruption and internal strife.
Scarlet Moon forms the setting of the first Suikoden game. Its capital, Gregminster, is visited in Suikoden II.
Overview
The Scarlet Moon Empire was a powerful and centralized nation that ruled the territories around Lake Toran for over two centuries, from its founding in year 230 of the solar calendar. Established by Kranach Rugner, a military nobleman of the Holy Kingdom of Harmonia, the empire declared independence during Harmonia's civil war, taking its name from Kranach's title, "Knight of the Scarlet Moon."
The empire was characterized by its absolute monarchy, with the Emperor wielding supreme authority over both military and administrative affairs, supported by a highly structured Imperial Army that governed through a system of military governors.
The Scarlet Moon Empire had its own calendar, the Scarlet Moon Imperial calendar, which considers 230, solar reckoning, as its year 1.
History
Founding and Early History
The Scarlet Moon Empire was born in year 230 of the solar calendar when Kranach Rugner, a Harmonian nobleman, seized the Holy City of Rupanda (later Gregminster) during Harmonia's civil war. Declaring himself emperor, Kranach established a centralized state that would dominate the region for over two centuries.
The empire's early years were marked by territorial expansion and frequent clashes with the Kooluk Empire to the south, as well as the consolidation of its military and administrative systems. The empire's governance relied heavily on the Imperial Army, which governed through a system of military governors.
This system allowed the empire to maintain tight control over its vast territories, with military governors wielding absolute power over towns and villages. The empire's military structure was highly autonomous, enabling rapid responses to threats and ensuring its dominance in the region.
Following the collapse of Kooluk, Scarlet Moon would see the young City-States of Jowston become its primary rival to the north. The late 300s and early 400s saw the empire build additional defenses to protect against northern incursion with the construction of Moravia Castle and Scarleticia Castle.
Decline
The empire reached its zenith under Barbarossa Rugner, the 17th Emperor, who earned the title of "Golden Emperor" after securing victory in the War of Succession (446 solar calendar, 217 imperial reckoning). This civil war erupted when Barbarossa's uncle, Geil Rugner, attempted to usurp the throne during Barbarossa's absence. With the support of the Six Great Generals and the loyalty of his forces, Barbarossa reclaimed the throne and repelled invasions from the City-States of Jowston, solidifying his rule.
However, Barbarossa's later reign was marked by neglect and corruption. After the court magician Windy entered his service, Barbarossa became increasingly disengaged from politics, allowing corruption to spread throughout the imperial administration. Military governors and officials exploited their power, leading to widespread oppression, looting, and riots. The empire's decline was further exacerbated by the rise of bandits and pirates, as well as growing discontent among the populace.
Fall of the Empire
In 453 , the Toran Liberation Army, led by Odessa Silverberg, rose in rebellion against the empire's corruption. Odessa, the daughter of the renowned Silverberg family of strategists, united the oppressed people under her banner, igniting the Gate Rune War. Despite her assassination, her cause was carried forward by McDohl, who led the rebellion to victory.
The war culminated in 457 with the Liberation Army's capture of Gregminster, the imperial capital. The empire's final defeat marked the end of its 227-year reign. Barbarossa, after a desperate last stand using the Sovereign Rune, perished alongside Windy, leaping from the Floating Garden of Gregminster Palace.
Legacy
Following the empire's collapse, the Toran Republic was established in its place, with Lepant, a former Liberation Army general, as its first president. The republic inherited the empire's territories and sought to rebuild the region under a democratic system, replacing military governors with elected officials.
The Scarlet Moon Empire's legacy is one of grandeur and tragedy. It was a nation that rose to power through military might and centralized governance but fell due to internal corruption and the resilience of those who sought to overthrow it. Its history serves as a reminder of the fragility of absolute power and the enduring spirit of liberation.
Geography
Encompassing the lands surrounding Lake Toran, the Toran Republic borders the City-States of Jowston to the north, unknown territories to the west, Kanakan via an ocean border to the southwest, and the former Kooluk Empire territories to the south.
The capital of the republic is Gregminster, a city renowned for its art, ceramics, and the iconic Golden Goddess statue in its central plaza.
Gallery
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Suikoden Scarlet Moon banner sprite -
Suikoden I&II HD Remaster intro video
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Other languages and releases
| Japanese kanji | 赤月帝国 |
|---|---|
| Japanese romaji | Akatsuki Teikoku |
| Chinese simplified (HDR) | 赤月帝国 |
| Chinese traditional (HDR) | 赤月帝國 |
| Chinese pinyin | Chìyuè dìguó |
| English | Scarlet Moon Empire |
|---|---|
| French | L'empire de la lune écarlate |
| German (S2) | Scarlet Moon Imperium |
| German (S4, ST, S5) | Scharlachmond-Reich |
| German (HDR) | Scharlachmond-Imperium |
| Italian | Impero della Luna Scarlatta |
| Spanish | Imperio Scarlet Moon |
References
- Genso Suikoden I&II Official World Guide Book (ISBN 4-471-36033-7), page 36
- Genso Suikoden Encyclopaedia (ISBN 4-575-16297-3), page 14
- Genso Suikoden Genso Shinsho Vol.14 (ISBN 4-7753-0217-5), pages 58-9
- Rhapsodia Final Archive (ISBN 4-8402-3284-9), page 58
- Genso Suikoden Kiwami Encyclopedia, pages 21, 123, 278, 385, 502