108 Stars of Destiny (Suikoden)

The 108 Stars of Destiny in the "Suikoden" series is loosely based on the classical Chinese novel, "Shui Hu Zhuan" ("Outlaws of the Marsh" or "Water Margin"), by Shi Nai'an and Luo Guanzhong. The novel's concept of the 108 Stars of Destiny then became a defining feature of the video game series and has been featured in every main "Suikoden" game since.

In each main Suikoden game (excluding the "Suikogaiden" games and "Suikoden Tactics"), there are 108 recruitable characters. While recruiting all of the Stars of Destiny is not a requirement to finishing the game, recruiting all of them gives certain bonuses that affect the story of the game.

The Leader of The Stars of Destiny

The leader of the Stars of Destiny in each installment is the "Tenkai Star", who gathers the other Stars together. In all but one of the Suikoden games, the Tenkai Star also serves as the game's main protagonist. The exception is "Suikoden III", which features three "protagonists", none of which are the Tenkai Star. Similarly, in each game the player names the protagonist/Tenkai Star except in "Suikoden III", in which he names the Flame Champion.

The Tenkai Stars in "Suikoden" I-V are:

*"Suikoden I" - Tir McDohl (according to the novelization)
*"Suikoden II" - Riou (according to the novelization)
*"Suikoden III" - Thomas
*"Suikoden IV" - Lazlo (according to the novelization)
*"Suikoden V" - Freyjadour Falenas (according to the novelization)

Considering each player may name the hero of each name differently, controversy has surrounded the question of the heroes' "official" or canonical names. Konami have officially stated that the names Tir and Riou, used in novels based on the events of the first two games, are not officially recognized for the games. Officially, the name given for "Suikoden I"'s hero is "McDohl" (his surname). There is no official given name for "Suikoden" II, IV, or V's heroes, or III's Flame Champion. In "Suikoden" Card Stories (the physical card game, not the GBA game), the hero of "Suikoden II"'s name is just given as the Protagonist.

The Bonus for Recruiting All 108 Stars of Destiny

In each of the games, recruiting all 108 Stars of Destiny has positive effects on the ending of the game and sometimes bestows certain special powers on the player for his use during the story. Evidently, there is something special about the 108 Stars of Destiny, as their gathering brings forth a miracle strong enough to change the course of destiny (a recurring theme in the Suikoden series).

* In "Suikoden I", [Gremio (Suikoden)|Gremio] , Tir McDohl's friend, is resurrected.
* In "Suikoden II", the fourth spell of the Bright Shield Rune, the Forgiver Sign is unlocked. This will allow the Rune of Beginning to heal Jowy Atriedes, saving him from death. Nanami, who was thought dead, will also reveal herself to be alive if all 108 Stars are found.
*In "Suikoden III", gathering all the Stars unlocks the antagonists' point of view and their attempt to change the course of destiny.
*In "Suikoden IV", the Rune of Punishment ends its atonement phase and moves into its forgiveness phase.
* In "Suikoden V", the Sun Rune changes from destructive to nurturing, and brings Lyon back from death.

tars of Destiny Table

For lists of characters by game, see:
*List of Suikoden I characters
*List of Suikoden II characters
*List of Suikoden III characters
*List of Suikoden IV characters
*List of Suikoden V characters
*List of recurring characters in Suikoden

The comparable characters from "Water Margin" are at 108 Stars of Destiny.

See also

*27 True Runes
*108 Stars of Destiny, for the Shui Hu Zhuan characters
*108 (number)

External links

* [http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/genso/ Konami's Official Genso Suikoden Site]
* [http://www.konamistudio.co.jp/lineup/gensou/gensou.htm Saturn Version Official Site]