108 Stars of Destiny (Suikoden)
The 108 Stars of Destiny in the Suikoden series is based on the classical Chinese novel 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 traditionally the Tenkai Star, with the exception of Suikoden III. In each of these games, the player may input a name of their own choice for these characters. Suikoden III has three possible leaders, with the Tenkai Star being Thomas, the master of the castle the Stars rally. In certain media adaptations of the Suikoden series, the protagonists are usually given a name by the authors of each adaptation.
- The protagonist of the original Suikoden is named Tir McDohl (ティル・マクドール Tiru Makudŏru) in the Drama CD adaptation and in the novelization by Shinjiro Hori and Louie (リューイ) in the manga adaptation. He is addressed only by his surname, McDohl, in the games.
- The protagonist of Suikoden II is named Riou (リオウ) in the Drama CD adaptation and in the novelization by Shinjiro Hori and Tao (タオ) in the manga adaptation.
- The protagonist of Suikoden IV is named Lazlo (ラズロ Razuro) in the novelization by Mie Takase.
- The protagonist of Suikoden V is named Freyjadour (フレイアドゥール Fureiadoūru) in the novelization by Shinjiro Hori, Ardil (アーディル Ādiru) in the manga adaptation, and Faroush (ファルーシュ Farūshu, a portmanteau of his parents' names) in a promotional save file released in Japan.
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 which allows for the following certain abilities to be used in 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, using the combined will of the other 107 Stars of Destiny, Leknaat revives Gremio, Tir McDohl's best friend and bodyguard, after he is killed earlier in the game.
- In Suikoden II, the combined will of the 108 Stars of Destiny unlocks the fourth spell of the Bright Shield Rune, the Forgiver Sign. 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, it is by their power that the Rune of Punishment ended its atonement phase and moved into its forgiveness phase.
- In Suikoden V, the will of the 108 Stars allows the Sun Rune to change from destructive to nurturing and brings Lyon back from death.
- In Suikoden Tierkreis usually referred to as the 'Starbearers' (though called the 108 Stars of Destiny towards the end of the game). Finding all 108 Stars unlocks an extra ending cutscene.
Stars of Destiny Table
The comparable characters from Water Margin are at 108 Stars of Destiny.
See also
- 108 Stars of Destiny, for the Shui Hu Zhuan characters
- 108 (number)