The Curious Case of the Runes in the Great Generals

[Ormiss]

To be honest, I think any and all discussion on this topic is retroactive continuity at best. In my opinion, it's been pretty clear as the series progressed that the creators of Suikoden didn't really have that much figured out beforehand. However, that doesn't stop it from being an interesting topic.

Aside from the good points about loyalty and the tasks demanded of the generals that have already been brought up, perhaps Windy simply didn't have enough Conqueror Runes to dispense them as she pleased? It's suggested that the Black/Conqueror Runes that are placed on the generals are created and controlled by the "mother rune," the Conqueror Rune worn by Windy, right? Perhaps there's a limit to its power, else a single such (non-True Rune) could give a person potentially amazing powers.

All this aside, I found the Conqueror Runes to be used in a classic, but poor way in Suikoden I. Nothing is more unsatisfying in a roleplaying game than finding out that the person you hate isn't actually evil when you lay the smack down. The Japanese people seem to be enamored with lack of accountability. ;) It was especially ridiculous in Legend of Dragoon... but I won't go off on a tangent here.

[Camus the Noble]

It seems to me that Windy didn't have much of a reason to bewitch those three, or at least Teo and Sonya. Teo was absolutely blinded by loyalty, even when fighting his own son. And once Teo died, Sonya was blinded by rage.

Kasim, however, is a stickier situation. Maybe Windy didn't implant the Runes until after she found out that Ted had the Soul Eater, and by then Kasim had gone to the north? Remember, Teo left the day after his audience, and if Kasim did the same, he would have left several days before Ted's capture.

[Shrew]

As said, the reason was simply because Teo, Sonya, and Kasim didn't want them. It makes sense, since those three always seemed the generals most confident in their own skills.

Milich is arrogant of course, but he seems willing to use any tool available to solidify his power. Kwanda... just never seemed to have much character, so it's hard to analyze him, but he got the most use from the rune. Teo and Kasim, definitely rugged individualists who I can't see accepting help from anyone. Sonya's harder to justify, though I don't believe she felt a strong need for the rune, and if Teo refused it, she'd probably follow suit.
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Fear our Vagueness.

[Camus the Noble]

Oh, I completely missed that. I really have to read these threads more carefully before posting...