Suikoden Lore - Richmond's Backstory

Summary

This video delves into the backstory of Richmond, the self-proclaimed best detective in Ratattown, as explored in the short story 'Lavender Village, Murder Case.' The story follows Richmond’s investigation into a murder attempt during the Gate Rune War. As Richmond unravels the mystery, he discovers connections to the Scarlet Moon Empire and a complex revenge plot involving a young girl named Real. Ultimately, the story explores themes of guilt, redemption, and justice, culminating in a revealing confrontation. Although not canon to the games, the narrative offers a deeper understanding of Richmond’s character and motivations.

Takeaways

• 🕵️ Richmond is a self-proclaimed top detective in Ratattown, whose backstory is largely unexplored in the games but detailed in the short story 'Lavender Village Murder Case.'
• 🏰 The story takes place during the Gate Rune War, around the time the South Window and Tinto forces invaded the Sen region of the Scarlet Moon Empire.
• 🚨 Richmond arrives in Radit Town and discovers Milan, a man gravely injured in a locked room, with his wife Rose beside him.
• 💊 Richmond quickly saves Milan’s life by coordinating with the innkeeper and a doctor and begins investigating the attempted murder.
• 🗝️ Investigation reveals that the room was locked, untouched, and nothing was stolen, pointing to an attempted murder by someone familiar with Milan.
• 🔍 Richmond interrogates the inn’s guests, narrowing down suspects to Dogu, a suspicious swordsman, and Bolans, who had a motive related to Milan’s sword.
• ⚔️ Milan’s ornate sword, the 'Seven Treasure Rising Dragon,' is a key clue, symbolizing loyalty to the Scarlet Moon Empire and linking the case to past conflicts.
• 😢 Real, the inn’s maid, attempted to kill Milan as revenge for the empire’s attack on her village, mistakenly believing he was responsible for her family’s death.
• 🗡️ A confrontation ensues with Dogu threatening everyone, but Richmond and Real ultimately stop him, revealing the full truth about past events and motivations.
• 🐱 After the case, Real leaves the inn and Richmond names her kitten Bianca, establishing a personal connection and rounding out Richmond’s backstory.
• 📚 The story, while not officially canon to the games, provides rich detail on Richmond’s first major case, his detective skills, and his moral judgment.

Q & A

Who is Richmond and what is he known for?

Richmond is a self-proclaimed best private detective in Ratattown. He is known for his sharp investigative skills and no-nonsense approach to solving crimes.

What is the source of Richmond's backstory?

Richmond's backstory is explored in the short story 'Lavender Village Murder Case,' included in the Genzo Sweeten Short Story Collection 4, released in Japan in June 2002.

When does the story of 'Lavender Village Murder Case' take place?

The story takes place during the events of the Gate Rune War, around the time when the South Window and Tinto forces invaded the Sen region of the Scarlet Moon Empire.

How does Richmond first get involved in the murder case?

Richmond arrives in Radit Town and hears a man scream in the distance. He finds Milan, a silver-haired man, seriously injured in Lavender Village, prompting him to investigate the attempted murder.

Who are the initial suspects in the attack on Milan?

The initial suspects without alibis are Dogu, a swordsman; Bolans, a traitor; and an unnamed woodcutter.

What is the significance of Milan's sword in the story?

Milan's sword, the 'Seven Treasure Rising Dragon,' is an ornate weapon symbolizing loyalty to the Scarlet Moon Empire. Its presence links the attempted murder to past events involving the Empire and provides the key clue to the case.

Who actually attempted to kill Milan and why?

The maid, Real, attempted to kill Milan as an act of revenge. She believed he was responsible for her village's destruction and her parents' deaths after seeing his sword, which had been held by the officer who attacked her village.

How does Richmond resolve the conflict with Dogu and Real?

Richmond pieces together the motive, confronts the suspects, and the conflict climaxes with Milan’s sword flying from the staircase, accidentally wounding Dogu. Real chooses not to kill Milan after learning his true identity and past remorse.

What role does Richmond's investigative skill play in the story?

Richmond uses careful observation, questioning, and deduction to identify motives and track the connection between the sword, the suspects, and past events. His insight uncovers the true perpetrator and prevents further bloodshed.

What happens to Real at the end of the story?

Real leaves the inn quietly, feeling guilty for causing trouble, but entrusts her kitten to Richmond, who names it Bianca.

Is Richmond's backstory considered canon in the game series?

Technically, the backstory from the short story is not canon to the game. However, unless contradicted by future game appearances, it can be treated as his de facto backstory.

What themes are explored in the 'Lavender Village Murder Case'?

The story explores themes of revenge, guilt, redemption, and the moral consequences of war, while showcasing Richmond’s detective skills and ethical decision-making.