The Conquest of Matilda (マチルダ攻略戦: Machiruda Kouryaku-sen), previously known as the Battle of Rockaxe (ロックアックス攻防戦; Rokkuakkusu Koubou-sen), is the twelfth army battle in Suikoden II.
Description[]
The Conquest of Matilda was a pivotal campaign of the Dunan Unification War. Following their defeat at the Second Battle of Muse, the New State Army turned their attention to Rockaxe and Rockaxe Castle, capital of the Matilda Knightdom, which had surrendered and been annexed by Highland forces.
With Matilda under Highland control, the Highland army’s strength rose to 55,000 troops, while the New State Army fielded only 25,000. To tip the scales, strategist Shu devised a two-pronged strategy: General Kiba Windamier would lead a diversionary attack on Viktor's old Mercenary Fortress, east of Muse, to draw enemy forces away, while the main army advanced on Rockaxe. Members of the force were made up only of soldiers who followed Kiba when he defected from Highland.
Although Highland correctly recognized the decoy, the proximity to their own territory forced them to dispatch troops, including those under Leon Silverberg, to intercept Kiba. This reduced the local garrison, setting the stage for the next phase of Shu's plan. Estimates put the numbers at approximately 30,000 versus 20,000.
In battle, the New State Army initially struggled, but then two units composed of non-combatants disguised as reinforcements appeared on the field. Their sudden arrival spooked the Highland command. Jowy ordered a tactical retreat, unwilling to risk overextending an already tenuous occupation.
Meanwhile, former Matilda Knights, secretly deployed in the prior engagement posing as Gorudo's men, entered Rockaxe.
Ridley Wizen (or Boris Wizen), Hauser, and Teresa each commanded a unit of troops and deployed them against the Knightdom. Shu's plan was that when the enemy appeared, these three units engaged them and fell back. This movement would draw the enemy's main force away from the castle, allowing Riou and a small force to enter the castle. When the enemy took the bait, Commander Riou would then lead a small force into Rockaxe city and then into the castle.
As Highland forces left the city to intercept Hauser, Teresa, and the others outside, Riou and a small infiltration team made their move. The allied knights opened the city gates from the inside, followed by a lesser-used side entrance to Rockaxe Castle. Riou's group advanced through the city and stormed the castle, defeating the Highland troops stationed within. They were ambushed by Gorudo near the top, which lead to tragic events with Nanami. Jowy teamed up with Riou to defeat Gorudo.
Shu entered the castle and found Riou with his sister. He ordered some soldiers to destroy the Matilda flag and replace it with their own. He ordered others to find a doctor.
Meanwhile, outside the city, the knights saw that their flag had been burned and replaced. When it seemed that their loyalty was wavering, Culgan and Seed determined they could continue the battle. Jowy, however, ordered a retreat of the Highland forces.
Game Play[]
After several turns, Jowy will give the signal and three more units, one lead by Culgan, will appear. Once it is the player's turn again, Shu will give the signal for reinforcements, and Jowy will order a retreat.
The Matilda Knights[]
Name | Attack | Defense |
---|---|---|
Matilda Knights (Cavalry) | 7 | 6 |
Matilda Knights (Cavalry) | 7 | 6 |
Matilda Knights (Cavalry) | 7 | 6 |
Name | Attack | Defense |
---|---|---|
Gordeau | 9 | 12 |
The Highland Army Forces[]
Name | Attack | Defense |
---|---|---|
Highland Army (Cavalry) | 8 | 5 |
Highland Army (Archer) | 7 | 4 |
Name | Attack | Defense |
---|---|---|
Highland Army (Archer) | 7 | 4 |
Yuber | 16 | 12 |
Name | Attack | Defense |
---|---|---|
Highland Army (Archer) | 7 | 4 |
Highland Army (Cavalry) | 8 | 5 |
Name | Attack | Defense |
---|---|---|
Jowy | 13 | 11 |
Seed | 15 | 12 |
Name | Attack | Defense |
---|---|---|
Culgan | 12 | 14 |
Highland Army (Cavalry) | 8 | 5 |
Highland Army (Cavalry) | 8 | 5 |
Notes[]
The original Japanese sources, Genso Suikoden Kiwami Daijiten and Genso Suikoden Encyclopaedia, call this battle the Battle of Rockaxe (ロックアックス攻防戦). The Suikoden I & II HD Remaster updated the name to the Conquest of Matilda.
Sources[]
- Genso Suikoden Kiwami Daijiten (page 239)
- Genso Suikoden Encyclopaedia (page 321)