Based on the Chinese novel Shui Hu Zhuan, about the trials and tribulations of a band of outlaws during the mid Song dynasty. It is 1112, the middle kingdom (China) is in turmoil with the present Sung dynasty's government unable to control its own provincial officials from preying on their people. But tales of a band of outlaws punishing these abusive officers called "Taiten Gyoudou" is spreading. Their deeds are giving people hope, so begins an encounter between Suiren, a young village girl believing in the bandits, and "Falling Star" Tai Sou, a traveling swordsman whose skill precedes him. Suikoden (水滸伝) is a Japanese translation for Shui Hu Zhuan. Summary by solitaryCross