Category:History

The history of Vana'diel is not completely known and is revealed to us through the plot of the game or outside sources like the PlayOnline website (especially, previously, through the Vana'diel Tribune), books, magazine articles, or interviews with game creators.

(still in progress) roughly 1/3 complete. Right now it only tells the the San d'Orian history. A lot of construction to be done.

Pre-History

All events before the dawn of the Crystal Era (C.E. 1) are considered pre-history. The formation of the world Vana'diel and the histories of the Zilart, Kuluu, Olduum, and Alzadaal civilizations are included in this.

Little is known of the world before the Vana'diel of today since the FFXI player is not given an omniscient view of history. Ancient history is explored in some detail through missions and quests.

Age of Beasts

The age where Beastmen ruled over people, except Mithra and Galka which both were able to establish their own, separate civilizations.

About 800 years ago, so long ago that the Crystal Era history can still be counted on one's fingers. It seems that a small number of Humes lived on the continent of Quon, divided into several tribes.

Also, the Mindartian continent seems to have been inhabited by the Yagudo even earlier. Neither the Humes nor the Yagudo had a written language at that time. So we don't know much about that period.

Year(C.E.)	Date	Event Name	Details
-3000			Date of the oldest known evidence of a Hume village, in Dangruf Wadi.
1		Age of Judgment	Alzadaal civilization falls to ruin to the battle between Odin and Alexander.
1		Advent of the Goddess	Night is banished for an entire year when the star Gordeus of the Alexander constellation goes supernova. This is used to start the western calendar and the beginning of the Crystal Era.
2			By the beginning of Year 2, the Advent of the Goddess had faded.

Age of Exodus

The Elvaan, a hunting tribe who came from a continent further north than Quon, established a settlement in the northern part of the Quon continent. They must have come in search of abundant prey.

Around the year 200 of the Crystal Era, the Tarutaru, a wandering people, came to Mindartia and settled on the plains of Sarutabaruta, although it is not clear where they came from.

Furthermore, around the year 220 of the Crystal Era, the Galka, who had been living on the island of Zepwell, were defeated in battle with the Antica and migrated to the southern part of the Quon continent.

Year(C.E.)	Date	Event Name	Details
190 (approx.)			Large parties of Elvaan from the north begin settling northern Quon.
200 (approx.)			The Elvaan split into tribes Galleon*, Fauchevelle*, Bulletoran*, San d’Oria (Tribe), Coumlaud, and Chatiffe*, spreading across the continent of Quon. (*=spelling might be off) After decades of wandering in search of their "Promised Land", the Tarutaru tribes finally arrive in Southern Mindartia.
220 (approx.)			The Galka are driven off Zepwell Island by the Antican Empire and take up refuge in the mountains of southern Quon.

Age of Magic

The introduction of magic and the rise and fall of the Windurstian Empire.

Age of Conquerors

Once these five tribes came to coexist on one continent, this marked the beginning of the Age of Conquerors.

In the year 219 of the Tarutaru calendar, a Tarutaru girl, later known as the first Star Sibyl, discovered magic, and the lives of the Tarutaru, who had lived in peace and tranquility until then, changed drastically. Their chiefs, who had been quarreling among themselves in small tribal groups, reconciled and formed the Federation of Windurst.

Then began a massive frontier movement, to the north and east, in search of more territory. Their first target was the land of the Yagudo, an ancient inhabitant of the same Mindartian continent. The Yagudo were intimidated by their first encounter with magic and easily succumbed to the Tarutaru, who were much smaller than they were. In their eyes, magic was nothing more than a miracle.

Now, having conquered Mindartia at breakneck speed, the Federation next set its sights on the vast continent of Quon, which lay just a stone's throw away across the Jeuno Strait. There, the strong and valiant Elvaan were already living in separate tribes. But they were no match for the Windurstian Battle Mages, who had a monopoly on magic, and the Norvallen region was occupied.

Then came the military genius, Grand Martial Lungo-Nango, and the whole of Quon fell under his command.

Year(C.E.)	Date	Event Name	Details
219			A young Tarutaru female named Rimilala discovers magic.
291			The Quadav invade present day Derfland, capturing Pashhow Marshlands.
294			The Tarutaru tribes join to form The Federation of Windurst.
301			The Quadav begin construction of Beadeaux.
328			Heavens Tower is completed.
332			The War Warlocks are formed.
337			The War Warlocks launch an offensive on the capital of the indigenous Yagudo, Castle Oztroja.
342			The Federation of Windurst crosses the Strait of Jeuno, invading Norvallen. This begins the war known as Struggle Against Magic.
343			The Galleon Elvaan of Norvallen are powerless against the magic of Windurst and surrender to them.
347			Norvallen is made an official territory governed by Windurst. This begins the Subjugation of the Elvaan.
370			A Windurst army, led by Lungo-Nango, invades Ronfaure, destroying the San d'Orian tribe.
371			The Windurst army invades Zulkheim, destroying the combined forces of the Fauchevelle, Bulletoran, and San d'Orian tribes.
372			The Windurst army presses on into Gustaberg. The mountain-dwelling Chatiffe tribe battle against them using guerrilla tactics.
373			The last fortification of the Chatiffe, Fort Morteuge, falls. Warlock Warlord Lungo-Nango defeats the Elvaan inhabiting Quon, bringing both continents under Federation control.
374			Ronfaure and Zulkheim become official territories of Windurst.

The Rise of San d'Oria

The Elvaan ancestors did not remain under the control of the Federation of Windurst all these years. It had to wait, however, until the birth of a hero, Lanfeaur d'Oraguille. He formed an alliance with Quadavs, and succeeded in getting the continent of Quon back into the hands of the Elvaan, free from the influence of the Tarutaru. Thus, the Kingdom of San d'Oria was founded.

Year(C.E.)	Date	Event Name	Details
375			A method of using Chocobos as riding mounts is invented by the Wellpard of the Bulletoran Elvaan tribe.
376			Lanfeaur is selected to be the leader of the San d'Orian tribe.
377			Lanfeaur leads a unit of young men in an assault on Ronfaure, and occupies the territory.
378			On the orders of Windurst, Galleon and Bulletoran Elvaan invade Ronfaure, but are pushed back by the San d'Oria (Tribe).
379			The young Arefeauron Tavnazia, of the Bulletoran tribe, joins forces with Lanfeaur D'Oraguille.
380			The San d'Oria (Tribe) are victorious over the Bulletoran and Fauchevelle tribes, and take control of Zulkheim.
381		Meeting of Lanfeaur and Du'Dha	Lanfeaur meets with the Quadav King, Du'Dha the Everyoung.
382			Windurst leads a second offensive against the Elvaan, striking from Norvallen. Lanfeaur works with the Quadav and they ambush the Windurst army in Jugner Forest and Pashhow Marshlands, driving them back.
383			Arefeauron meets with the mountain-dwelling Chatiffe tribe, and convinces them to ally with Lanfeaur.
385		Establishment of San d'Oria	The Kingdom of San d'Oria is founded by King Lanfeaur d'Oraguille in a meeting with several important Elvaan.
385			The retainer Arefeauron (founding Marquis of Tavnazia) is assigned to the Western peninsula of Quon.
387			Lanfeaur conforms all currency under the unit Noit.
388			The Marquis of Tavnazia, Arefeauron, dies.
390			To facilitate the minting of currency, the nation’s blacksmiths are gathered together under a single guild. This is the forming of the first Blacksmith's Guild.
391			The Royal Knights are formed with Fainevlure Ordelle appointed as their first captain.
398			Samariri, a Tarutaru peace officer, tells Elvaan of the ways of Magic.
399			The Royal Knights invade Norvallen under the direction of Fainevlure. They sweep through six units of War Warlocks, and take Fort Jabigogo. This begins the Cleansing of Quon. This also marks the beginning of the Age of Power.

Age of Power

The rise and fall of the San d'Orian Empire.

Year(C.E.)	Date	Event Name	Details
401			King Lanfeaur’s cousin, Phulmvonne Shahkam, receives jurisdiction over Norvallen.
403			Castle D’Oraguille is completed.
410		Formation of the San d'Orian Church	The Kingdom of San d'Oria officially recognizes the Goddess.
412			King Lanfeaur dispatches a messenger to Windurst
412			A non-aggression pact is suggested as a way to restore Lungo-Nango’s tarnished reputation.
413			Windurst signs the non-aggression pact. The Marquisate of Tavnazia is officially recognized by Windurst.
414			As a result of cultural exchanges with Windurst, San d'Oria adopts the use of the Crystal Era calendar.
420			Breaking the non-aggression pact, King Lanfeaur invades the Mindartia continent, setting up a fort in Sauromugue. A gold rush erupts in the Gusgen Mountains, resulting in an influx of Hume settlers in the area.
421			The Ironblood King Lanfeaur passes away in camp.
421			Lanfeaur’s third son, Resviel, with the support of the church, incarcerates his brothers as heretics. He is then crowned the “King of Hope,” as San d'Oria’s second ruler.
422			Construction on a grand cathedral begins.
423		The Serial Arson Scandal	Tarutaru wizards wreak havoc in San d'Oria’s capital.
424			In an attempt to restore public order, the Temple Knights are formed.

Bastok's Independence

Most of the Hume also lived on the Quon continent for a long time, but their population was small. Moreover, most of them lived in remote areas, wastelands with sparse vegetation. Therefore, there was no chance for them to participate in the hegemony of the continent.

But, the land that the Elvaan had ridiculed as barren and unsuitable for chocobo pastures and the Tarutaru dismissed as useless land where no crops would grow even if magic was applied, was in fact a land of enormous bounty. It was a treasure trove of mythril, gold, platinum, and other mineral resources.

Hume miners came from all over the world triggered by the gold rush at Mount Gusgen. It was only natural for them to turn against San d'Oria, who did nothing but take a cut of the money. Eventually, the Hume gained a capable leader named Ironman Meyer, who used his technological prowess to build Fort Bastok. Then, they joined forces with the Galkan people and succeeded in defeating the Royal Knights, who were thought to be invincible at the time. Thus, the Republic of Bastok was born.

Bastok, a group of drifters compared to the governments and armies around the world, had developed a novel system: a king elected by the people, a presidential system. And the Republican Army, an army of the people, by the people, for the people.

Furthermore, with the invention of new weapons such as cannons and firearms, and the influx of enormous wealth from the increased production of mineral resources, Bastok developed into a powerful nation that surpassed Windurst and San d'Oria, despite being a newly emerging nation.

Year(C.E.)	Date	Event Name	Details
456			A gold rush causes an influx of Hume miners in the Kingdom’s capital.
457			Led by Mayer, the Humes and Galkan laborers rise up against the San d'Oria Army and win their independence.
458			The Temple Knights banish all Hume.
460			For their achievements in upholding public order, the Temple Knights are recognized as an official branch of the military.
463			The Royal Knights subjugate a settlement of Hume and Galka robbers.
466			Due to a clever trick by Windurst, the Royal Knights abandon Garlaige Citadel in Mindartia.
474			Due to an unprecedented boom of development in the capital, and the increasing demand for weapons for the army, a Woodworking guild is formed.
485			San d'Oria holds a grand festival for its 100th anniversary.
487			The Royal Knights suppress a band of robbers barricaded in Bastok valley.
489		Phern's Rebellion	Baron Gheorlmitt Phern plots with the Queen to overthrow the royal family.
491			Phern’s forces surrender to the Temple Knights.
491			A parade is held for the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Knights.
491			The fortifications surrounding the capital city of Bastok are finished.
492			Baron Phern is executed.
494			The Republic of Bastok is formed and Mayer is elected the first president.
497			The Republican Constitution is completed.

Age of Warfare

The three nations were formed, San d'Oria, Bastok, and Windurst. The native beastmen, such as the Yagudo cultists and the Quadav soldiers, also began to expand their power with strong leaders. And from the north, the mighty Orcish hordes finally began invasion of Quon. All of them are powerful nations of equal strength. Therefore, the Age of Warfare continued for 300 years, with no one knowing when the wars would end.

The Mithra became very active as pirates, mercenaries, or Windurstian marines.

Year(C.E.)	Date	Event Name	Details
503			The Great King Charambille orders the construction of Phanauet Channel.
503			President Mayer is assassinated by a Galkan youth.
526			Leather becomes fashionable amongst the aristocracy and the royal family, so a Leathercrafting guild is established to meet the demand.
538			King Charambille passes away.
538			Phanauet Channel opens.
542			The San d'Orian Cathedral is completed after 120 years of construction.
558			The Warking Acheufagais is enthroned.
559			The Orcish Imperial Army lands on the northern shores of Quon.
560		Warking Auchefagais' Conquest of the East	King Acheufagais accompanies an elite force of knights across the Strait of Jeuno. They force Windurst to surrender four fortresses and then abandon them, returning home to Quon.
561		Battle of Thousandfall Ridge	King Acheufagais defeats 1,000 Orcs with brutal force which leads to the naming of Thousandfall Ridge.
563			King Acheufagais leads the Royal Knights into Konschtat Highlands, assaulting several Hume settlements.
563		The First Battle of Konschtat	King Acheufagais and the Royal Knights clash with the Bastokan army in Konschtat Highlands. The Gusgen Mine is destroyed.
564			Victory Arch is completed in honor of Acheufagais. A magnificent ceremony is held upon his triumphant return home.
565			King Acheufagais selects a group of elite knights to serve as his personal guard.
567			King Acheufagais dies due to complications from wounds suffered in battle. Rumors of foul play circulate amongst the aristocracy.
568			Acheufagais’s cousin, Marelinne, is made Queen.
575			Queen Marelinne begins her journey around the continent of Quon.
580			Queen Marelinne marries Count Phildenan of Tavnazia.
586			Queen Marelinne’s troupe shipwrecks against the Achaque Mountains.
588			The search for Queen Marelinne is called off.
588			Hunterking Dormillique ascends to the throne.
604			King Dormillique forbids hunting in the woods of East Ronfaure.
614			Delegates from the Western lands have an audience with King Dormillique.
626			King Dormillique holds an international swordsman tournament in San d’Oria's capital. The winner is Grand Knight Silvelliffe.
630			In the woods of Ronfaure, the sporting event known as Ballista is developed (a form of Conflict)
641			King Dormillique dies.
642		The Fifth Yagudo War	The Fifth Yagudo War between The Federation of Windurst vs The Yagudo Theomilitary
644			In an attempt to repair the royal family’s impending financial crisis, Prime Minister Romovia institutes a plan for economic reform.
647			Romovia cuts down on area allocated for the Church.
651			Romovia is assassinated.
663			The Orcish Imperial Army tunnels through the northern mountains and attacks Norvallen.
664		The Great Orcish Incursion	Lord Falledemion and his knights repel the Orcish forces.
665			Lord Falledemion is recognized as a great hero, and his image is carved into Victory Arch.
685		The Palborough Mines Cleansing	Battle between The Republic of Bastok and The Quadav Shieldwarriors.
686			Wolfking Raigegue ascends to the throne.
690			The Tavnazia Knights enter Castle D’Oraguille.
690			King Raigegue leads the Royal Knights on an invasion of Gustaberg.
691		The Second Battle of Konschtat	In Konschtat Highlands, King Raigegue engages the Republican Army, but is ultimately forced to make a strategic withdrawal.
693		Prince Ferrenan’s Rebellion	King Raigegue once again departs for La Theine Plateau. Prince Ferrenan takes advantage of his absence and attempts to gain control over the capital. He ultimately fails and is imprisoned.
694			Construction begins on Bostaunieux Oubliette.
696			Prince Ferrenan escapes from prison.

Age of Technology

The rise of Bastok and Jeuno.

Year(C.E.)	Date	Event Name	Details
701			Bostaunieux Oubliette is completed.
702		The disunion of the Kingdom of San d'Oria	Prince Ferrenan proclaims himself King. This begins the Era of Two Kings.
705			Marquis Phenallus of Tavnazia declares their neutrality.
720			The cultivation of Rolanberries becomes very popular around the outskirts of Jeuno.
755			Baron Torresapet Ordelle is appointed an official explorer.
761			The Orcish Empire of Quon sends an advance party to invade Ronfaure.
768			Baron Torresapet Ordelle is sent to inspect the limestone caverns in La Theine Plateau (known today as Ordelle's Caves). He dies shortly after.
782			Dragonking Ranperre receives his title.
783			King Ranperre is bestowed with a holy sword from the North.
786		The Elshimo Campaign	The combined naval forces of Tavnazia and Bastok clash with the Windurst navy near Elshimo, handing them a crushing defeat.
812		The Seventh Yagudo War	The Seventh Yagudo War between The Federation of Windurst and The Yagudo Theomilitary.
815		The reunification of the Kingdom of San d'Oria	King Ranperre gains victory over Gjohomberg*.
816		The Three Month Monarchy	With the support of Bastok, King Gjohnberre*’s defeated party establish an independent state in Norvallen. However, they are soon subjugated by Erpalacion and Volledyne.
816			Erpalacion’s whereabouts are unknown. The school of Dragoons cease to exist.
817			For his efforts in suppressing the insurrection, Volledyne is made Count and assigned to Jugner.
817			King Ranperre creates the official San d'Orian flag still in use today.
824			King Destin is born.
829		The Black Dragon’s Wrath	The black dragon, Vrtra, swoops down and begins wreaking havoc.
830			King Ranperre storms into Vrtra’s den and exterminates the black dragon. He is awarded the title of “Dragonking” for his victory.
831			The construction of King Ranperre's Tomb is completed. The black dragon Vrtra is sealed within.
832			King Ranperre passes away.
832			King Grantieul is enthroned.
843			Baron Periduke is inaugurated as Prime Minister.
845			In order to repair the royal family’s financial state, Prime Minister Periduke outlines a plan for economic reform.
847			Periduke designs several revisions to the kingdom’s penal code.
850			Marquis Rochefogne of Tavnazia is born.
851			While chasing game on the Royal Hunting Grounds, King Grantieul and his ten body guards are ambushed and killed by a single Orc, Doggvdegg . The Crown Prince Destin is wounded and barely escapes with his life.
851			Destin ascends to the throne, but is considered to be a temporary placeholder due to the previous King’s sudden demise.
853			King Destin marries.
854			A Multinational Expedition team is formed between the Royal Knights, delegates from Windurst, and the captain of the Mythril Musketeers, Raogrimm.
854			The Multinational Expedition Team sets off on their journey from Bastok.
855			Rumors of a “Shadow Lord” sweep through San d'Oria’s capital.
857			Ferry service between Selbina and Mhaura is established.
858	8		The Shadow Lord’s Army clashes with the Orciish Empire in the Northlands.
858	9		Temple Knights, under the direct supervision of Periduke, uncover a plot to assassinate King Destin. According to the suspect’s testimony, he was also responsible for the assassination of the late King.
858	11		To clear any lingering suspicion, the cathedral holds a grand coronation ceremony for King Destin. The Papsque himself bestows Destin with the Crown of the Gryphon.
859	3	Establishment of the Grand Duchy of Jeuno	Kam'lanaut, a representative of Jeuno, is awarded the title of Archduke by the three nations.
859	11		Gigas mercenaries disembark on Valdeaunia.
860	9		Prince Trion is born.
861			The Shadow Lord gather Beastmen leaders to Castle Zvahl and proclaims the destruction of the human nations.
862	2		Prince Pieuje is born.

Crystal War and Age of Adventurers

The war between the Shadow Lord's army of Beastmen and the nations of the Middle Lands: lasted for roughly 4 years. The years since the war, leading up to and including the present.

Year(C.E.)	Date	Event Name	Details
862	4	Battle of Jugner	A mixed army of Beastmen invade Norvallen. The Crystal War begins.
862	5	Siege of San d'Oria	The Orcish Army storms San d'Oria’s capital. After a fierce battle, the Royal Knights manage to repel them.
862	7		Selbina declares itself a neutral city.
862	8	The Ru’lude Conference	Responding to Eald'narche’s summons, King Destin travels to Jeuno to meet with representatives of Bastok and Windurst.
862	9	The Formation of the Allied Forces of Altana	The four nations of the humans form a temporary union, creating an allied force.
862	10		Muchanne, leader of the Temple Knights, is assassinated. (Prevailing theory is by a Tonberry)
862	11		The Royal Knights rush reinforcements to Fort Karugo-Narugo, helping Windurst to repel the Beastmen threat there.
862	11		A multi-national high echelon of fighters, the Hydra Corps, is formed.
862	12		The Royal Knights complete Garlaige Citadel.
862	12		The Beastmen Army’s main forces amass around Jeuno.
863	1		Garlaige Citadel is destroyed.
863	1	The Battle of Jeuno	The Beastmen launch their offensive from the outskirts of Jeuno.
863	2		The main forces of the Beastmen Army move towards the Tavnazian Peninsula.
863	3		Tavnazia falls.
863	4	Battle of Xarcabard	The main units of the Allied Forces of Altana gather in Xarcabard, engaging the Beastmen.
863	7	Siege of Castle Zvahl	Castle Zvahl is surrounded by the forces of Altana.
863	8		The Hydra Corps disappear without a trace.
863	8		Castle Zvahl falls.
863	9		The Shadow Lord is sealed.
864	1		Shamonde P Grauche is inaugurated as Papsque.
864	2		The Orcish Empire begins withdrawing from the continent of Quon.
864	3		Representatives of the four nations gather in Jeuno, and the Crystal War is officially proclaimed to be over.
864	4		Excenmille chases the remaining Orcs from the Quon continent.
865		The Multi-national Agreement	Jeuno holds a post-war conference. Eald'narche proposes continuing positive relations between the four nations, and it is unanimously accepted.
866			Eald'narche has an audience with Papsque Shamonde.
868		The Currency Union	The kingdom’s monetary unit, the Noit, is abandoned in favor of Jeuno’s currency, Gil.
869			Queen Leaute passes away.
875			The Orcs capture the town La Vaule on the outskirts of Jugner Forest for use as their stronghold. They name it Davoi.
877			Beastmen activity begins to intensify in several regions. People begin to whisper about the possible return of the Shadow Lord.
878			Improvements to Port San d'Oria begin for the accommodation of airships.
879			Reports of Fort Ghelsba, an Orcish outpost, are confirmed.
881			Airship travel between San d'Oria and Jeuno is established.
883			The Orcish Army once again invades Ronfaure, but are repelled by the Royal Knights.
883			Kam'lanaut proposes Conquest as a means to ascertain political boundaries.
884		Selbina Pact for Conquest	The “Selbina Pact” is signed. Conquest is instituted.

Events that happen at the present or soon after:

• Excenmille returns home to San d'Oria. With him, he brings the idea to revive Ballista.

Events that likely happen farther down the line, but can potentially happen at the same time as the events above:

• There is a "food market" crash, which leads to the expanding of the types of meals adventurers use to empower themselves.
• Aht Urhgan and Windurst establish a ferry service. Aht Urhgan invites mercenaries to join the battle against the Beastmen, the Corsairs, and newly arisen Black Coffin. The Wildcat Sentinels sends recruiters to the Middle Lands to advertise their group.
• With the success of Ballista, Volker suggests Brenner, a CONFLICT event with a much more bloodier past, be reintroduced.
• The Colosseum, where Pankration takes place, reopens after much petition.

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