Garlean Empire

Lore & Background

Set in the fantasy realm of Eorzea, the Garlean Empire operates as a hostile force distinct from the crystal-dependent nations. Five years before the game begins, their invasion of Ala Mhigo was stopped only by Midgardsormr's dragon hordes. In response to this threat and internal conflicts, Eorzean leaders united under the Eorzean Alliance. The Empire's actions drive the main narrative: Legatus Nael van Darnus utilizes arcane magic and technology to summon Dalamud. His goal is a purge of beastmen and primals, whom he considers violent pagans. This plot culminates at Castrum Novum, where the beacon for the moon was established before being destroyed by united Eorzean forces.

In Their Own Story

The narrative arc involving the Garlean Empire centers on Legatus Nael van Darnus and his plan to destroy the primals by bringing Dalamud down on Eorzea. While each of the three nations initially attempted to storm Castrum Novum individually, they were repelled. This failure forced their leaders to form a pact, uniting under the banner of the Eorzean Alliance with the help of Adventurers and Garlean defector Cid nan Garlond. Despite destroying the beacon, Nael, insanely committed to her plan, transformed herself into a second beacon. Even after her defeat, Dalamud descended too far to return to orbit. The situation escalated when Dalamud disintegrated, revealing itself as a prison for the elder primal Bahamut, who then laid waste to Eorzea.

Reader's Guide

To understand the Garlean Empire in this source, focus on their role as antagonists driven by Legatus Nael van Darnus. Their primary strategic objective was the summoning of Dalamud via a beacon at Castrum Novum. Players must note that while the Eorzean Alliance could repel initial assaults and storm the fortress, Nael's personal sacrifice ensured the moon's descent. The source highlights specific turning points: the formation of the Eorzean Alliance after individual failures, the discovery of the beacon by Cid nan Garlond, and the final confrontation at the Carteneau Flats where Dalamud fell. The Empire's actions directly triggered the cataclysm that sent Adventurers into a time rift.

Did You Know?

• The source states Nael van Darnus made herself into a second beacon after being defeated by the Adventurers.
• Garlean Legatus Gaius van Baelsar is identified as leading the Garlean presence provoking conflicts within Eorzean nations.
• The Empire invaded Ala Mhigo five years prior to the start of the game but was prevented from conquering Eorzea by Midgardsormr.
• Dalamud was revealed to be a prison for the elder primal Bahamut upon its disintegration during the battle at Carteneau Flats.