One of the many Yagudo spiritual rituals.

An adventurer approaches an Yagudo sanctuary.

The last was the Quadav, the turtle creatures. Seeking those things precious, they grew to become miners and made their home in the swamps of Southern Quon.

There were more beastmen which grew in other parts of the world as well. To the islands of the south west, the mighty Antican's came to power creating a massive catacombs beneath the island chains. The far north islands were home to a giant race of beasts called Gigas. Another race, the Lamia, lived in the lands to the east. A bewitching race of beastmen with an upper body like that of a Hume woman and a lower body resembling that of a venomous serpent.Rumor has it they are not actually beastmen, but something else...

Another of the smaller races were the Imps. While not dangerous, they are the sneaky and troublesome. They are cowards however, and seldom venture from their homeland to the east. The last smaller race was the Sahagins. These fishmen lived in the caves and waters off the coast of the south eastern islands. Together all these "monsters" grew in size and number and soon controlled the mass of the known lands of today.

There was another race as well, the strange Goblins. Unlike other beastmen, Goblins can be found in most regions across Vana'diel. Their flexible lifestyle and adaptability to the surrounding environment have given them the ability to coexist with other beastmen as well as people. Compared to other beastmen, Goblins have developed superior techniques in trades such as smithing and healing. Now adays they are also considered the most religious of the beastmen. Their cousins the Moblins who live deep within the earth have specifically devoted themselves to whorshipping Promathia. With this religion the Goblins and Moblins stay away from the affairs of the other beastmen. It has been said though, that the only real threat of the goblin, is it's high prices.

It is commonly believed the first SmileBringers of the Starlight Celebration were goblins, who brought gifts to good little boys and girls on the holidays.

Over-time, however, 3 new races on the side of right began to fight back against the mindless hordes. The first were the mighty Galka. Blessed with powerful bodies and brute strength the Galka were the first new race to create a civilization on Vana'diel. Centered in the Kuzotz island region the Galka created a massive city spanning the entire island. Having, what they believed, effectively defeated all their enemies there.

Even before the Republic of Bastok, the Galka were masters of sea travel.

But, unbeknownst to them, deep below their kingdom was another beastman army. The Anticans a race of ant-like people who had thrived beneath to south of Kuzotz decided it was time to deal with the Galka. Outnumbering the Galka, the battle soon turned against the Galkan who with their remaining numbers were forced to flee through the ancient tunnels near their capital in hopes of discovering a new world on the other side in which the Antican's could not follow. Though defeated, the Galka did not easily forget, and deep inside them boiled an unstoppable rage and thirst for revenge. Their civilization was in ruins and their enormous cities soon fell to the mighty Anticans and shifting sands of the Kuzotz.

The second race were the Mithra. These cunning quick witted creatures were the stealthy warriors of the time. Due to the lack of male Mithra, the men stayed home to raise children while the women formed the political and warrior classes. Making their home on the islands of the south the Mithra built and maintained a small society on the island chains. Though active in the battles with the beastmen on their islands, they did not seek them out. Protecting their borders was enough for them, and apparently enough for the beastmen, as over time the attacks decreased. It appeared that while not at peace, the beastmen had an understanding with the Mithra.

A mithra fishing off the coast of Elshimo.

The last were the tiny Tarutaru. These little creatures while not very strong, were highly intelligent. Orignally grouped in small clans, which fought endlessly amongst themselves, they soon found a new common enemy in the beastmen. Though they battled valiantly, the Taru peoples were terrified of the massive horde of beastmen. Weary of the never-ending conflict, and declining in number, the taru wandered the world in search of peace.

An average Taru family.

After discovering uncharted lands far to the south of there original homes, they settled down to build a brighter future for their kin, naming the land Windurst. Several decades after the Tarutaru's long journey had come to an end, a young Taru girl exploring the mysterious towers scattered across the outskirts of Windurst lost her way. It was during the time that she came in contact with last of the Kuluu race. She was led to what we today call "The Full Moon Well" and the power of magic was bestowed upon her and her people. It was at this time she was given the magical "Book of the Gods" and had a vision of the future. She saw the life of the taru for hundreds of years into the future. This girl would be come the first Star Sybil.

The first Star Sybil unites the warring Taru factions under her leadership.

Together with her people she worked to harness and understand the mysterious power that had been given to them.
So began the Great Age of Magic.

Empowered by their expanding knowledge and magical abilities the Taru people united themselves under the Star Sybil, as the Federation of Windurst. At the same time the beastmen of this continent, The Yagudo, united to take back the lands which they had claimed for themselves. Working together and uniting the last of the clans, the Taru drove the Yagudo hordes from their lands. After this victory for a time, the Tarutaru lived in peace and harmony. Their race prospered, unified in their knowledge of magic and the solidarity of a new and powerful federation.

A small glimpse at the city of Windurst.

During this time, a group of Mithra uncontent with their life of solitude on Elshimo Island and hearing tales of strange magical beings from the elder mithra scouts decided to venture out into the ocean to see for themselves. The cheiftaness, angered by the disregard for tradition, condemned these actions. Those who left in search of this knowledge were not permitted to return. This did not stop the adventure seeking youth, however, who set off on their journey. Eventually arriving at Windurst, the Mithra, in awe of the Taru were welcomed with open arms. Their strength and tactical skill would prove useful to the weaker Taru. It was a dually beneficial arrangement. The Mithra would be allowed to live in Windurst with taru protection and magics, and in return they would serve as the foot soldiers of the Taru military. Together, they carved and built the town of Mhaura into the cliffs overlooking the sea. It was a reminder to the Mithra that their home was not so far away after all. Mhaura though always a small town in nature, would become a special place in the hearts of Mithra in Windurst. It was a glorious age for both their peoples.

At first the two races experienced an strange awkwardness, but soon learned to live together.

But time would tell a different tale. While the Taru bathed in their knowledge of magic, the other races of the world began to gain knowledge of this power, even the beastmen. Within a short time, magic techniques were employed by others. The powerful magic now in the hands of the reckless and bloodthirsty beastmen was too much for the Taru. Filled with regret, the Tarutaru entered and long era of isolationism. They closed their borders off to all but their friends, the Mithra. And so, the once-proud civilization became more and more out of touch with the rest of the world.

The grand entrance to the city of San d'Oria.

The use of magic would bring both happiness and conflict to the other races of Vana'diel. It was during this time that the insignificant tribe of creatures called Elvaan would rise to power. With the power of magic and the warrior spirit deep within them, the Elvaan would grow to become the most powerful empire of the time. Making their home in deep forests of the oldest known continent, the Kingdom of San d'Oria was formed. With the Tarutaru monopoly on magic broken, the Elvaan were able to create powerful orders of knights who with a unbreakable code of chivalry feared no adversary. Their lack of fear stemmed from their deep religious beliefs in Altana and her guidance. While a King was chosen to rule, the Papsque - the religious leader - was given great authority.

The legendary Chocobo Knights of the San d'Orian army were known through the land for their bravery and honor.

One by one the beastmen strongholds of the old continent fell. Tarutaru villages and towns were crushed by the might of the San d'Orian army. Within a short time, nearly the entire Quon continent had come under San d'Orian control. It was at this time that one of the vassal's of the ruling d'Oraguille family discovered small peninsula at the western most edge of Quon. From here the knights of San d'Oria could head south and sweep around the taru defenses, remaining beastmen, and secure their domination of Vana'diel. Alphollon Tavnazia, the royal vassal, was bestowed title to the land and given the task of constructing a massive fortified city as the front lines of the San d'Orian push south. Over time these lands were known as the Marquisate of Tavnazia and became a second Elvaan kingdom, under rule of the first. From here the battles which conquered the lands of Sauromugue Champaign were planned.

But pride comes before the fall.

With all of San d'Oria's attention to the Taru's and the beastmen of the eastern continent, the southern portion of Quon remained unconquered and uncared for. The inhabitants, the last of the 5 races - the Humes, were deemed too weak to worry about and ignored by the San d'Oria army. During this time a small tribe of the Humes encountered the remnants of the Galkans who had settled in the new lands of southern Quon, after escaping their capitals destruction long ago. It was here that the two races united. The Galkan with their physical strength and the Humes with their ingenuity and search for knowledge. Together the two races formed a powerful alliance under the flag of Bastok. Fortified by the regions rich natural resources and the intelligence-gathering abilities of the Hume race, the nation of Bastok soon turned it's eyes to the north and the Empire of San d'Oria.

Galka and Hume, united, were an unstoppable force.

Before the San d'Orians could mass a force to deal with the new kingdom to the south, the attacks began. Bastok using it's newly created army made quick work of the outlying San d'Orian southern defenses. Meanwhile the Taru's and beastmen to the east launched assault upon assault on the empire's eastern boarder. Finally a massive attack on the defenses at Sauromogue by the taru broke through the lines of knights. Every last Elvaan fought bravely, every last Evlaan was killed. In the south the Bastokan's turned their attention to the key grounds of the Konschtat Highlands. If they could control these lands Bastok would be safe from counter attack. In a battle of epic nature, the San d'Orian knights and Bastokan army battled in the windy meadows of the highlands. The battle lasted for days, but San D'oria made one last push under the leadership of their first female warrior Lady Eldie Mantiant. Bastok was forced from the Highlands, but at a horrible price. The legions of San D'oria had been all but wiped out.

The Elvaan to the east, now faced with the oncoming attack of the Taru, had no choice but to surrender and withdraw to the south. Also the growing pressence of Bastok grew heavy on Tavnazia, which surrendered in order to keep their lands and secure a peace. This was not the final nail in the coffin, however. The Bastokan chemists and iron workers in a rush to supply their troops discovered a new powerful cutting-edge technology, firearms. With these the Bastokan army marched to the Highlands for what would be known as the Second Battle of Konschtat. Here the newly formed Bastokan Musketeer's met the most elite of the San d'Orian Knights, but it was no battle at all...it was a massacre. The knights were riddled and mutilated by the musketeers gunfire. Both people saw the effectiveness of these weapons and stood in shock. The San d'Orians pulled their forces back to the borders of their capital, the outlying towns, forts, and legions open to destruction by the now free to roam beastmen. The Bastokan's shocked by their own power, stopped their assault on San d'Oria at the Highlands, holding the high ground to prevent any future counterattack. None would come.

The Elvaan could do nothing, furious with Bastok for the deemed "unchivalrous" victory and without their former power the kingdom fell into ruin. At the time of the collapse 2 brothers ruled the throne. The first, and oldest King Raigegue was a militaristic man who saw his friends and family die at the hands of Bastok. Gathering the last of the elite troops, he formed the Royal Knights, in hopes of a counter-attack. His younger brother, Prince Fellenant, was a more religious and peaceful man. Around him gathered a loyal group of friends, who would be known as the Temple Knights. Prince Fellenant against his brothers wishes arranged for a meeting between the Bastok leaders and his Temple Knights. There he would offer a final peace in exchange for help dethroning his brother. His proof of peace, the mysterious and powerful magic scepter known as the "Scepter Royaulais". This was bestowed to each king upon his coronation by the papsque. Meanwhile, catching wind of his brother's plan, King Raigegue sent his best and most anti-Bastok knight, Vijortal Caphieux. He and a few other royal knights would join the prince's party saying they wished for peace, and then assassinate him.

It was then, camping in what is now called Ordelle's Cave that the plot was to take place. But, by some strange twist of fate, Vijortal turned against the assassins and stopped the attempt. Though he saved the prince's life, he was mortally wounded. The prince continued on to Bastok and there the Temple Knights and Bastokans agreed to usurp the throne from King Raigegue. Gathering forces he took San d'Oria and crowned himself king, but just before a counter-offensive by Raigegue. It is said that Fellenant had a great vision granted to him by the Scepter Royaulais, and decided not to fight. Though it is unknown what was seen, he stepped down and surrendered to his brother. Since it was deemed long ago that royal blood could not be spilled, Fellenant was placed in the dungeons underneath San d'Oria. With the help of his Temple Knights, he soon escaped through underground tunnels into Junger Forest. It was from here, in the deep woods of Davoi that he waged a war against his brother. This was the start of the great civil war.

Lasting for countless generations the war between the two sides of San d'Oria raged through their lands. Finally, the leader of the Temple Knights, Ranperre, led a final assualt on the capital. Carrying a mystical sword he found deep within the caverns of Davoi and surrounded by his vanguard of Dragoons (which would later grant him the name - The Dragon King) he led his troops into battle. His sword, the Lightbringer, struck a fear into the hearts of both his troops and his enemies. Before the battle could begin, the Royal Knights surrendered for fear of the sword. Without having even unsheathed it, Ranperre had united San d'Oria at last. From his throne he decided the power held by the Lightbringer was too much for one man, and it was sent forth from San d'Oria to Tavnazia as not only a sign of trust and peace, but to be locked away deep within the halls below the city. There it would be protected by the royal family for all time. San d'Oria had come full circle, once a great empire, now a small fledgling kingdom again.

It is said long ago, the Dragon King saved a dragon from death. A pact was made, that upon the kings death, the dragon would protect his hidden tomb for all time.

An early sketch of Bastok.

The fall of San d'Oria ushered in an era of prosperity for Bastok, who upon it's growth declared itself a republic for the people. Hume tradesmen spread across Vana'diel in an unprecedented era of economic development and trade. Establishing trade routes with not only Widurst, but their former enemy of San d'Oria. During this time the Bastokan's decided to expand their industry from mining into fishing. Two towns were started, the beach town of Selbina to the south, and Jeuno to the north.

An artists rendition of one of the first passenger ships to travel between the two continents.

While Selbina brought forth more profit, the town of Jeuno was founded at the intersection of the major kingdoms. It was decided at this time of peace to hold the first Conquest Evaluation Assembly in Jeuno. Attended by each nations top advisors, the Assembly was to outline the boundaries of each kingdom. Eventually, the assembly seeing their armies lacking battles and fearing they would turn weak or worse, against the current leader, set up a system of tournaments called Conflict. Nation's greatest warriors would face off with each other for bragging rights and control of territory outside the bounds of the 3 nations control of the previous year. This did nothing but create unneeded anger amongst the 3 kingdoms and soon was stopped by the assembly.

One of the many "games" was Ballista, in which teams from each nation would compete in battle. Today, the game still exists, but in much more of a sport fashion.

Back in Bastok the fortune's of the Hume's grew quickly, while the Galka - the laborers, received very little. This was the start of the animosity between the two races. The jealousy and anger while only subtle for the time being would eventually take control of the country. But, these thoughts were only in the backs of mind's, as the technological developments proceeded rapidly. This was accelerated with the appearance of the engineering genius named Cid. Through his inventions, the mining of Bastok's lands gathered more precious metals and rare ores then ever seen before. The Republic of Bastok had taken it's place as the 3rd great nation of Vana'diel.