City-States: Gridania, Limsa Lominsa, Ul'dah - Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV, FF14)

CITY-STATES

The three starting city-states in Final Fantasy XIV:

Gridania

"Each tree, each shrub, each leaf, each blade of grass—we treat them as our own sons and daughters. And for that we are loved by this wood."
—master conjurer and prophet, O-Guna-Por

In the eastern reaches of the Aldenard landmass, home to vast, dense woodlands and coursing rivers, lies the forest nation of Gridania. The cityscape is a mosaic of labyrinthine waterways and great wooden structures, so gracefully constructed they seem a part of the surrounding environment.

The Gridanian emphasis on natural harmony has led to its preeminence among Eorzea's city-states in trades such as forestry, agriculture, carpentry, and leatherworking. Gridania is also home to the Wood Wailers, a militant band of polearm-wielding sentries charged with the protection of their homeland.

The favored goddess of the citizenry is Nophica, the Matron, but great faith is also placed in the wisdom of the Seedseers—young oracles who guide the nation based on the will of the forest's elementals.

Limsa Lominsa

"No man may tread upon me, for I am the sea."
—77th Admiral of Limsa Lominsa, N'bolata Tyata

On the southern coast of the island of Vylbrand, under the shadow of ancient cliffs worn by the relentless onslaught of the Rhotano Sea, lies the marine city-state of Limsa Lominsa. Said to be blessed by the goddess of navigation, Llymlaen, the city is spread out over countless tiny islands, each connected by brilliant ivory bridges. It is this that has earned her the name of "Navigator's Veil" from traveling bards who have witnessed the city's beauty from afar.

Legend holds that Limsa Lominsa was founded shortly after the remnants of a giant armada fled its homeland following a crushing defeat. Llymlaen is said to have taken pity on the plight of these brave sailors, and guided them to the shallows of a rocky bay where their ships were grounded upon the sharp rocks. With no home to return to, the sailors chose to settle in this newly-found land, and used the remnants of their vessels to begin construction of a city.

However, the sailors never forgot their nautical backgrounds, and once a new fleet was in order, they would take to the waters again. It was only a matter of time before their influence had spread and they ruled the five seas of Eorzea. Thus the Limsan thalassocracy was born.

Remnants of this legend live on even today in the nation's ruling party, whose members still address their leader as Admiral.

While fishing and shipbuilding are prominent, a majority of the city's wealth comes from the shipping industry, with over half of the city's population being employed in logistics. To maintain shipping routes, the thalassocracy employs a powerful navy known as the Knights of the Barracuda, who patrol the Eorzean seas, ensuring safe passage for all those who do business with the nation.

However, even in the waters nearby the city, pirate bands run rampant, reaving and pillaging, leading neighboring nations to suspect that the Knights of the Barracuda and the local bandits are in some way working together to profit off of unwary traders.

Ul'dah

"Everyone here is after something—fame, notoriety, power, money. Me? I'll have the whole bloody lot."
—self-made Lalafell and former Syndicate Member, Cicidoa Sosodoa

The bustling commercial hub of Ul'dah sits amid the desolate desert landscape of southern Aldenard. The city is organized strategically around the dome-shaped citadel at its center. Its towering fortifications and protective outer walls are visible for malms in all directions, and serve as a stark deterrent to would-be besiegers.

Visitors from every corner of Eorzea come to Ul'dah to partake of the city's famed recreation, most notably the fighting arenas and gambling halls. Ul'dahn culture is known for its affluence, and the wealth of the nation comes in large part from its abundant mineral resources and prestigious clothcrafting industry.

Historically, it is the sultan who claims sovereignty over Ul'dah, but true power is wielded by the Syndicate, an elite group of six of the most influential and richest members of society. Nald'thal is the patron deity of the city, and two great halls, devoted to his two aspects, can be found in the eastern and western sections of the city.