The Events of the Crystal War - WotG article

[Elmer the Pointy]

http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl01.jpg

Piecing Together the Story of Altana


Source: Dengeki #400
Translated by: Elmer the Pointy
Posted on: bluegartr.com


http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl02.jpg


http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/chief.jpg Chief: So who is this President Prien guy anyway?
http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/plode.jpg Plode: Isn’t he that guy who rose from engineer to become the President and hero of Bastok?
http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/osho.jpg Osho: Well, we aren’t gonna find any more information in the game about him, so let’s compare the timeline to these pictures and see what we can expect in “Wings of the Goddess.”

What was the Crystal War?
“Wings of the Goddess” delves into the events surrounding the Crystal War, which was a great conflict spanning across the years 862-864 of the Crystal Era. The races of mankind fought against the forces of the Shadow Lord. As the war began, the races were divided, but soon they banded together as the Allied Forces of Altana, and by making a final strike against Castle Zvahl, brought about the end of the conflict.

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The Events of the Crystal War

• 854 – The three nations work together, sending an expeditionary team to investigate the North led by Mythril Musketeer Raogrimm.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 855 – News from the expeditionary team ceases.[/*:m:feeaa]
• Rumors of a Shadow Lord begin to spread through each nation.[/*:m:feeaa]
• Rumors of the birth of a new Quadav King begin to surface in Bastok.[/*:m:feeaa]

The New Quadav King: Za’Dha Adamantking
In the year 855, rumors began to surface in Bastok that a new lord of the Quadav had been crowned. The chosen one was Za’Dha Adamantking, the strongest warrior amongst the entire Quadav army. The Quadav King screenshot must be Za’Dha, according to the years we have been given. According to the trailer, we can assume his opponents, to which he is saying, “You will choose—surrender or death!” is the group of soldiers just prior to his scene. During the Crystal War, the Quadav were technically against all humans, but they had a particularly special rivalry with Bastok.
http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl03.jpghttp://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl04.jpg
The white-shelled Za’Dha leads the forces of the Quadav. His main opponent is most likely Bastok.

• 859 – The Shadow Lord’s forces disembark on the continent of Mindartia. The Yagudo Theocracy pledges allegiance to the Shadow Lord.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 859.3 – {The Founding of Jeuno} The three nations recognize Kam’lanaut as the Archduke of the Grand Duchy of Jeuno.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 859.11 – Gigas mercenaries disembark on to Valdeaunia.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 860 – Bastok’s Mythril Musketeers receive confirmation on the construction of Castle Zvahl.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 861 – The Shadow Lord gathers the various beastman leaders to Castle Zvahl and proclaims the destruction of all mankind.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 861.1 – Zonpa-Zippa of the Manustery in Windurst invents the “Cardian.”
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 862.4 – {The Crystal War Erupts} A mixed army of Beastmen invades Norvallen.[/*:m:feeaa]

The Beastmen Invade Norvallen, The Crystal War Erupts!
Charging across Batallia Downs on Chocobos, the Royal Knights face off against the Orcish Empire! The Beastmen worked together and created hybrid units, but the human races all worked separately at first. Also, in the past, knights are shown riding upon Black Chocobos, an unbelievable sight by today’s standards. Will adventurers be able to battle upon Chocobos as well?

http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl05.jpghttp://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl06.jpg
Looking at the trailer, the Orc pictured appears to be the leader of the Quon Empire, Overlord Bakgodekk.

• 862.5 – The Orcish Empire sieges the capital of San d’Oria. Struggling valiantly against their opponent, the Royal Knights manage to repel the attack.[/*:m:feeaa]

The Orcs Siege San d’Oria!
In May of the year 862, the Orcish forces attacked San d’Oria’s capital directly. In this scene, we see an escaped Orc facing off against the Royal Knights. Since it takes place in the city, we believe it is connected to this event in the timeline. Of course, it is possible the prisoner is from a completely different battle altogether. Perhaps he gets away, and there could be a mission or quest wherein you must track him down and defeat or capture him.

http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl07.jpg
Looking at the picture, I wonder what they were doing with the hanging cage before the prisoner escaped? It must be a tough monster considering a defeated Royal Knight can be seen to the left.

• 862.5 – The Mithran naval forces reform as the Mithra Mercenaries.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 862.6 – {The Republican Navy Nullified} The Sahagin construct a blockade in Port Bastok.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 862.7 – {The Selbina Riots} Selbina declares itself a neutral territory. Bastokan forces surround the town.[/*:m:feeaa]
• The Yagudo Theomilitary invades Windurst. The Taru Taru manage to push back the Yagudo, but not without suffering substantial damage.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 862.8 – {The Ru’lude Conference} Eald’narche summons representatives of the three nations for a conference in Jeuno.[/*:m:feeaa]

The Three Nations Converge In Ru’lude Gardens
This was the conference organized by Eald’narche and Kam’lanaut. King Destin from San d’Oria, President Prien from Bastok, and the Star Sybil from Windurst all gathered together for this event. In the trailer, Destin says, “An allied army? What a ridiculous notion!” which shows the poor relations the three nations had at that time.

http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl08.jpg
This is the point where the timelines of all three nations converge. Despite bad feelings between the leaders, the results of Kam’lanaut’s summit are seen in the following month.

• 862.9 – {Formation of the Allied Forces of Altana} The four nations agree to work together against the beastmen as a single army.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 862.10 – In San d’Oria, the Captain of the Temple Knights, Mouchand, is assassinated.[/*:m:feeaa]
• In Bastok, the Head of Military Affairs, Berner, is assassinated by a Tonberry.[/*:m:feeaa]

Tonberry Assassins Target Every Nation
In October of the year 862, the Captain of the Temple Knights in San d’Oria, and the Head of Military Affairs in Bastok, were both assassinated by Tonberries. In both cases, the perpetrator was unknown, but after closer investigation, the sheer animosity involved in the crime pointed to the Tonberries. They were also related to the assassinations of multiple high-ranking knights, killed before the start of the Crystal War, perhaps in preparation for it. It may be too late to change history by saving these victims, but perhaps there is a quest that involves apprehending the culprit.

http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl09.jpg
Maybe this monster is making sure his assassination of Berner was a success?

• 862.10 – Beastmen invade the capital of Windurst.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 862.11 – A special anti-magic force of Beastmen attack Windurst’s Fort Karugo-Narugo.[/*:m:feeaa]
• The San d’Orian Royal Knights dispatch reinforcements and help the Taru Taru repel their aggressors.[/*:m:feeaa]
• Karaha-Baruha releases the avatar Fenrir and obliterates the Beastmen army from Windurst.[/*:m:feeaa]

Windurst In Danger!
Windurst faced many dangers in the year 862. First, in July, the Yagudo invaded their very capital, causing a great amount of destruction. Then in October, a Beastmen army attacked them once again. To save themselves from certain doom, the Taru Taru called for their greatest hero, Karaha-Baruha. Just before the capital was about to fall, Karaha-Baruha appeared and released the avatar Fenrir. With one magnificent assault, the Beastmen were wiped from the city and Windurst was saved. However, in November, Fort Karugo-Narugo was also under siege. With help from reinforcements dispatched from the Royal Knights, they were able to succeed in repelling that attack as well.

http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl10.jpg
Fort Karugo-Narugo must struggle against enemies that are resistant to magic. Have the Royal Knights come from Quon to save them?
http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl11.jpg
Tzee Xicu the Manifest. In the trailer she says, “The Federation will fall on the morrow!” which leads us to believe these Yagudo are part of the Beastmen army that attacks Windurst.

• 862.11 – A multi-national high echelon of fighters, the “Hydra Corps,” is formed.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 862.12 – The Royal Knights complete construction on Garlaige Citadel.[/*:m:feeaa]
• The main forces of the Beastmen gather around the outskirts of Jeuno.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 863.1 – Garlaige Citadel is destroyed.[/*:m:feeaa]
• Antica begin to disembark on the continent of Quon. [/*:m:feeaa]
• The Beastmen launch their assault on Jeuno.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 863.2 – Due to a lack of manpower, Windurst adds Cardians to the ranks of their War Warlocks.[/*:m:feeaa]
• The Beastmen move their main forces to the peninsula of Tavnazia, surrounding the Marquisate.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 863.3 – Tavnazia falls.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 863.4 – {The Battle of Xarcabard} The Allied Forces of Altana battle together in Xarcabard, claiming victory over the Beastmen army.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 863.7 – {The Siege of Castle Zvahl} Altana’s forces surround Castle Zvahl.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 863.8 – The Hydra Corps vanish.[/*:m:feeaa]
• Castle Zvahl falls.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 863.9 – The Shadow Lord is sealed.[/*:m:feeaa]

Heroes of the Five Races Seal the Shadow Lord
In September of the year 863, Volker, a Hume from the Mythril Musketeers, and Zeid, a Galka, succeed in defeating and sealing the Shadow Lord. There had to be heroes from the Elvaan, Taru Taru, and Mithra, but the details are unknown. If there is a mission to fight the Shadow Lord, I wonder if the adventurer becomes the sixth member of a party of five heroes. Or maybe even an entourage of 11 with a full party of players.

http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl12.jpg
Volker and Zeid charge forth across the ominous Castle Zvahl to face the Shadow Lord. You can see his Imp underlings floating about.

• 863.11 – Castle Oztroja crumbles under an attack from the Mithra Mercenaries. The whereabouts of Tzee Xicu the Manifest are unknown.[/*:m:feeaa]

Mithra Mercenaries Attack, Castle Oztroja Crumbles!
In November of the year 863, Mithra Mercenaries launched an assault on Castle Oztroja, and Tzee Xicu the Manifest vanished in the heat of the battle. The objective was for the Mithra chieftainness, Perih Vashai, and her soldiers to rescue prisoners of war being held within the castle. This is the point where, twenty years ago, Perih Vashai used the “Bow of Light” in order to save her comrades. Perhaps adventurers will be able to fight alongside her during this historic event.

http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl13.jpg
Perih Vashai saved her comrades by using the power of the Bow of Light, but because of the evil that lurked inside the bow, she lost her eyesight as a result.

• 864.2 – The Orcish Empire begins to leave the continent of Quon.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 864.3 – {The Crystal War Ends} The four nations gather in Jeuno and officially announce the close of the Crystal War.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 864.11 – As a show of gratitude, the Parliament of Patriarchs designate Windurst Woods as an autonomous section of the capital to be governed by the Mithra.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 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.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 868 – {The Currency Union} The three nations unify their currency under the unit Gil. The Royal Noit, Republican Byne, and Federal Mumu are rendered obsolete.
  [/*:m:feeaa]
• 875 – The Orcs capture a town on the outskirts of Jugner Forest for use as their stronghold. They name it Davoi.[/*:m:feeaa]

Afuro says:
There are still many points about “Wings of the Goddess” that are unknown. However, you can learn more by exploring Vana’diel! In the August Version Update, there were a number of new NPCs added and some existing ones had their lines re-written. You can learn about a variety of things by seeking them out and talking to them. My personal favorite is the girl who talks about Sandworms. She is in Southern San d’Oria and I-6, named Atelloune. If you check the main site as well, you can see the monster she is talking about. There’s a whole bunch of people like this all over Vana’diel! At least I wish there were… …

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Other Points in History

Werei and Gumbah… …?
http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl14.jpg

http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/plode.jpg: That Galka on the left is definitely Werei. Just look at his clothes.

http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/osho.jpg: I don’t remember any Galka NPC with those other clothes. But if you look at the scene where they appear, you’ll see, “Our friendship will transcend generations.” That line appeared, word for word, in a Bastok Mission.
http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/plode.jpg: If that’s true, then according to that line, they must be Werei and Gumbah… … Is it Gumbah before he was reincarnated?

The young San d’Orian knight who faces the Beastmen army
http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl15.jpg

http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/osho.jpg: Now we have an unknown young knight. His identity is still up in the air, but the prevailing theory is he is Excenmille.

http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/plode.jpg: I think so too. He’s definitely the “Ardent Partisan” Excenmille. He is a young boy during the Crystal War so it’s practically certain don’t you think?

http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/osho.jpg: Without a doubt. Still, can’t say anything for certain until release. It would be great to fight alongside the real Excenmille as a young boy (laughs)

Almost forgot...
http://www.cactusleaftl.com/ffxipics/cwtl/cwtl16.jpg

[Sho]

Holy fucking shit, Elmer. You've out done yourself this time.

[toxictitan]

Amazing as always Elmer.

[Builttolast]

Wow what a great read. Thanks ^^

[Nightsx]

Wow, thanks for the post. It was a great read.

[Nikopiko]

a god amongst men!

[Tradition]

lolin' at the 4koma

[Issac]

Thanks Elmer

[Varg]

thanks for the translation :D love the comic at the end. Also - Tzee Xicu is female.

[Avé]

Awesome, but gdi, why don't we get this kind of stuff in the US.

[Maxxthepenguin]

Awesome, but gdi, why don't we get this kind of stuff in the US.

Because they haven't hired elmer yet

[shukuffxi]

Awesome, but gdi, why don't we get this kind of stuff in the US.

Because they haven't hired elmer yet

Quoted for huge amounts of truth I hope you get hired man! Not that he'd be all powerful, but it'd be a smart thing for SE to do

[LD]

"...unless they make Geomancer." HOLY BUNKER-BUSTING SHIT, IS THAT FOR REAL? ;-;

Chocobo Cavalry, Missions that put you in historical events, Geomancy hint....

This month is too fucking long. -_-

[Cjskater]

rofl@the comic

Good job elmer

[Tajin]

Beautiful

[Charismatic]

I knew most of this already from the history section (alot more of you need to read that... it's up here in Advanced Player Discussion!)

But the way you presented everything rocks Elmer, did this come from something and you just translated it, or did you lay it all out like this for us?
I like the way it was done!

[Cjskater]

Source: Dengeki #400
Translated by: Elmer the Pointy
Posted on: bluegartr.com

[Charismatic]

Source: Dengeki #400
Translated by: Elmer the Pointy
Posted on: bluegartr.com

Can't believe I missed that! Guess I was too quick to get into the meat and potatoes of it all. Thanks though...

[Cjskater]

Since you are reading this, IRC is ignoring me , who is Excenmille? >.> I don't remember them.

[LD]

Elvaan Ballista guy.
He's in North Sandy next to the outpost.