Garlean Empire

The banner of the Garlean Empire.

This article is about the in-game nation as a whole. For the Endwalker zone, see Garlemald.

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The Garlean Empire controls the majority of the Three Great Continents, the enormous landmass that encompasses Eorzea. Until some fifty years ago, Garlemald was a remote and sparsely populated nation which held little more than a fraction of the northern continent of Ilsabard. But with the arrival of a technological golden age and the concurrent emergence of a brilliant young legatus—now the reigning emperor—in the span of a single generation Garlemald established itself as one of the most formidable forces in all of Hydaelyn.

— The Lodestone

The Garlean Empire is a nation located to the northeast of Eorzea in Garlemald. Specializing in magitek machinery, powered by a refined form of aether known as ceruleum, Garlemald is considered to be one of the most technologically advanced nations. However, this technological golden age fed Garlemald's hunger for conquest, and the once-sparsely populated nation became the empire it is known as today. The Empire is known for ruling with an iron fist, suppressing all—the "savages" of conquered lands most of all—who fall under its rule.

The Empire began its advance on Eorzea in the year 1556 of the Sixth Astral Era, invading and successfully conquering the nation of Ala Mhigo. After a pause to its aggressive expansion, this wave of Garlean might began again in the year 1572, this time aiming to claim the rest of Eorzea's lands.

Throughout Final Fantasy XIV, the Garlean Empire serves as the major antagonist in the Warrior of Light's story.

Lore

The Garlean Empire lays claim to nearly three-quarters of the Three Great Continents, Aldenard being the only region yet to fall entirely under imperial rule. Until some fifty years ago, Garlemald was a remote and sparsely populated republic which held little more than a fraction of the northern territories of Ilsabard. But with the arrival of a technological golden age and the concurrent emergence of a brilliant young legatus in the span of a single generation, Garlemald has come to stand upon the threshold of ruling all Hydaelyn.

Flag

The emblem upon the Garlean flag is a chain in abstract design. It symbolizes the value the native sons and daughters of Garlemald hold dear: tight unity amongst their small number. In like fashion, the crimson central link represents all those who have perished for the Garlean mission to return to Locus Amoenus.

Motto

Nos summus manus, Nos sumus deus. (We are the Hand, We are the God)

Government

Garlemald was a republic until Solus Galvus, about fifty years ago, brought all of Ilsabard under his control and named himself Emperor. Thus was born the Empire, a mighty regime to govern new Garlean territories and led by the newly-titled Solus zos Galvus. The Senate yet exists and gives council to the Emperor, but its power is a shadow of what it once was. The central government now stands as a large bureaucracy, led by magistrates personally appointed by the Emperor.

The Empire was most recently led by Varis zos Galvus. There currently exists an unstable power vacuum due to actions by Zenos and Fandaniel.

Military

The Garlean military is comprised of 14 Legions, each lead by a Legatus. Most of the legions govern the conquered territories of the Garlean Empire, while some remain in Garlemald to serve as a defense. The legions are denoted by Roman numerals, from I to XIV. While the Garleans have been present in every expansion, there are still some legions that have yet to be encountered.

Ist Legion

The Ist Legion is led by Quintus van Cinna and serves as a royal guard to Varis zos Galvus. The Ist Legion is extremely fanatical and loyal to the Empire, and has a fierce rivalry with the IIIrd Legion.

IInd Legion

Briefly mentioned in the Endwalker role quests, the IInd are said to have quelled an uprising in Corvos before being overrun. Their fate and Legatus are currently unknown.

IIIrd Legion

The IIIrd Legion, led by Vergilia van Corculum, is loyal to Nerva yae Galvus and has a strong rivalry with the Ist Legion.

IVth Legion

The IVth Legion governed the territories of Bozja and Dalmasca, and serves as the primary antagonist of the Save the Queen: Blades of Gunnhildr questline. Known Legatuses of the IVth Legion include Basch van Gabranth and his son, Noah van Gabranth. Other notable members include Menenius sas Lanatus, Sicinius Vellus, and Lyon rem Helsos. The IVth legion was known as the most racially diverse and "accepting" of the imperial legions, and rewards excellence and skill rather than a soldier's race.

Vth Legion

The Vth Legion's location and Legatus are unknown.

VIth Legion

Led by Regula van Hydrus, the VIth was last seen staging a landing in Azys Lla where their dreadnaught The Gration was fortifying Castrum Solus.

VIIth Legion

The VIIth, commanded by Nael van Darnus, led the original invasion of Eorzea that was ultimately thwarted by Louisoix at Carteneau during the Battle of Silvertear Skies. The resulting fall of Dalamud caused the Seventh Umbral Calamity. Currently stationed in Werlyt and led by Valens van Varro, the VIIth are encountered again during the The Sorrow of Werlyt questline.

VIIIth Legion

The VIIIth Legion's location and Legatus are unknown.

IXth Legion

The IXth Legion's location and Legatus are unknown.

Xth Legion

Briefly mentioned in Endwalker, their location and Legatus are unknown.

XIth Legion

Previously led by Gaius van Baelsar, the XIth Legion assisted in the conquering of Nagxia. After committing war crimes against the local population, the Legion was downsized. Its current location and Legatus are unknown.

XIIth Legion

Stationed in Gyr Abania and formerly led by Gaius van Baelsar during the conquest of Ala Mhigo. While under the command of Zenos yae Galvus, the XIIth Legion was responsible for the occupation and suppression of the region. Previously operated in Doma, before being given to Yotsuyu goe Brutus.

XIIIth Legion

The XIIIth Legion's location and Legatus are unknown.

XIVth Legion

Formerly led by Gaius van Baelsar until his defeat at The Praetorium. All Cohorts present in mainland Eorzea (2.0 zones) are from the XIVth Legion.

Racial Distribution

Garleans: 70% Other: 30%

Note: These figures represent only the capital city of Garlemald, as well as only those with full citizenship. If all subjects were included, the percentages of true-blooded Garleans would be significantly reduced.

Religion

The Empire has banned religion, seeing it as a barbarian practice that all too often results in the summoning of primals. Many of the inhabitants of Garlemald proper are atheists, a fact attributable to their biological and spiritual inability to harbor and wield aether-based magicks. As theologians believe that religion can only truly develop alongside magic, it is little wonder that the Garleans are disinclined to keep any faith.

Industries

Magitek Manufacturing

The invention of the ceruleum engine ushered Garlemald into a golden age. As much a change in society as in technology, this magitek revolution advanced Garlean industry greatly, and allowed the nation to produce goods in vast numbers through machina.

Aeronautics

Garlemald had long ago learned to fly by capturing in fabric balloons a lighter-than-air gas created when ceruleum is ignited. In the skies of northern Ilsabard, however, these vehicles were completely at the mercy of frigid winds and blowing snows. True flight came with the invention of the ceruleum propulsion engine and wings treated with aether which led to the realization of the modern airship. Currently, the Empire produces many and more of these machina, some for personal or commercial use, others for the military.

Textiles:

Using a viscous resin produced during the purification of ceruleum, the Garleans have learned to spin fibers of highly durable carbon--a revolutionary development in the textile industry.

Beliefs

Following the invention of magitek, Garleans have come to hold efficiency in high regard, and the founding of the Empire has heralded the advent of a strict social hierarchy. Advancement has become an excessive measure of individual merit, and those aspiring to move upwards have carried Garlemald forward. However, there is also a marked tendency to look down upon the peoples of annexed territories, which has been the cause of much discord.

Diet

The winters of Garlemald are bitter, and the cultivation period short. Food that can keep, then, is a necessity. Simple and hearty fare is commonplace, such as stews of dried, salted, or even fermented meats and fish. In recent years, however, Garlemald has reaped the benefits of an empire, and the diverse foods of the provinces increasingly deck the Garlean table.

History

Portrait of a People

To understand the history of Garlemald, one must first understand the character of its people. Known to be strong of body, the most distinguishing Garlean trait is a third eye sitting at the center of the forehead. This ocular organ resembles a pearl, and grants purebloods superior spatial recognition. Garleans have little inborn ability to manipulate their body’s aether, however, and thus the arcane arts have ever eluded all but a few. Thus, they have long been at a disadvantage against other peoples with a command of magic.

This imbalance of power has greatly informed the territorial feuds of Ilsabard. In ages past, the Garleans were expelled from the relative warmth of lands to the south of the realm-dividing central mountain range. After crossing the treacherous peaks, they had no choice but to settle in the bleak northern reaches of the continent.

Blue Gold

Winters in the Garleans’ new home were harsh. The northern seas were bound in ice for most of the year, and the resources of the waters were available for only a slim window. Likewise, farming and rearing animals were possible only at certain times. The land, in other words, could not support a large populace. The Garleans multiplied slowly, and over time were forced to accept being few in number.

There was but one benefit to the frigid land—its vast deposits of ceruleum. This deep-blue liquid burned as well as oil, and kept the hearth warm during the long, dark times of year. Indeed, had it not been for this natural resource, the Garleans would not have survived the severe winter cold. Yet, it was to be a long time before the Garleans realized just what a boon this ceruleum was.

The Early Republic

The Garlean people officially banded together in 922 of the Sixth Astral Era. Many small villages existed before then, but none developed overmuch due to occasional raids by other more-established tribes of northern Ilsabard. To raise themselves from this base existence, one town named itself the center, and the others were brought into the fold through negotiation and force. This, the Garlemald Republic, had but one goal: to unite its people in order to stave off foreign aggression.

Survival was no small task. In desperation, the Garleans began to employ Roegadyn magi from the central mountains to bolster its own army where it was weakest. They also waged war from the shadows, sending spies to incite conflict betwixt the surrounding nations. For centuries, Garlemald prevailed, using every tactic at its disposal.

Starting in the early 16th century, however, a new age was to dawn on the nation. In 1513, a man named Solus Galvus attained the rank of legatus. The twenty-four year old Garlean learned of the newly-invented ceruleum engine, and saw great potential in it. His was the hand that guided the development of magitek weap- ons, and his the mind that devised tactics for these warmachina. Galvus also saw them integrated into the army, and so imbued the military with mechanical might.

Unifying the North

At first, Galvus's innovations were viewed with a skeptical eye. How- ever, as neighboring nations began falling to Garlemald's warmachina, the people realized the wisdom in his decision. As if to avenge every wrong ever done to them, the Garleans invaded the countries of northern Ilsabard and annexed their lands. To expand its small army, Garlemald recruited the subjugated peoples, promising to better their lives with magitek technology in exchange for service. This cunning carrot-and-stick strategy made the republic greater and more powerful with every victory.

As triumph followed triumph, the Garleans’ respect for Galvus grew, eventually transforming into worship. In 1517, he was granted control of Garlemald as dictator by overwhelming popular support. The same year, the republic attacked Dalmasca, a small country nestled in the central mountains, and rained down fire upon it with their new airships. Thus, the Garlean army turned to conquer the south of Ilsabard. In 1522, this campaign ended in victory. Having unified the continent through force for the first time in history, Galvus proclaimed himself Emperor, and thus created the Garlean Empire.

Assimilation

Though he had already accomplished the impossible, Galvus was not content with Ilsabard alone. Six years after becoming Emperor, he set his gaze upon the eastern continent of Othard, and marched upon it with a great host. With their warmachina at the fore, the imperial forces toppled all who dared stand before them. It was during this campaign that Galvus first laid eyes upon the ruin wrought by primals—an entire land utterly drained of life. Scholars believe this terrible sight ultimately led the Emperor to issue an imperial mandate for the annihilation of the dread beings the Garleans dubbed “eikons,” refusing to believe them of divine origin.

After a long and hard-fought resistance, the nation of Doma fell to Garlemald in 1552. With this, Galvus had conquered the east. Now, he turned his armies towards the west, plotted the invasion of Aldenard, and captured Ala Mhigo in 1557. However, this was to be the last victory for some time. In Eorzea, the Garleans suffered a crippling and unexpected defeat over Silvertear Lake, faced the emergence of eikons, and watched its Meteor project end in stunning failure. In Garlemald, a war of succession broke out. The unrelenting march of the imperial army—and its territorial acquisitions—ground to a halt.

Imperial Court

The Garlean royalty are all of the line of Galvus. In addition to the aforementioned “zos,” the term “yae” refers to male members of the royal family in the line of succession, as well as the Emperor’s wife and mother. There also exists the title of “wir,” or those who have no claim to the throne such as female heirs and their spouses. It is believed that all members of the royal family dwell within the extravagant imperial palace in Garlemald, and have decadent villas outside of the city.

The Senate

The Senate ruled Garlemald during the days of the Republic, and while since diminished, still serves in an advisory role to the emperor and his court. Members range from upper level public officials, titled “fae,” to the highest-ranking princeps senatus—”iyl.” The Senate also holds the power to remove the magistrates—the consul, praetor, tribunus plebis, aedilis, and quaestor. However, it has yet to use this right.

The Magitek Academy

Established immediately after Solus Galvus was raised to dictator, the Magitek Academy serves as both a research facility and a school for engineers. The nation’s chief engineer, given the title “nan,” also serves as the head of this institution.

The Academy admits only a handful of the outstanding applicants from all corners of the Empire. Even then, only a few of these will successfully complete their six-year course of study. The strong-willed and brilliant graduates are given a choice: to continue on as researchers, or to join the army as magitek technicians. Cid nan Garlond and Nero tol Scaeva are counted amongst the institution’s alumni.

Social Hierarchy

The social hierarchy of the Garlean Empire is well-ordered and strict. Upon reaching adulthood, Garleans receive a title betwixt their forename and surname indicating their position within society. With the name Solus zos Galvus, for instance, the “zos” identifies him as Emperor. Naturally, should one’s rank or profession change, so does one’s title. The second Emperor was once named Varis yae Galvus, the “yae” marking him as a member of the royal family in the line of succession.

In the case of dual titles or occupations, a person is awarded the highest-ranking title. As a legatus, Varis could also have been called “van Galvus.” However, royal blood outweighed rank, and he remained “yae Galvus.”

Category		Sample Position	Primary Function	Title
Royalty		Emperor	Supreme ruler of the empire and all its holdings	Zos
		Consanguineus Imperialis	Imperial prince, empress, empress dowager, and any other member of the royal family in line to succeed the imperial throne	Yae
		Gens Imperiale	Imperial princess, spouses of royal family members, and all other royalty without claim to the imperial throne	Wir
Military	Marshals	Legatus Augustus	High commander of multiple legions	Van
		Legatus Legionis	Commander of a legion
	Executive Officers	Tribunus Laticlavius	Leader of a legion's military tribunes, and second in command to the legatus	Tol
		Tribunus Angusticlavius	One of a legion's military tribunes Assumes command of the secondary unit in the event a legion is split	Sas
		Praefectus Castrorum	Commander of a castrum stationed in or near enemy territory, and the highest rank attainable by a citizen not of Garlean ancestry	Sas
	Senior Officers	Tribunus Militum	One of a legion's military tribunes and second in command to the Tribunus Laticlavus	Rem
		Primus pilus	Commander of a legion's first cohort
	Officers	Pilus prior	Commander of a legion's remaining cohorts
		Centurio	Commander of a middle-sized unit of infantry numbering one-hundred soldiers	Quo
	Petty Officers	Optio	A veteran soldier assigned to assist a centurion	Pyr
		Tesserarius	Watch commander responsible with maintaining communication between officers and soldiers
		Decurio	Commander of a small unit of infantry numbering ten soldiers
	Soldiers	Duplicarius	A veteran soldier	Oen
		Legionarius	Regular infantry composed mostly of peoples of conquered territories seeking citizenship through service
Specialists	Senior Officers	Primus Architectus Magiteci	Chief imperial magitek engineer and Lord Provost of the Garlean Magitek Academy	Nan
		Architectus Magiteci	A engineer specializing in magitek
	Officers	Praefectus Medicorum	High commander of imperial field medics	Mal
		Praefectus Architectorum	High commander of the imperial field engineers
		Primus medicus	First medic	Lux
		Architectus Ordinum	Commander of a small unit of field engineers
	Petty Officers	Medicus Veteranus	Veteran field medic	Kir
		Architectus Veteranus	Veteran engineer
	Soldiers	Medicus	Field Medic	Jen
		Architectus	Field engineer assigned to tasks such as the building and maintenance of equipment, sapping, and airship piloting
Public Officials	Extraordinary Magistrates	Dictator	Temporary leader appointed only in times of emergency, and given all rights of the lord emperor	Iyl
		Princeps senatus	Leader of the senate, wielding direct influence over the Consul
	Ordinary Magistrates	Consul	Highest elected official. Also serves as mayor of the imperial capital	Het
		Praetor	Minister of law and second to the Consul
		Tribunus plebis	A remnant of the old republic, serves as a representative of public citizens
		Aedilis	Minister of city planning
		Quaestor	Minister of state finances
	Provincial Magistrates	Censor	Supervisor of public morality	Goe
		Rector	Ruler of an imperial province
		Praeses	Ruler of an imperial territory
	Senior Intelligence Officials	Primus Frumentarius	Commander of local and foreign operatives
	Senior Officials	Praefectus	Supervisor of civil servants	Fae
		Vicarius	Deputy to provincial rectors
		Senator	Members of the Senate who worked to elect high-ranking magistrates
	Officials	Decemvir	Members of the Decemviri--a group of ten magistrates who adjudge litigation, distribute public lands, and write laws, amongst other tasks.	Eir
		Auctor Palatinorum	Head of the imperial palace servants
	Intelligence Officials	Frumentarius	Local and foreign operatives
	Lower Officers	Eques	Basic civil servants	Dus
		Lictor	Bodyguards and protectors of the public peace
		Notarius	Scrivener and record-keepers
		Compulsor	Tax-collectors
		Palatinus	Imperial palace servants
Citizens	Upper Citizens	Civis Fabrilis	Artisans and other citizens of the secondary economic sector--manufacturing	Cen
	Lower Citizens	Civis Mercatus	Merchants and other citizens of the tetriary economic sector--services	Bas
		Civis Funaminae	Farmers, fishers, hunters, miners, logcutters, and other citizens of the primary economic sector--raw materials
Non-citizens	Non-citizens	Peregrinus	Slaves and peoples of annexed territories. Citizenship may be granted to those who have demonstrated exceptional skills, as well as those who have contributed twenty or more years of military service	Aan
	Criminals		A disgraced title reserved for the worst criminals and outcasts who have betrayed the Empire	Viator

The Imperial Army

The pride of Garlemald, the Imperial Garlean Army fancies itself the premier military force in Hydaelyn-and with its excellent leadership and impressive warmachina, it may well be right. Nonetheless, the risk of rebellion within the ranks is ever present, as the majority of soldiers are conscripted from annexed territories. The army thus takes great care never to station men in their home provinces, sending them instead to keep the peace abroad. This policy transforms soldiers' families into hostages held by men unknown, and keeps small the chances of revolt and desertion.

Organization

As of the 56th year of the first Garlean Emperor's reign, the Garlean Army consisted of fourteen legions. Each legion is composed of ten cohorts, each cohort of three maniples, and each maniple of two squadrons. As each squadron contains roughly one hundred men, a legion should hold roughly six thousand soldiers. In reality, however, the strength of each legion varies due to the necessary rotation of soldiers.

Uniforms

Garlean uniforms are made from revolutionary materials, such as carbon fiber and cermer alloys. The armor of Garlean officers is particularly ingenious, as it is coated with a substance that decreases aetherial con- ductivity, and therefore protects the wearer from magic attacks. The selfsame contrivance prevents the use of offensive spells, yet this hampers the pureblood Garleans little. The inability to wield magic also informs Garlemald's age-old penchant for using firearms. This has given birth to a peculiar form of weapon, part musket, part sword. Perhaps the best example of this is the gunblade, the arm of choice for most officers.

Warmachina

At the turn of the 16th century, an engineer attempted to create a smaller version of the stationary steam engine for his workshop. In so doing, he stumbled upon the idea of using ceruleum as a fuel itself, rather than to heat water. His prototype was relatively weak, but compact enough to be portable. As if by fate, it then caught the eye of Legatus Solus Galvus, who insisted the military open its coffers to fund the new technology. With the army's support, a moving platform was built, driven by an improved ceruleum engine and mounted with artillery.

This prototype proved more destructive in tests than Galvus had ever dreamed. He christened the new type of weapon "magitek," to signify the triumph of technology over magic. Thereafter, Garlean engineers fashioned more and varied magitek weapons. With each one, the strength of the Garlean Army grew.

Starting around 1550, relics of ancient Allag were unearthed in the new territories of Garlemald. The Empire's keenest minds set about learning their intricacies, though in truth the archaic technology put the best imperial efforts to shame. The engineers never learned the fundamental principles of the Allagan devices. Nonetheless, the secrets they pried from the old machina advanced Garlean magitek by leaps and bounds. The Garleans also succeeded in reanimating a number of Allagan machina with ceruleum engines, and the Empire is rumored to be moving these to the front lines.