Gridania is one of the three starting city-states in Final Fantasy 14, known for its harmony with the forest and guilds like the Conjurers, Leatherworkers, and Archers. It is the home of the Grand Company, the Order of the Twin Adder, and it sits in the ancient forest known as the Black Shroud. The culture of the city-state is deeply tied to the city-states relationship with the local elementals.
The history of Gridania is also tied to the elementals, as it was an alliance between the ancient underground society known as Gelmorra and the elementals that eventually gave birth to Gridania. A race unique to Gridania, the Padjal, also play a vital role in the city-states background, as they were born to help the citizens of the Black Shroud keep in contact with the elementals. To understand the history of Gridania, though, players must first know the history of Gelmorra.
The History Of Gelmorra
Before Gelomorra, the Black Shroud was mostly populated by Elezen who were pushed out of other settlements due to overpopulation from large migrations of Hyur. At the time, the Elezen did not know about the existence of the elementals and were confused as they suffered great losses at the time because of elementals trying to drive them out. Eventually, Hyur came to the forests as well and the two races began to fight for land.
Fighting between the Elezen and Hyur stopped after the Sixth Umbral Calamity, which flooded the world and ended the War of the Magi. It is what destroyed the cities of Nym and Mhach. Those who survived the Calamity ran up mountains, such as the peaks of Gyr Abania. When the Calamity ended and people returned to settle back into the Black Shroud, the elementals exiled them as punishment for abusing magic during the War of the Magi. This forced the Hyur and Elezen to join forces, and they created Gelmorra, an underground network in the Black Shroud where the elementals could not harm them.
The Elezen and Hyur lived underground in peace for about three centuries. Not only were they safe from the wrath of the elementals, but they had shelter from the Ixal that lived above as well. However, the Ixal themselves were eventually exiled as well. The Gelomorrans saw their chance to possibly move back to the surface when the Ixal were cast out. Attempts were done to commune with the elementals. A certain Conjurer Hyur named Jorin Lightheart was successful in reaching them. Once he gained the elemental's trust, they bestowed him permission to build Gridania.
Gridania's History Up To Final Fantasy 14
In the earliest days of Gridania, the first Padjal was born, and they were the child of Jorin Lightheart. The Gridanians saw this as another gift bestowed by the elementals, as the child had the ability to hear the thoughts of the elementals without major effort. It was this first Padjal that began to tradition of Gridania having Padjal leaders as a means to always communicate with the elementals.
Peace in Gridania did not last once the Ixal returned. The elementals had cursed the beast tribes with losing their wings, and they suffered from a lack of resources and land. They returned to the Black Shroud with the intent to cut down more trees and build flying machines. Due to their alliance with the elementals, Gridania pushed the Ixal back and created the Gods' Quiver, a group that would serve to protect the forests' resources.
Trouble did not just come from the Ixal. Eventually, the ruler of Ala Mhigo, King Manfred, wanted to claim Gridania and began to invade with an army. This conflict became known as the Autumn War, and Gridania alone was on the losing end until they made an alliance with Ul'dah Ishgard, and Limsa Lominsa, city-states that also recognized King Manfred's hunger for expansion was a threat to all. With their allies, Gridania successfully pushed King Manfred's army out of their lands. Eventually, Ala Mhigo was conquered by the Garlean Empire and Gridania became well aware that their lands may be next. To prepare, they founded the Twin Adders Grand Company. It is not long after that Final Fantasy 14 beings its story.
Final Fantasy 14 is available now on PC, PS4, and PS5.