North Gustaberg

 

"At the top of this mountain stands the pride of the Republic of Bastok - Palborough Mines. It seems there are plans to build a memorial to commemorate the pioneers who opened and worked on the mines there. At the time of my visit, they were still preparing the stonework for the construction. And surrounding the memorial site were tombstones... some unmarked and nameless after years of exposure to the weather. The strange thing is, our history books didn't mention much about these pioneers, and these tombs might be interesting enough to investigate them.
Perhaps it stretches back to a time when Bastok was still a poor backwater village built on a cliff, until the present day when construction of the Metalwork's was completed. But one day, a mysterious explosion accident within the mines claimed many of the Galkan miners' lives while at work. When news spread, the world was divided as to whether the Galkans who perished on the job should be considered as heroes.
But one fact remains, they are the true pioneers who opened the path of prosperity of this wasteland. And the remains buried underneath the tombs are truly the heroes, at least in my heart. As a tribute to these nameless workers, I shall rest here for the night and drink the night away."

C.E. 749
Gwinheim Ironheart

 

 

 

 

 

 

Konchtat Highlands

 

"The strong Odin Wind blows often over the highlands. The traveling Bastokian merchants were clever enough to take notice of the raging winds and built these windmills to harness its power. The purpose was clear: flour milling. Bastok is the biggest cotton producer in the world. But to feed the hungry nation, wheat from San d'Oria is a necessity that cannot be ignored too. San d'Oria has a huge surplus of wheat. Bastok then buys over the wheat from San d'Oria at a low price, processes them in these mills and in turn, sell the flour as a trade commodity. And the link to this trade relation between San d'Oria and Bastok lies in these windmills! Interestingly, even when 2 countries are faced in a war, both sides can be embroiled in a conflict for ages but no matter what, there is surely a time when a battle has to stop for soldiers to sit down and have some freshly baked bread.

Cheers to the merchants!"

C.E. 750
Gwinheim Ironheart

East Ronfaure

 

"The Ronfaure forest where I am standing, had been the royal hunting grounds for the Elvaan Royalty for generations, and its beauty has been more or less preserved from ancient times. Those who are brave would flock down to the annual Autumn Hunting Festival in this forest, pitting their skills against each other for the best game. Alas, though the event was grand, I was pretty bored of it. One of the reasons is the game animals available. In the past, people used to hunt pheasants and deer's here, but ever since their extinction, they have been replaced by Wild Sheep and Rams. It's so obvious what one can possibly hunt here, there is no sense of accomplishment anymore. Furthermore, these sheep have a voracious appetite and grazed constantly on the grass and the roots of trees. Ultimately, the fabric of the ecology of the forest will be at stake. If that ever happens, I hope that this engraving of my thoughts of the beauty of the forest can still be read by our descendents."

C.E. 751
Gwinheim Ironheart

Jugner Forest

 

"Trekking through the dark and gloomy foliage in the afternoon, my hungry pet bird, Molten, suddenly started pecking on the soil beneath us and dug up a funguar. Although this funguar Molten found was a common species, it kind of reminded me of the rumored existence of the legendary 'King Truffle'. Using Molten's keen sense of smell, I managed to find more funguars along the way. Looks like tonight's menu is going to be Funguar Stew. Lost in the forest for what seems like an eternity, finding such funguars is such a blessing to us hungry travelers. And they can save you too! Of course, you do have to remember to feed your pet chocobo first....."

C.E. 755
Gwinheim Ironheart

 

Rolanberry Fields

 

"The warm and soothing Garuda Wind whistles across the fields. This whole area is occupied by the orchards where the popular Rolandberries are cultivated and grown. The fruit has a crunchy texture like apples, with a tart taste but just a tint of sweetness. It leaves behind a very unique aroma in your mouth and makes a refreshing end to a meal. The exotic fruit also manage to attract even the mainly-carnivorous Arcanas. Recently, to protect the orchards from the nocturnal Goblin bandits and the Yagudos, extra security and patrols have been tightened. Not only is the fruit valuable, but what lies inside is also valuable. Beetle grubs live inside the seeds of the fruit, and the mucus they secrete ferments the fruit, making its taste even more tart than it originally was. Connoisseurs around the world would pay a high price for a taste of a fermented Rolandberry. Harvesting these fruits and exporting them around the world, this was how the once-tiny village of Jeuno grew and prospered to become the Grand Duchy it is today."

C.E. 757
Gwinheim Ironheart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Battalia Downs

 

"There are many tomb mounds here in Battalia. According to legends, our first ancestors, who were created by the goddess Altana, first set foot on Vana'diel right here, in Battalia. A long time ago, when the Elvaans were nearing their end, they would travel here as a final resting place for them. As a symbol of wanting to get closer to God, countless other races came from distant lands, embarking on long pilgrimages to come here. To have such a strong religious faith is commendable. However, I have a different view. First and foremost, I would enjoy life as much as possible, respecting others' ways of life at the same time. Religion... well, that can be secondary. Life is short, you don't really have that much free time to think too much into things. I know I would be laughed at by my Galkan friends if I told them that...
However, there will still be people who believe in their faiths for a long time to come. Similarly there will also be people who are feeling lost with their lives seeking for a purpose."

C.E. 759
Gwinheim Ironheart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West Ronfaure

 

"It's been 10 years since I last stepped on this land. The Orcs who have been dwelling far up north have started to show some signs of activity, and that worries me a lot. This kingdom's very fabric of livelihood and pride lies in this forest. But the Elvaans are a race that are very proud of their own culture and treat the others as crude lower-class barbarians. They think the power of the Orcs is too insignificant and is no match against their chivalry. But, let this old man prophesize, that one day in the near future, tens of thousands... no... hundreds of thousands of Orc soldiers will invade the forest and take over this lush and beautiful environment. Though it is wishful thinking on my part, I hope someone who is kind enough to take time to read my plea on this engraving, would take heed of my warning."

C.E. 761
Gwinheim Ironheart

 

Valkurm Dunes

 

"The view may be beautiful, but the broken grass at our feet is testimony to the inhospitality of this place. The shallows repel anchoring ships, with nothing for miles but sand. Indeed, these dunes are ill-fit for any purpose save sunbathing.
One day I happened upon a young swimmer struggling for air. I swam out to save her, and as a gesture of thanks she led me to a fascinating place.
To a small inlet she guided me, to show me the dolphins, no doubt. None were there, but I noticed the bay was a natural harbor. I was a sailor in youth, so I knew this to be an important discovery!

The harbor I named "Selbina." Upon seeing her name inscribed on my map, the girl clapped her hands in joy."

C.E. 762
Gwinheim Ironheart

 

Pashlow Marshlands

 

"This marsh that I'm standing on, has been the domain of one of the Arcanas known as Quadavs for centuries. Many explorers who have tried coming here never returned. But in order for me to complete mapping out this region, it is a dangerous sacrifice I am willing to take for the better of the future generation. Although the risks are high, as I filled in each square on my empty map, the sense of accomplishment kept me going. In the midst of my exploration though, I was caught by the Quadavs when I absent-mindedly lit up a torch. I was taken to their village and found that their houses were made of various precious metals, as a tribute to their own gods. Initially the Quadavs thought of us as a barbaric race when they saw me lighting a crude reed torch with Tarutaru fire magic. But after I taught them the intricate skills of blacksmithing and metallurgy, they were grateful for this unexpected lesson. Seeing that this skill is invaluable to them, the Quadavs set me free and even escorted me on a tour around the marsh."

C.E. 763

Gwinheim Ironheart

 

 

 

 

La Theine Plateau

 

"This plateau is a land of many features, but by far the most memorable is the Crag of Holla.

I call it a structure, for I have no other word. It is surely not a rock born of nature, nor does it seem to be a hall built by the gods, as the priestly scholars say.

Yet there are no seams in its bone-white surface, and it is faintly warm to the touch. But through a fortunate accident, I have found proof of its artificial origins.

I shall head north to the land of Valdeaunia to verify my findings. I fear this may be the longest, most perious journey of my life.

I leave my daughter Enid to find her own path.
May the gods watch over her in my stead."

C.E. 764

Gwinheim Ironheart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sauromugue Champaign

 

"We live on 2 main continents: Quon Continent and the uncharted Mindelcia Continent. Linking these 2 continents are the Straits of Jueno, also the narrowest straits in Vana'diel. Beyond the straits lies Sauromugue, the Gateway to Mindelcia. At the peak of the San d'Orian Empire, it once occupied this land with a castle built for the Royal Cavalry. But on one night, 3 Tarutaru mages infiltrated the castle, turning the chocobos wild and defeated the Cavalry royally. And that was how San d'Oria lost its hold on this land. This is the well-known 'Fall of Sauromugue' incident. However, the military schools in San d'Oria never included this in their history books. Since I'm here on these historically notorious grounds, I couldn't help but look around this blood-spilled lands. But what's past has passed...

There's not much use harping on about the past, nothing will be accomplished. I personally hope to build good ties with the Tarutarus and Yagudos. Who knows, one day a bridge may be built to link the continents together in the future."

C.E. 770
Enid Ironheart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meriphataud Mountains

 

"Doragora's Spine: Tarutaru for "Spine of the Heavenly Dragon." It is made of that same white material as the holy crags. However, this is the first I have seen so exposed. A good portion of it is suspended in open space, no less. In San d'Oria the papsque claims that they were monuments built by Altana in honor of the Elvaan. All believed him but I feel that this cannot be true. This is merely conjecture, but I feel they resemble some sort of road or pipeline... But carrying what? If only I could show my father. The white crags, spines, points and lines... What did my father discover at the end of his journey? I wish I knew."

C.E. 773
Enid Ironheart

 

 

 

Tahrongi Canyon

 

"If you take a look at Tahrongi itself, it is an inhospitable place to be in: undulating terrain, harsh weather, and not forgetting the monsters that dwell here! But what pains me more than all of the above, is to be struck down with heatstroke. Before I embarked on my journey on this continent of Mindelcia, I thought I had enough traveling experience to handle most difficulties. And yet, I have no idea how to deal with a heatstroke. Not even White Magic helps...
As the high temperature sapped my energy away little by little, I struggled to look for a safe and shady spot to rest, but there were none to be found. At that very moment, I looked up and saw a white object in the distance... it was the fossil remains of an ancient dragon! And nearby, I found a cave by the side of the canyon wall. I learnt that I can replenish some fluids by picking the cacti that grow around the cave, and rested inside this cave until I was well again.I am grateful that I'd chanced upon some kind men who taught me survival skills in this arid desert and so I engraved their names below in honor of them. For the three brothers who perished later under a heat wave: Gilbo, Maji and Naville - I salute you."

C.E. 774
Enid Ironheart

 

 

 

 

West Sarutabaruta

 

"Now, five years after I first crossed the Jeuno Straits and began my slow southland survey of Mindartia, I have arrived at the southernmost land: the plains of Sarutabaruta. The Tarutaru who live here are a kind and friendly people; it is hard to believe their ancestors plotted the conquest of the world during the age of great magic. They too worship the Goddess Altana, yet they believe that she has a form here on Vana'diel called the Star Sibyl, who lives in a giant tree. I met the Star Sibyl, and she took my hand and spoke to me of everything from the current state of our world to the unseeable future. It was a wonderful experience. The Tarutaru have agreed to give me a magical ship to speed the rest of my Survey. I thank the Star Sibyl and her kind people."

C.E. 777
Enid Ironheart

 

West Sarutabaruta

 

"In the land of Sarutabaruta, comparing the cute little Tarutarus and the innocent romantic Mithras to others, no other civilizations in other parts of the world have as long a technological history as them. Take for example, the Horutoto Ruin towers that can be found nearby. Although the towers seemed to be found only within Sarutabaruta itself, deep below, the hidden parts can spread out far beyond the domain. I remember the last letter that I received from my father, Gwinheim, he drew a sketch of a tower with a caption under it that says 'Tower that looks like a Palm'. But the catch is, he found that tower in Baldonia, the northern lands of Quon Continent! From a distance, these Horutoto Towers bear a striking resemblance though.

This shows that the widespread ring of influence of an advanced culture existed in Vana'diel long ago, and I think that influence is still lingering on until this very day. Or am I just thinking too much?"

C.E. 778
Enid Ironheart

Buburimu Peninsula

 

"I am now at a place called Buburimu Peninsula. There is a lighthouse situated south of the Peninsula which the Tarutarus call 'Kibubu Lighthouse'. Names aside, the lighthouse has been very useful in guiding merchant ships and fishing boats that pass the peninsula. Made of natural magical rocks found only in this area, the lighthouse is made simply by stacking these rocks into a form of a tower. At night, the stones emit an eerie glow piercing through the darkness. I wonder what kind of rock it could be?

I do have my own theory. Long ago, this area was said to be filled with ores and minerals. And among them is the mythical Orihalcon ore. Centuries passed and the minerals eroded the surrounding rocks and got combined together as the minerals seeped into the rocks. So all that's left to do is for a Tarutaru to cast magic on them and a lighthouse stone is created! But there are more questions that surfaced - why are these ores only present in this region?"

C.E. 778
Enid Ironheart