Prologue

The legend begins as so.
The Beginning of everything was with the "stone".


A long long ago, this beautiful living stone, 
with its shining of seven colors banished the darkness, 
filled the world with life, 
and gave birth to powerful gods.


Happiness and light blessed ages continued, 
and soon the gods have gone to their sleep.
The name of the world is Vana'diel.


Sometime after, a great tribulation was about to fill this blessed land of Vana'diel.
The ancient seal, after resisting dark power for thousands of years, 
was broken and awakening the endless nightmare.


Innocent blood will flow through the great land.
The world will be enveloped by fear, sadness, and disparity.


However, this does not mean there is no hope...
There exists one star, shining brightly even through the nights of the harshest storms.
There exists a powerful song, not being vanished by the howls of any beasts.


That's right.
Proud ones,
filled with wisdom, courage and determination...


Now, awaken from the dark slumber.
Stand now, the legendary heroes.
The Crystal Warriors!

Story

"It all began with a stone,
Or so the legend says.

In ages past, 
The sentient jewel,
Enormous and beautiful,
Banished the darkness.

It's many-colored light filled the world with life
And brought forth-mighty gods. 

Bathed in that light, 
The world entered an age of bliss, 
Until after a time, 
The gods fell into slumber. 
That world was called Vana'diel.”

In the 863rd year of the Crystal Era, Vana'diel was in the midst of a great war. Faced with the invasion of the Shadow Lord and his hordes of beast men, the leaders of the enlightened peoples united their forces in desperate alliance. They were the Kingdom of San D'oria, the Republic of Bastok, the Federation of Windurst, and the Grand Duchy of Juno. Together they struggled for survival in battle after battle as chaos engulfed the land."

--The Opening of Final Fantasy XI: Online