Bastok Timeline  

Age of Beasts

Approximately 3000 B.C.E – Earliest evidence of a Hume village in Dangruf Wadi. (Estimated through various documents and artifacts) Approximately 220 C.E. – Galka begin to migrate to their new home, Gustaberg.

Age of Power

418 – Gold is discovered in Gusgen Mines

Approximately 420 – The demand for gold causes a radical increase of Hume in Zulkheim and Gustaberg. {The Gold Rush}

463 – A village of Hume and Galka miners is attacked by the Sand’Orian army.

469 – To ensure the safety of miners, Ironman Mayer plans the construction of a fort in the valleys of Bastok.

477 – Galkan blacksmiths develop the process of refining Mythril.

487 – The Sand’Orian army invades the valleys of Bastok. {The Victory of Bastok Valley}

The Victory of Bastok Valley

In March of the year 487, the construction of fortifications for the free laborers in the valleys of Bastok was interrupted by a raid from a faction of Sand’Oria’s Royal Knights. (Sand’Oria had labeled Mayer and his troupe as thieves.) To combat this, the miners devised a plan wherein they would skirmish briefly with the knights while gradually retreating, leading them into the depths of the canyons. When they finally had the knights under the great waterfall, they lured them into a thin passageway and blocked them inside it. All at once, crossbowmen from the cliffs above rained down bolts upon the hapless unit. Half of the knights were killed and over a hundred more were taken prisoner. Among the Bastokan forces, only 47 people were injured or killed, making this a decisive victory for Bastok in the pages of history.

The Royal Knights of the Elvaan had been something to be feared until now, but with this victory, the scattered free laborers rallied under Ironman Mayer, and his reputation was boosted immensely. These events directly influenced the founding of the Republic of Bastok.

491 – Fort Bastok is completed.

494 – {The Founding of The Republic of Bastok}

The Founding of The Republic of Bastok

Hume and Galka miners alike gathered in Bastok’s plaza, and looked up on the hill to see three flags had been raised, representing “Freedom,” “Victory,” and “Unity.” There was great jubilation amongst the people as the already legendary Ironman Mayer began to ascend to the top of the hill. There he suddenly cast aside the three flags and made his proclamation to the people.

And thus, he founded the Republic of Bastok, saying, “Free laborers! If ya want freedom, who needs a nation? If ya want victory, juss hightail it ta safety. Ya’ll talk ‘bout unity, but are still a ragtag buncha workers. Don’cha see? If we’re ta succeed, if we’re ta beat our enemies, if we’re ta do the impossible; shouldn’t we make ourselves a great nation on this very land!?”

With great fervor, everyone cried out together, and their cheers shook the very canyons of Bastok. However, the people were soon quieted by Dalha, a Galka Warrior and close friend of Mayer’s. Through the silence he bellowed, “Mayer for President!” and instantly everyone in the crowd erupted in a thunderous approving applause. With that, Mayer was elected the first President of The Republic of Bastok.

494 – The Ministries of Domestic and Foreign Affairs are established. The first Minister of Domestic Affairs, ベルツBalz, is inaugurated. The first Minister of Foreign Affairs, President Mayer, is inaugurated.

495 – The Department of Defense is established with the Galka, Dalha, is inducted as the first Commander. Their current main concerns are the protection of their workers and the formation of the Republican Army.

496 – The Department of Mining is established with ファルクFalk inducted as the Head Foreman.

497 – The Republic of Bastok’s constitution is created.

498 – President Mayer dispatches a delegate to the Near East to establish diplomatic relations.

503 – President Mayer is assassinated by a Galkan youth.

- Vice President エルマンElman is inaugurated as Bastok’s second President.

508 – A Mythril seam is discovered in Gusgen Mines.

527 – The Department of Commerce is established, with ダレルDarell inducted as head.

- The Department of Commerce developed the Byne, a unit of currency to be used among the Hume and Galka.

528 – A Mint is made under the direction of the Department of Commerce.

529 – To facilitate the minting of coins and export of gemstones, the Department of Commerce orders the creation of a Goldsmithing guild.

549 – The Department of Mining orders the creation of a Blacksmithing guild. Galka and Hume metallurgists are inducted and taught secret metal-crafting techniques.

563 – The Sand’Orian army attacks a Hume settlement in Konschtat Highlands.

{The First Battle of Konschtat}

The First Battle of Konschtat

Republican soldiers lay in hiding before launching a counter-attack using new, advanced crossbows, which stopped the Royal Knights dead in their tracks. The Warking Acheufagais and his party were repelled from the Konschtat Highlands.

565 – The Republican Legion adds a second faction.

577 – Bastok’s chapel is built.

594 – Bastok holds a grand festival for its 100th anniversary. The place where Ironman Mayer first broke ground with his pickaxe is christened “Firewater Circle.”

595 – The Department of Industry is established, with リリエンタールLilienthal as its head.

607 – Sheep are brought over from islands in the West and begin grazing in Zulkheim.

611 – Gunpowder is invented by コンラートConrad, an alchemist.

627 – A Galka metallurgist develops the “cannon,” through study of a shipwreck in the Near East.

644 – The Gunpowder Room is created, with デグシャDegsha inducted as the lead researcher.

650 – The Iron Musketeers are established under the Department of Industry, with シュッツSchutz inducted as its first commander.

658 – The Ministry of Domestic Affairs invites セチルプチルSechil-Puchil, a famous astronomer from Windurst.

- President アレンスArens adopts Windurst’s Crystal Era calendar, phasing out the old, Altepa-based calendar.

659 – President Arens renounces his position and proposes the idea of a national election, which is accepted by the people. {Arens’s Proposal}

664 – The supply of Mythril in Gusgen Mines is exhausted.

679 – Construction begins on the windmills of Konschtat Highlands.

681 – The Gold Musketeers are created under the Department of Mining, with Friese inducted as their first commander.

682 – The Republican Legion adds a naval faction.

684 – The Gold Musketeers, under the direction of Friese, discover a Mythirl seam around a Quadav settlement in the Palborough Mountains.

685 – The Republican Legion swiftly strikes against the Quadav, wiping them out. {The Day of Fire and Blood}

- The first Mythril Rush begins.

687 – The Mythril Musketeers, an elite unit under the direct control of the President, is formed. ヴァイスVice is inducted as their first commander.

690 – Sand’Oria invades Gustaberg.

691 – The Republican Legion clashes with Sand’Orian forces in Konschtat Highlands. Bastok attains a decisive victory. {The Second Battle of Konschtat}

692 – The Republican Legion expands into another faction. {Establishment of the Four Republican Legions}

697 – Missionaries from the East teach the friars of Bastok various aspects of their arts and culture.

Age of Technology

703 – Morhen Lighthouse is constructed.

711 – Blotches begin to appear all over the bodies of Humes, signaling the beginning of a deadly plague. {The Bastokan Blight}

The Bastokan Blight

The Bastokan Blight began when a simple traveler from a foreign country came to stay at an inn on Gold Street. While he was eating in the dining hall, without warning, his face fell into his pebble soup and he died on the spot. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed the traveler had strange blotches all over his body, but at the time he was simply buried without much concern. However, only a week later, the entire staff of that inn was found dead with the same symptoms as the traveler. With that began the Bastokan Blight, a terrible plague with an incredibly high mortality rate.

The Bastokan government employed the aid of White Mages from overseas (the capital had almost none) and had priests handing out medicines and holy water. Still, the damage had been done, and the plague could not be stopped. The town streets were overflowing with corpses of the dead, and the few Galkan undertakers worked madly to keep up with funeral services. Many people confronted the priests and monks, demanding some kind of reason for this devastation. The capital was ruled by panic and despair.

In addition, the plague appeared to only affect Hume, which sparked wild theories amongst the populace. Was this the result of an evil incantation from a Galkan wizard? A new biological weapon of the Goblins? Did the Quadav sent poison down through the mines? Rumors and accusations flew wildly about.

The Dance Revolution

Come now, and dance with these bones!/ Spin and turn, in life and in death!/ Pauper, sage, even the nobleman knows,/ They are all, in the end, of life bereft!/ Savor now, doomed fool, and make merry this night!/ Come now, and dance with these bones!/ Sing and croon, in life and in death!/ Old hag, young beauty, even the sweet child knows,/ In time, a bleached skull, is all will be left!Savor now, doomed fool, and make merry this night!

• a verse from the ancient "Bastokan Song of the Damned"

This verse rose to prominence in dark days as the republic was ravaged by the Bastokan Blight. On top of the already horrific and growing number of victims, unsubstantiated rumors and utter despair spread rampant through all quarters of the city. It was in this climate of social turmoil that the Bastokan Song of the Damned was taken up by the masses. Using magic to animate the remains of the deceased, throngs of the hopeless and grieving would choke the streets in processions of living and dead, booming in chorus as they danced the Totentanz in a form of morbid catharsis.

Despite the government's initial efforts to quarantine those infected by the blight, the frenzied nightly gatherings were at first reluctantly tolerated. This changed however, as the growing popularity of the Totentanz carried it to the frontlines of battle, where the crazed enthusiasm generated by the now ritualistic dancing led no small number of soldiers to neglect their posts. This being an unacceptable state of affairs in wartime, a series of prohibitions was promptly issued with unforeseen results... An air of insurgency and rebellion swept the people, as dancing crowds began to take to the streets even with the sun still high in the sky. President Wilhelm was left with no recourse but to declare a state of emergency and mobilize the republic's main garrison of Galkan troops against the citizenry to suppress the escalating chaos. It is indeed a sad page in Bastokan history.

It so happened that in those days, mountainfolk from the hinterlands of the Gustaberg region would sometimes travel to Bastok to peddle medicinal herbs. The quelling of the near-maniacal outbreaks of saturnalia would find its form in the native dancers of these tribes. With no hesitation despite the apparent dangers of contagion to themselves, they would roam the city streets and visit barracks, displaying the aggressive yet graceful steps of their people's traditional dance, the Kriegstanz, with a timeless elegance. The majestic rhythms pounded out by these confident women and their motions, full of life, captivated observers instantaneously. And it was not long before the morose Totentanz rituals faded away as quickly as they had come. Some years later, the significant role the dancers played in the defeat of the deadly epidemic which claimed so many Bastokan lives was commemorated by the president in a now famous speech: "Though none can deny the scientific strides made by our great alchemists in curing this foul plague, praise is due also to those fearless masters of dance who came to us in our most dire hour. For it was their impassioned artistry that delivered us from the tyranny of this most lethal of epidemics, and the terror which had fast gripped our very hearts." And so it was that the dancers came to be credited with ending the Bastokan Blight.

In wake of its success and popularity during the blight, the Kriegstanz became a well-established school of dance, the study of which was such a grueling task that finding successors to carry on the tradition became quite a chore in its own right. It is not without some hint of irony that the second coming of the dancers would require a tragedy on the scale of the Crystal War--with the very fate of Bastok in the balance--to bring it about.

716 – A cure for the plague is developed.

720 – The plague is almost completely wiped out.

727 – A new type of gunpowder, “Dancing Flames,” is utilized in the excavation of Palborough Mountain. {Mining of Palborough Mountain Begins}

730 – Fort Bastok is converted into the Metalworks.

748 – The adventurer Gwynham Ironheart sets off on his journey to map the world.

762 – Ironheart discovers an inlet in Valkurm Dunes, and names it Selbina.

769 – Construction begins on the port town, Selbina.

772 – President Ritter is inaugurated, and the current Republic Flag is created.

786 – Bastok and Tavnazia’s combined naval forces battle against the Windurst navy near Elshimo Island. {Elshimo Naval Battle}

The Elshimo Naval Battle

In the waters near Elshimo Island, a battle erupted between the united naval forces of Bastok and Tavanasia, and the Windurst navy.

In the world of maritime trading, Windurst was becoming an annoying obstacle, as they were monopolizing trade with Southern and Eastern nations, much to the dismay of Tavnazia and Bastok.

In order to avoid the many storms upon the dangerous Southern Seas, the Pamtam Straits were the only recourse. However, taking that route would have one’s ship beset with Mithran pirates. On top of that, Windurst would not allow anyone to take refuge in their ports. Even if a country was to send out a trade ship despite these dangers, they would incur a serious risk of damage and loss of goods.

Working with Tavnazia, Bastok sent 84 ships, and joined the Maquisate’s 37 ships in a grand naval alliance set on subjugating the Mithran pirates in their home base on Elshimo Island.

Following a grand ceremony, the combined naval forces set off for Elshimo Island. They planned to arrive on Elshimo and destroy the pirates’ headquarters, but were intercepted by magically propelled battleships from Windurst, which promptly fired upon them.

The Tavnazian admiral was livid, seeing that Windurst had been behind the nefarious actions of the Mirthan pirates all along.

Naturally, Windurst had brought its own fleet and 62 ships to defend themselves, and their forces clashed against the allied navy off the Western shores of Elshimo.

At first, the superiority of the Windurst fleet, along their skill in magic, had the allied navy loses ships left and right. However, there was something for which they failed to take into account. In an effort to overwhelm their enemy with numbers, the TaruTaru sent many of their magically-powered battleships to pick up Mithra from their homeland. Due to this, the navy as a whole was thrown into chaos, with no clear direction governing the fleet of ships. As the currents changed, the Windurst navy was split every which way, and the heavily equipped artillery of the Bastokan navy quickly helped to gain the upper hand. The cunning Mithra were able to gain their own victories here and there, but in the end, the allied navy clearly won the war, and reduced the enemy ships to scraps amongst the seaweed.

As a result of this naval battle, Windurst lost control over the Bastore Sea, and their stranglehold on trade with the South.

As for Tavnazia, they were able to significantly develop their status as a nation through trade in the southern region.

If you look at this naval battle from Windurst’s point of view, it was a horrific act of aggression from Bastok (and Tavnazia) for the sake of profit. Looking from Bastok’s point of view though, it was the just subjugation of a conspiracy between Windurst and pirates.

The truth behind this war may always be obscured in the pages of history, and to this day, people in each country still hold conflicting opinions over the story of this battle.

796 – The Quadav select Za’Dha as Adamantking.

800 – The Department of Commerce introduces paper money.

811 – The Ministry of Domestic Affairs is merged into the Department of Industry. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is merged into the Department of Commerce. {Integration of the Ministries}

815 – Extensions are built on to the Metalworks, and the chapel is dismantled and relocated.

828 – The President’s office is moved to the top of the Metalworks.

833 – Cid is born.

835 – Construction begins to connect the shores of the Strait of Jeuno. {The Construction of Heaven’s Bridge}

The Construction of Heaven’s Bridge

In February of the year 835, Bastok decided to undertake a large-scale project to connect the various shores off the Straits of Jeuno via stone bridges. The project was to be similar to Kulatz Bridge in Bastok Markets, and many Galkan masons were hired for the construction. The plans were meticulous, and dictated that the bridges be made from scratch, rather than built upon the existing remains of old bridges. Previously, Windurst’s Manustery had made a wooden bridge (connecting to Mindartia only) but strong winds had since caused it to collapse.

The project was dubbed “Heaven’s Gate,” and after its completion and the subsequent appearance of the Archduke, Jeuno continued to adapt and change, and became the bustling metropolis we know today within only half a century’s time.

There were two reasons for Bastok to go to such lengths with this project. First, since large-scale constructions on Bastok had been completed, many Galkan masons were out of work. Thus, this could help solve the current unemployment problem. Second, as a result of the Elshimo Naval Battle, Bastok had earned itself a new rival: merchants from Tavnazia. By building a land route to facilitate trade with other nations, Bastok would have a line of trade fully under their control.

However, as a result of the Archduke’s appearance in Jeuno, the territory was made an independent nation, and proceeded to employ many of Bastok’s engineers and laborers, offering them a better life in a splendid new country. Due to this, the anticipated benefits of Bastok’s project were soon nullified.

836 – Due to an accidental explosion, the Alchemy guild is transferred to Ore Street.

849 – Gusgen Mines experiences a massive cave-in and is engulfed in flames.

851 – Gusgen Mines are closed.

854 – An official team forms with representatives from Sand’Oria and Windurst to investigate the northern regions. Mythril Musketeer, Raogrimm, is selected to lead the expedition.

- The Northern Expedition sets out.

855 – Reports from the Northern Expedition cease.

- Rumors of the birth of a new Quadav king spread through Bastok.

856 – Cid launches new technologically advanced ships of his own design.

- Cid is made lead engineer of the Metalworks.

857 – Ferry service between Selbina and Mhaura is established.

859 – Kam’lanaut, a representative of Jeuno, is awarded the title of Archduke by the three nations. {Founding of the Grand Duchy of Jeuno}

860 – The Mythril Musketeer receive information that the construction of Castle Zvahl is complete.

861 – The Shadow Lord gathers Beastmen leaders at Castle Zvahl and proclaims the destruction of the human nations.

4.862 – A mixed army of Beastmen invades Norvallen. President Prien makes an announcement, naming the Shadow Lord as the cause of this attack. He the declares a state of emergency and mobilizing the army for war. {The Crystal War Erupts}

6.682 – The Sahagin construct a blockade in Port Bastok. {Nullification of the Republican Navy}

7.862 – Selbina declares its neutrality. Republican forces surround the small harbor town. {The Selbina Riots}

8.862 – Responding to Eald’narche’s summons, President Prien travels to Jeuno to meet with representatives of Sand’Oria and Windurst. {The Ru’lude Conference}

9.862 – The four nations of the humans form a temporary union, creating an allied force. {The Formation of the Allied Forces of Altana}

10.862 – The Head of Military Affairs, ベルナーBerner, is killed by a Tonberry assassin.

The Assassination of Berner

On chilly October evening, while Prien was returning from his conference, the Head of Military Affairs, Berner, was killed by someone in the Metalworks.

Evidence had shown that he was stabbed in the chest countless times with a sharp object, so initially it was thought the murderer had some kind of grudge against him. However, a government official from Sand’Oria revealed that someone already matched this criminal profile: A Tonberry. According to the official, it is believed that the Shadow Lord had dispatched Tonberries before the outbreak of the war to assassinate those political figureheads who were advocating aggression towards him. The wounds observed in the victims from Sand’Oria matched the ones in this case precisely.

The strange story the official gave was, unfortunately, soon to be proven accurate, as a wave of assassinations hit Bastok, culminating in the attempted murder of President Prien himself.

10.862 – Cid is given a secondary position lead researcher of the Gunpowder Room.

11.862 – A mutli-national high echelon of fighters, the “Hydra Corps,” is formed.

12.862 – The Beastmen Army’s main forces amass around Jeuno.

1.863 – Garlaige Citadel is destroyed.

- The Antican begin to enter the continent of Quon. - The Beastmen launch their offensive from the outskirts of Jeuno.

4.863 – The main units of the Allied Forces of Altana gather in Xarcabard, engaging the Beastmen. {The Battle of Xarcabard}

7.863 – Castle Zvahl is surrounded by the forces of Altana. {The Siege of Castle Zvahl}

8.863 – The Hydra Corps disappear without a trace.

- Castle Zvahl falls.

9.863 – The Shadow Lord is sealed.

3.864 – Representatives of the four nations gather in Jeuno, and the Crystal War is officially proclaimed to be over. {The Crystal War Ends}

865 – Jeuno holds a post-war conference. Eald’narche proposes continuing positive relations between the four nations, and it is unanimously accepted. {The Multi-national Agreement}

867 – Palborough Mines experiences a cave-in. Cid resigns as head researcher of the Gunpowder Room.

868 – The Republic’s monetary unit, the Byne, is abandoned in favor of Jeuno’s currency, Gil. {The Currency Union}

869 – The Quadav build a canal off of their sanctuary into Palborough Mines.

- The Quadav assault Palborough Mines, capturing it. { Palborough Vengeance}

872 – Development begins on Zeruhn Mines.

873 – A drawbridge is built over Dalha River.

875 – The first Bastok to Jeuno airship flight is launched.

- The archeologist, ベルトリーノBertolino, discovers the remains of an ancient society in Dangruf Wadi.

877 – Beastmen activity begins to intensify in several regions. People begin to whisper about the possible return of the Shadow Lord.

882 – Richter Karst is elected President.

- Edwards, a Hume alchemist, develops Cermet.

883 – Kam’lanaut proposes Conquest as a means to ascertain political boundaries.

Age of Adventurers

884 - Present

Adventurers who respond to crises begin to appear in every region and are officially recognized by the President.

The “Selbina Pact” is signed. Conquest is instituted.

Foreign Officers are dispatched to each consulate.

The Gunpowder Room begins offering goods for sale.

The second Mythril Rush begins.

The Department of Industry begins holding official wedding ceremonies for adventurers.

Werei, a Galka from the Mines District, goes missing. {The Disappearance of Werei}

The Department of Mining approves the reopening of Korroloka Tunnel for adventurers.

Conflict is reinstituted.

The underground Moblin city, Movalpolis, is discovered in Gustaberg.

Some/all of the information in this article has been culled from various FFXI guides, and translated by Elmer the Pointy.