The Battle of Xarcabard  

The buildup to the final battle of the Crystal War gave birth to one of the greatest inventions in the history of Vana‘diel -- the airship.

Kam’lanaut held rare knowledge about how to build crystal-power engines. He decided to share this knowledge with Cid, the engineering genius from Bastok, in hopes he would build a new weapon powerful enough to ensure victory in Xarcabard. Cid used the crystal-powered engine technology to design a new type of ship that could fly through the air using giant propellers. He called his creation an airship and named his prototype “First Ship.”

However, construction of the airship was taking longer than expected. The five races were eager for battle, and nobody wanted to give the Shadow Lord a chance to rebuild his once-powerful army. Thus, the decision was made to march on Xarcabard without the ultimate weapon.

Volker, the champion of Bastok, led the Allied Forces of Altana to the frozen height of Xarcabard. They were met by the Shadow Lord’s faithful demons, the last faction of his once-mighty army. An epic battle ensued. Although the demons were smaller in number than the Orcs, Yagudo and Quadav, they were more skilled both in magic and combat. Try as they might, the Allied Forces of Altana could not break through the demons’ defenses to get close to Castle Zvahl, the Shadow Lord’s stronghold.

T was time for a new strategy. Volker, skilled in the arts of war, decided to infiltrate the castle with a small, skilled group of warriors -- one from each of the five races. As the Allied Forces of Altana distracted the demons, the elite warriors sneaked past the enemy’s ramparts and into Castle Zvahl. Once inside, they fought their way up to the castle’s highest tower and entered the Shadow Lord’s throne room. The final showdown was at hand. The Shadow Lord’s might was immeasurable, but his horrifying power could not pierce the brotherhood of the fearless warriors. With a final thrust from Volker's weapon, the Shadow Lord fell to the cold floor, defeated. Outside, his demons vanished into the fierce wind.

The Allied Forces of Altana had won. The Crystal War was over.

For that moment, the world was at peace.