The End of the Age of People  

The one known only as the Shadow Lord appeared without warning, and his name remains synonymous with terror to this day. Consumed by hatred of all living things, he enlisted the beastmen and employed them in simultaneous attacks against the nations of Vana'diel. So began the Crystal War.

After years of peace and prosperity, the nations fell one after another, unable to halt the relentless onslaught. The nightmare spread across the lands of Vana'diel like hellfire.

In response to the seemingly unstoppable beastmen assault,Grand Duke Kam'lanaut of Jeuno convinced the people of San d'Oria, Windurst, and Bastok to unite as the Allied Forces of Altana - and defeat the beastmen once and for all.

A stalemate ensued for some time. Finally, at the legendary Battle of Jeuno, the Allied Forces of Altana were able to gain the upper hand. They claimed total victory over the beastmen at the merciless Battle of Xarcabard. Finally, the heroes of the five races cornered the Shadow Lord in his stronghold of Area: Castle Zvahl Bailey, where Volker, champion of Bastok, delivered the final coup de grace.

Thus the Crystal War drew to an end, with victory marred by the uncountable corpses scattered throughout the devastated lands and cities of Vana'diel.