Overview
Amidst the vast, dense woodlands of Aldenard, lies the forest nation of Gridania. The city is comprised of a vast network of elaborate waterways and great wooden structures, so seamlessly designed they almost appear to be part of the forest itself.
The Gridanian emphasis on environmentalism has led to its distinction among Eorzeas city-states in trades such as forestry, agriculture, carpentry, and leatherworking. Gridania is also home to the Wood Wailers, a polearm-wielding militia responsible for protecting Gridania at any cost.
The patron deity of Gridania is none other than Nophica, the Matron. Great faith is also placed among the Seedseers young oracles who guide the nation according to the will of forest elementals.
Landmarks
Acorn Orchard - The Acorn Orchard is a playground located just outside the Oak Atrium, established to provide Gridanian children and orphans a place to play. A great deal of playground equipment, from the balancing logs to the snakewalk, opo-opo bars all created by the carpenters themselves. When the children aren't playing, the Carpenters' Guild takes the time to educate the Gridanian children in the various properties and grains of wood.
Min Khello's Amphitheatre - This beautiful outdoor theatre was built by the Miqo'te minstrel whose name it bears. As an ultimate gesture of gratitude toward Gridanians, she used the gil from her own pocket to fund the costly construction. The select few who have actually attended concerts here claim the trees and nearby pond give the amphitheatre the greatest acoustics in Eorzea. It is the favored venue for many events organized by Gridanian citizens, including the famous festivals.
Nophica's Altar - Adventurers are sure to stumble upon this magnificent altar as they make their way toward the Stillglade Fane. Gridanian citizens built this altar as a sign of great appreciation toward Nophica. On occasion, the citizens will come here to present offerings to the Matron deity herself, in hoping she will continue to watch over their beloved city.
*Note*: SquareEnix did not write any lore on Nophica's Altar. Because there was none available, I drew iinspiration from the surrounding NPC's, and preexisting FFXIV lore to create something accurate for the community.
The Knot Situated along the banks of the Black Tea Brook, The Knot server as the junction of Gridania's most traversed roads. Located in the heart of Gridania, The Knot is near equidistant from the two main gates, giving adventurers quick access to amenities such as chocobos and airships. Its convenient location has made The Knot an integral location in Gridania in recent times, adventurers can be found here in search of their next great Eorzean journey.
Guilds of Gridania
Atelier Fen-Yll - The Atelier Fen-Yll is home to the Leatherworkers' Guild, and boasts the finest tanners in Eorzea today. In recent years, the workshop has come to be known for its Geva patterns, named after the current guild master who designed them. These innovative patterns outline methods of cutting leather in a way that honors forest elementals by minimizing waste.
Carline Canopy Nestled within the inn known as The Roost lies the relaxing Carline Canopy. Adventurers far and wide come here whenever they need to take a break from their stressful adventures. The Canopy's famous stained-glass windows enlighten the room with beams of yellow, green and red - slowly shifting as the sun and moon move across the sky. When combined with the quiet murmur of the nearby water wheel, the Carline Canopy can only be described as the premiere place to relax when visiting Gridania.
Quiver's Hold The brave archers of Gridania are known as the Gods' Quiver, and it is the Quivers' Hold which they call home. From this grand wooden building, orders are issued to archers all around Gridania, whether they are stationed in a local tower, or patrolling the surrounding forests. The Hold also houses the Archers' Guild, and all adventurers will come here if they ever hope to master the ancient art of bowmanship.
Stillglade Fane Situated beneath a great tree trunk lies Stillglade Fane, home of the Conjurers' Guild. The air in this deep dwelling is imbued with a definitive silence a necessity if Conjurers ever hope to hear the impossibly quiet whispers of the forest's elementals. Lending to the spiritual ambience of the Fane is the is the ever-present aroma of exotic incenses, and the play of lantern light in its numerous alcoves.
The Oak Atrium Permanently straddling Gridania's Black Tea Brook, The Oak Atrium is easily distinguished by the water wheel at its front, which harnesses the current to generate much-needed power for the Atrium's amenities. The wheel itself is truly one of a kind, as it exhibits an 'enclosed' construction, in which the blades are obscured from view by the outlying planks. Originally inhabited a handful of Eorzean woodworkers, the Oak Atrium has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. It is now home to the Carpenters' Guild.
Wailing Barracks These barracks are home to the Wood Wailers, Gridanian lancers who keep the peace within the city and its borders. Whenever a major conflict arises in Gridania, it is here the townspeople will flock when a polearm is the only means of resolution. In these humble barracks, the nation keeps its gaols, occupants who have committed crimes or against the forest and its many creatures. It is also home to the Lancers' Guild, which is always in search of new adventurers.
Thank you for accompanying us on our trip to Gridania. See you next time!
