![[Image: Ala_Mhigo_FFXIV_Art_1.jpg]](http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130901034308/finalfantasy/images/a/a9/Ala_Mhigo_FFXIV_Art_1.jpg)
The Kingdom of Ala Mhigo
Until its fall in the year 1557 of the Sixth Astral Era, the Kingdom of Ala Mhigo was the greatest military power in Eorzea. This Spartan-esque nation championed great military minds and was famed for the greatest Lancer legions the world had ever seen. For many years, their religion revolved around the god Rhalgr, the Destroyer. Lead by a faction of ascetic monks called The Order of the Fists of Rhalgr, Ala Mhigans believed that by honing their minds and bodies to their peak would bring them closer to the glory of their god.
The city-state, nestled in the cold, mountainous slopes of Gyr Abania was the first line of defense against the encroaching Garlean Empire to the north in Ilsabard. Knowing it unwise to face the Ala Mhigans on the battlefield, Legatus of the XIVth Legion, Gaius van Baelsar devised a plan to tear the powerful nation in two. So began the fall with King Theodric.
With the growing political power of the Order of the Fists of Rhalgr, King Theodric feared the people would do away with the monarchy entirely. Over time, Garlean agents fueled his paranoia of power-hungry monks and soon Theodric ordered his Kingsguard, the Corpse Brigade, to arrest several members of the Order on suspicion of treason. He tortured the monks until they admitted the Order was trying to overthrow the Mad King. Then, in 1552, Theodric did the unthinkable. He ordered his Lancer legions to surround the Temple of Rhalgr. They burned the Temple and the residences surrounding it and slaughtered every Monk within.
King Theodric branded the Order as traitors and proclaimed his rule was by divine right of Nymeia. The worship of Rhalgr was outlawed and those harboring the remnants of the Monkhood were tried and killed. For five years, the Garleans allowed Ala Mhigo to wallow in riots, resistance, and upheaval, until in 1557 the Garleans marched on the city-state and offered to save the Ala Mhigans from the madness of King Theodric. The Garleans were welcomed as saviors to the city by many, and those who did resist were slaughtered. Before the Ala Mhigans realized their mistake, it was too late and Ala Mhigo had fallen in but a single night.
Refugees fled to nearby Gridania where they rallied under the banner of the Ala Mhigan Resistance. They stormed the city in an attempt to liberate it, but were soundly defeated. Feeling unwelcome by the Gridanians upon their return, they left the Wood south, heading for Ul'dah, the land of riches, opportunity, and mercenaries.
