The Kingdom Of Waloed

Discover the Kingdom of Waloed in Final Fantasy XVI. Learn about its history, military, ruler Barnabas Tharmr, and its place in Valisthea.

So, you've found yourself in the lands of Waloed in Final Fantasy XVI. This place is quite the powerhouse, claiming the eastern half of Valisthea, known as Ash. It's a kingdom with a history of conflict, constantly dealing with beastmen and the encroaching Blight. But under the rule of Barnabas Tharmr, the Dominant of Odin, they've managed to keep things in check and even build a formidable army. A Brief History: Waloed was established back in the Year of the Realm 843 by Barnabas Tharmr himself. He took advantage of a war between the Kingdom of Veldemarke and the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, pacified the continent of Ash, and then basically absorbed Veldemarke, creating Waloed. Their capital, Stonhyrr, was built on the ruins of Veldemarke. Barnabas united the tribes of Ash over sixteen years, and with Odin's power, there wasn't much resistance. The Blight also played a role, leaving little land to fight over. Waloed became the sole nation on the continent, and their military might grew even further when Barnabas allied with Ultima in 850. He ruled for 28 years without aging, thanks to becoming Akashic. Their military development was intense. They created organizations like the Balmung Dark and the Badbach Conservatory to utilize Bearers and beasts of war. They even blockaded the Strait of Autha at some point. Interestingly, Cidolfus Telamon, who you'll know as Ramuh, was recruited as a soldier in 847 and later became Lord Commander of the Royal Knights in 850. In 849, Waloed supported the Free Cities of Kanver in their bid for independence from the Dhalmekian Republic. Kanver finally succeeded in 857. Things got intense in 860. Rosaria fell as part of Ultima's plan, and around the same time, Cidolfus saved Benedikta Harman when she awoke as Garuda. Barnabas even gave her the surname 'Harman' when she was brought back to Waloed. The Battle of the Twin Realms in 865 saw Waloed clash with the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, with the Dhalmekian Republic and the Iron Kingdom joining in. Sanbreque, with Bahamut on their side, managed to retake the Strait of Autha, ending Waloed's blockade. Waloed then allied with the Dhalmekian Republic to fight against the Iron Kingdom. Military Might: The main fighting force in Waloed is the Royal Knights, also known as the Royal Guard. They follow orders from their Lord Commander, who answers to the King. These knights wield swords or axes, sometimes with support from magicians or mastiffs. For faster deployment, they have the Royal Cavalry, knights riding swift chocobos. And let's not forget their powerful navy, with the flagship _Einherjar_, a formidable galleon. This fleet allows them to move troops quickly across Valisthea and defend their coasts. Waloed's elite unit is the Royal Intelligencers, led by Benedikta Harman, the Dominant of Garuda. This unit answers only to the King and specializes in covert operations like espionage, sabotage, and assassination. Key Figures: * Barnabas Tharmr: The King of Waloed and the Dominant of Odin. He's a powerful ruler who united the continent and leads a strong military. * Benedikta Harman: The Dominant of Garuda and commander of the Royal Intelligencers. She answers directly to the King. * Cidolfus Telamon (Ramuh): Formerly the Lord Commander of the Royal Knights before his own path led him elsewhere. Keep an eye on Waloed; they're a significant force in Valisthea, and their ambitions often lead them to test the boundaries of their neighbors.