Ishgard

Ishgard is a prominent city-state in Final Fantasy XIV, located in northern Eorzea on the frozen plateau of Coerthas. The city is built along a series of sheer cliffs and rises with spires and cathedrals, reflecting a theocratic, martial culture. It rose to prominence following the Dragonsong War and serves as the spiritual and political heart of the Ishgardian state.

Government and society: Ishgard is governed as a theocracy under the Holy See, led by the Archbishop and supported by a council of noble houses and the Knights of the Holy See. The Fortemps family is a notable example of Ishgard’s aristocracy. Social structure is strict; status and fealty shape daily life, with limited mobility between classes.

Culture and economy: The city emphasizes religious devotion, chivalric ideals, and martial training. Craft and trade, especially mining and metalwork, sustain its economy. Public life centers on religious ceremonies, state functions, and the defense of the realm; education and scholarship are valued within the clergy and noble houses.

History and notable events: The long Dragonsong War dominated Ishgard’s history, fostering suspicion of outsiders and a siege mentality. Conflict waned as diplomacy and new perspectives emerged, and the city began reforms and rebuilding in subsequent years, balancing tradition with modernization.

Ishgard in the wider world: In Final Fantasy XIV, Ishgard is a major setting in the Heavensward expansion and remains a focal hub for northern Eorzea’s adventures, alliance-building, and stories about dragons, faith, and political change.