Overview
The Ruby Sea is a vast maritime region in the Far Eastern continent of Othard, serving as the gateway to the occupied nation of Doma in Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood. It is a zone defined by its striking duality, featuring a surface world of scattered islands, pirate havens, and fishing villages, and a hidden, fantastical underwater realm. The sea gets its name from the rich, crimson hue of its waters at certain times of day, a phenomenon caused by mineral deposits and unique aetheric currents. As the first Far Eastern location players explore after the port city of Kugane, The Ruby Sea establishes the expansion's themes of liberation, cultural discovery, and aquatic adventure.
History & Lore
Geography and Surface Culture
The Ruby Sea is an archipelago, its surface dotted with numerous islands ranging from tiny, uninhabited rocks to larger landmasses supporting settlements. The most prominent of these is Isari, a modest but resilient fishing village that has endured under the shadow of the Garlean Empire's naval dominance. The villagers of Isari, like many in the region, live under the constant threat of imperial patrols, which restrict fishing grounds and demand harsh tributes.
True power on the surface waves, however, lies with The Confederacy. This loose but formidable coalition of pirate factions holds sovereignty over the sea lanes, operating under a simple, enforced code: any vessel wishing to sail safely through The Ruby Sea must pay a toll. While often labeled as brigands, The Confederacy maintains a certain chaotic order and functions as a de facto governing body for the region's maritime traffic, one that even the Garleans have found difficult to fully eradicate.
The Depths: Sui-no-Sato and the Raen
Beneath the waves lies one of Othard's most well-kept secrets: Sui-no-Sato, the "Village of Water." This submerged settlement is home to the Raen clan of the Au Ra, who separated from their Xaela kin on the Azim Steppe generations ago to seek a life of peace beneath the sea. The village exists within a massive, stable air bubble created and maintained by ancient, powerful aetherial barriers. This miracle of hydaelyn engineering allows for a fully functional community with buildings, flora, and breathable air, presenting a breathtaking vista of aquatic life visible through the shimmering dome. The Raen of Sui-no-Sato are isolationist, guarding their home from outsiders and living in harmony with the sea.
The Kojin Beast Tribes
The native beastmen of The Ruby Sea are the Kojin, anthropomorphic turtle-like beings with a deep cultural connection to treasure and the spiritual essence of objects. They are divided into two primary factions:
- The Blue Kojin: A mercantile and relatively peaceful group who dwell in the Shoal, a sunken palace. They believe that objects accumulate spiritual value over time, making older items more sacred. They are the crafters and traders of their people and serve as the Stormblood beast tribe quest givers, involving the Warrior of Light in their treasure-hunting rituals.
- The Red Kojin: A militant and zealous faction that splintered from the Blue Kojin. They inhabit the Swallow's Compass, a fortified complex, and have turned to the worship of a primal. Their fervor and aggression pose a significant threat to the stability of the entire sea.
The Primal Susano
The Red Kojin's devotion culminated in the summoning of Susano, the Lord of the Revel, a primal of immense power and even greater exuberance. Unlike many primals who seek to dominate or consume, Susano is a being of pure, chaotic joy, who views battle as the ultimate celebration. His manifestation was triggered by the Red Kojin's desire for a deity of strength to lead them to dominance. Susano's trial is legendary for its theatrical and engaging mechanics, most notably the moment where he challenges the Warriors of Light to a test of strength, summoning an enormous blade that they must physically hold back—a moment that encapsulates his bombastic personality.
Gameplay
The Ruby Sea is a large, open-world zone designed for players level 63-65 during the main scenario of Stormblood.
- Underwater Exploration: The zone introduces the game's diving mechanic. Players can freely swim beneath the surface, exploring submerged ruins, caves, and the stunning Sui-no-Sato. A special "Dive Gauge" replaces the breath meter, allowing for unlimited underwater exploration.
- Aether Currents: To unlock flying in the zone, players must attune to aether currents found both on land and, for the first time, underwater, encouraging full exploration of the zone's vertical space.
- FATEs and Hunts: The zone features numerous Full Active Time Events (FATEs) involving pirates, Garleans, sea creatures, and the Kojin. Special Elite Marks from the Hunt also roam the islands and depths.
- Beast Tribe Quests: Upon reaching level 63 and completing the relevant main scenario quests, players can undertake daily quests for the Blue Kojin, earning reputation and unique rewards while learning about their treasure-centric culture.
- Trials: The trial "The Pool of Tribute" is accessed here, where players face the primal Susano.
- Gathering and Fishing: The zone is rich in Stormblood-level botany, mining, and fishing nodes, with several valuable fish found only in its unique underwater fishing holes.
Trivia
- The design of Sui-no-Sato is heavily inspired by classic Japanese folktales of underwater dragon palaces, such as Ryūgū-jō.
- Susano's name and boisterous nature are direct references to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the Shinto god of the sea and storms, known for his impulsive and powerful character.
- The mechanic in Susano's trial where players "block" his giant sword, Ame-no-Murakumo, is a celebrated and unique interaction rarely seen in other encounters.
- The Confederacy's toll system and pirate aesthetic draw inspiration from the historical pirate havens of the Caribbean and the South China Sea.
- The Ruby Sea acts as a crucial narrative and geographical bridge, transitioning the story from the cosmopolitan hub of Kugane to the war-torn, inland struggles of Doma proper.
Related Articles
- Stormblood
- Kugane
- The Kojin
- Susano (Trial)
- The Confederacy