Fortunately, the Garleans haven't taken over the world completely. They're not the Allagans thankfully. Pretty much all of the "Great Continents" of Ilsabard (Garlemald) and Othard (Doma) aka the "Far East" is under complete Garlean control. However, there still exists several other continents and islands that are free of occupation for the moment and would make suitable "starting points" however, the catch is the lore on these places is somewhat limited and not like to be filled in any time soon.
Thavnair (the Near East) is a large island in the Sea of Jade to the East, near Othard. It is not yet under Garlean rule. What we know of the continent is that it's capital city-state is Radz-at-Han and it is an extremely warm-temperatured place. Apparently very hot and humid summers. Thavnair and Limsa appear to have fairly steady trade relations as well.
To the south, the Cieldaeles and the Southern Isles. The Cieldaeles are mostly tropical and are home to a large Lominsan presence. Lalafell are the native settlers here. The Southern Isles range from rolling grasslands to desert isles the further south you get towards Meracydia. Lalafell are also the primary inhabitants of these island chains. To the far south is Meracydia, we know extremely little of this place - including who lives there currently. We know that it was once home to the dragonkin sired by Bahamut, but we do not know who all lives there now. We do know at least it is partially a desert continent.
Conversely there are the North Sea Isles in the Bloodbrine. This chain is home to Sharlayan and the Isle of Val (which is now vanished). In times of old, the North Sea Isles were the home of Sea Wolf vikings and pirates who ravaged the lands in the north. We do not know if Sharlayan still boasts a similarly large Sea Wolf population or not, but it's likely Sharlayan, being a large school of learning in the world, has attracted many diverse races and peoples, as evidenced by the Circle of Knowing. Elezen, Hyur, Miqo'te, etc also seem to be common.
To the west is the New World, home to the Mamool Ja beastmen. This continent was discovered by Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn in 1561 (16 years ago) and has since been the source of great imports into Eorzea. We do not yet know very much about the continent, only that there seems to be a great deal of trade going on, which leads me to believe there are Lominsan colonists there or there are an established group of New Worlders, other than or possible one in the same as the Mamool Ja.
In Eorzea, there are also several islands and island chains as well as the Farreach to the north which is inaccessible currently. Mazlaya, Bianaq, and the Pearl. You could also choose to be from Ala Mhigo, which is now under Garlean rule, but once a great city-state of Eorzea. The highlands of Gyr Abania are currently inaccessible and prior to the fall, the nation of Ala Mhigo was rather stand-offish with the other nations. So could very easily play your Ala Mhigan as a stranger to the rest of southern Eorzea.
Hope this helps with some options and brainstorming! ^^
Thavnair (the Near East) is a large island in the Sea of Jade to the East, near Othard. It is not yet under Garlean rule. What we know of the continent is that it's capital city-state is Radz-at-Han and it is an extremely warm-temperatured place. Apparently very hot and humid summers. Thavnair and Limsa appear to have fairly steady trade relations as well.
To the south, the Cieldaeles and the Southern Isles. The Cieldaeles are mostly tropical and are home to a large Lominsan presence. Lalafell are the native settlers here. The Southern Isles range from rolling grasslands to desert isles the further south you get towards Meracydia. Lalafell are also the primary inhabitants of these island chains. To the far south is Meracydia, we know extremely little of this place - including who lives there currently. We know that it was once home to the dragonkin sired by Bahamut, but we do not know who all lives there now. We do know at least it is partially a desert continent.
Conversely there are the North Sea Isles in the Bloodbrine. This chain is home to Sharlayan and the Isle of Val (which is now vanished). In times of old, the North Sea Isles were the home of Sea Wolf vikings and pirates who ravaged the lands in the north. We do not know if Sharlayan still boasts a similarly large Sea Wolf population or not, but it's likely Sharlayan, being a large school of learning in the world, has attracted many diverse races and peoples, as evidenced by the Circle of Knowing. Elezen, Hyur, Miqo'te, etc also seem to be common.
To the west is the New World, home to the Mamool Ja beastmen. This continent was discovered by Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn in 1561 (16 years ago) and has since been the source of great imports into Eorzea. We do not yet know very much about the continent, only that there seems to be a great deal of trade going on, which leads me to believe there are Lominsan colonists there or there are an established group of New Worlders, other than or possible one in the same as the Mamool Ja.
In Eorzea, there are also several islands and island chains as well as the Farreach to the north which is inaccessible currently. Mazlaya, Bianaq, and the Pearl. You could also choose to be from Ala Mhigo, which is now under Garlean rule, but once a great city-state of Eorzea. The highlands of Gyr Abania are currently inaccessible and prior to the fall, the nation of Ala Mhigo was rather stand-offish with the other nations. So could very easily play your Ala Mhigan as a stranger to the rest of southern Eorzea.
Hope this helps with some options and brainstorming! ^^
