Empire of Aht Urhgan The Empire of Aht Urhgan was the first major region to be added to " Final Fantasy XI " since the official release in Japan . Aht Urhgan is accessible after installing the expansion pack " " . It is interesting to note that this is one of the few empires in " Final Fantasy " that is not one - sidedly evil or good , instead it is simply an empire of pure conquest . Background . The Empire of Aht Urhgan dominates the Aradjiah Continent , a landmass found east of Mindartia . This massive nation lies between the Gugru Blue and the countries of the Far East , and is governed by the Divine Empress — a ruler who wields absolute religious and secular authority . During the time of the Crystal War , the allied forces of Altana — including Tavnazia , one of the Empire ’ s largest trading partners — petitioned for the aid of the Aht Urhgan armies . Despite repeated requests for help , the Empire remained steadfast in her isolation and dispatched not a single soldier . These actions led to the continuing diplomatic distance between the Western nations and the Near East . The Empire is currently at war with her Far Eastern neighbors . Structure . Al Zahbi . Protected by tall ramparts , the impregnable fortress city of Al Zahbi serves as the capital of the western half of the vast Empire of Aht Urhgan . The city resembles a labyrinth , with the roofs of stone buildings joining to form paths around structures built on a higher level . The serpentine designs seen throughout the city represent the two - headed snake king Zahak , a symbol of the Empire . This fairly new ward houses residents who have either not been granted or have been stripped of citizenship . Beastman attacks are a constant threat due to the district ’ s location on the outskirts of town . Imperial Whitegate . This diverse ward is home to merchants and craftsmen who provide their services to the area ' s throngs of traders , mercenaries , and adventurers from foreign lands . The district also features two ports , one facing the inland sea to the north and another facing the open sea to the south . The Merchant ' s Ward also serves as a western gate to the Empire . Imperial Ward . The Imperial Ward lies behind a colossal white wall that separates the district from the rest of the city . The magnificent imperial palace , military facilities , and residences of the imperial family line the streets inside , but non - citizens are strictly forbidden to enter . The Aht Urhgan Military . Volunteer Soldiers . These soldiers were recruited from among the inhabitants of Al Zahbi . Their desire to protect their homeland is strong , and their morale is second to none . However , due to their lack of formal training and proper equipment , they have a tendency to falter in the heat of battle . Imperial Soldiers . These soldiers receive a stipend from the Aht Urhgan Empire for their services . As members of the Imperial Army , they possess not only quality weapons and armor , but have also received extensive training . Among their number are seasoned veterans who have been brought in from the front lines of the conflict with the Far East . The Immortals . The Grand Vizier directly commands this unit of elite special forces . Their original duty was to protect the Empress from harm and maintain order in the Empire , but they also participate in Besieged battles under certain conditions . The Immortals use the skills learned in their rigorous blue mage training to command the defending army in battle and provide logistic support . The Serpent Generals . These five generals have been personally charged by the Empress with the defense of Al Zahbi . They are each allowed a name that corresponds with the symbols of the Empire . The Imperial symbols consist of five serpents , each associated with an element — Fire , Water , Earth , Wind , and the Heavens . Each general possesses a mirror used to open the Hall of Binding .