Chapter 1 - Departure

Plot

Chapter 1 – Departure

Prior to the empire launching its assault on Insomnium, Ardyn leaves to check up on Noctis. He knows that Noctis must be going to try and procure a boat in Galdin Quay, but (should be) aware of the imperial embargo. So, he arrives there early and waits for him. Noctis arrives and Ardyn informs him that the boats are not running, then leaves to keep track of him from afar. Noctis finds a way around the embargo courtesy of a nosy reporter. However, by the time Noctis secures passage, the attack on Insomnium has already begun. King Regis is slain during the attack, the Empire takes the Crystal, and an announcement is made to the public that Noctis and Lunafreya are dead.

Noctis and co. read the empire’s proclamations in the newspaper before boarding the ship and, seeing as how Noctis is still alive, are uncertain how true the other proclamations are. So, they drive back to Insomnia to find the truth. However, the empire sets up a checkpoint outside the imperial city, forcing Noctis’ party to sneak around it. The team battles their way through a small horde of Imperial soldiers and lay their eyes on a city in ruins. While reeling, Noctis receives a call from Cor, one of the Marshals of the Lucis Crown’s Guard, telling them to meet him in Hammerhead.