Nadaam

The Nadaam is a ceremonial battle for control of the Azim Steppe held on the final day of the Tsagaan Sar between any tribe of Xaela which wishes to compete and has completed the trials of Bardam's Mettle. The victor of the Nadaam is crowned khagan of the Azim Steppe.

During the events of Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood, a Nadaam is held, with the Bugudan, Dotharl, and Mol tribes challenging the incumbent Oronir tribe, and their khagan, Magnai the Older, Virgin of the Oronir. Unusual to this Nadaam is the presence of foreign troops: the Doman Liberation Front ally with the otherwise tiny Mol tribe, which had only joined because a prophecy demanded that they must, in exchange for support in the liberation of Doma. In retaliation, the Garlean Empire sends a strike force lead by Grynewaht to assassinate Lord Hien and the Warrior of Light; but by the time they arrive, the Mol have already defeated their rivals and seized control of the Steppe, and the Garlean forces are quickly routed by the Xaela. The Nadaam establishes the Warrior of Light as the khagan of the Xaela, as well as setting the stage for the liberation of Doma and ultimately Ala Mhigo.

The player participates in the Nadaam by completing several quests which explore the Xaela culture as well as Magnai's star-crossed desire for Sadu Heavensflame, as well as the dungeon Bardam's Mettle and a solo instance in which they help lead the Mol to victory over the Oronir and Garleans.