Rozzaria and Archadia were at war. Dalmasca and Nabradia were two countries that lay on the land between Rozzaria and Archadia, because of this they are geo-politically important to the war.

The king of Dalmasca wanted peace for Archadia and so he decided to give up his kingdom to Archadia, being promised they would still have some sovreignity. Basch's twin brother winds up killing the king of Dalmasca and it falls under the oppresive rule of Consul Vayne of Archadia.

Fast forward two years and we have Vaan, a street kid in Rabanastre (the capital of Dalmasca). Here's a quick little list of what happens next:

- Vaan breaks into the palace of Rabanastre and steals a piece of magicite

- Meets Balthier and Fran (two sky pirates) and later Ashe

- They are captured and sent to a prison in Nabradia, Ashe is taken hostage aboard the Dreadnought Leviathan

- Penelo is being held hostage by headhunters out for a bounty on Balthier's head

- Vaan and Co escape the prison, meeting Basch along the way.

- They fly to Bhujerba to speak with the Marquis Ondore about the resistance he is part of.

- First the visit Lhusu Mines in Bhujerba. Beforehand they meet Larsa, the brother of Vayne.

- Eventually they're re-united with Penelo and go to see the Marquis.

Once they see the Marquis he turns them over to the Imperials. Why? So that they can get Ashe back. They are taken aboard the Dreadnought Leviathan and then they escape their shackles and meet up with Vossler.

If I missed/mistook anything, someone please correct me so that I do not play through the game thinking the wrong thing.