It is this pivotal location that gives the fortress its unique character. Many are the travelers who visit Nalbina Fortress to witness this ever-booming oasis that refuses to silt over in neglect, or crumble before the blistering winds of war.

The Nalbina Fortress is a location in the world of Ivalice in Final Fantasy XII. Nalbina Fortress is a fortress that once belonged to the Kingdom of Nabradia located just northeast of Rabanastre and that marks the border of Dalmasca and Nabradia. The inside of the fortress itself is also an unrevisitable location that serves as the game's prologue. Beneath it lie the Nalbina Dungeons.

A fortress built on an oasis located between the old kingdoms of Dalmasca and Nabradia. Defended by high ridges and barren sands, long it stood firm against generations of aggressors. Nalbina Fortress and the merchant town that sprung up in its shadow made the area a focal point for local commerce. The treaty to end hostilities in the war with Archadia was signed at Nalbina, yet immediately after the signing, the Dalmascan king was slain, and as a result, the Kingdom of Dalmasca came under complete Archadian Imperial rule. In the two years since the war and occupation by Archadian forces, the fortress has become a key strategic stronghold against the distant, yet ever-threatening, Rozarrian Empire. Works continue to this day to repair the damage which the fortress suffered during the war. Recently, markets where antiques and rarities can readily be had have sprung up in the outer wards of the fortress, taking advantage of the steady flow of traffic which passes through this midpoint between Rabanastre and Nabudis. It is this pivotal location that gives the fortress its unique character. Many are the travelers who visit Nalbina Fortress to witness this ever-booming oasis that refuses to silt over in neglect, or crumble before the blistering winds of war.

Sage Knowledge 43, Nalbina Fortress

It was here, during the Battle of Nalbina Fortress, that the Knights of Dalmasca were decimated, and Prince Rasler succumbed to the arrow of an imperial soldier. A short while later, King Raminas was assassinated in the royal apartments, marking the end of autonomous rule for Dalmasca. A young soldier named Reks also died as a result of being wounded in the assassination, and Dalmasca's Captain Basch fon Ronsenburg was charged with the crimes.

After the imperials took control of Nalbina Fortress, it is now primarily used as a prison. The city itself has been rebuilt, and now contains a thriving market and an airship dock. Soldiers are plentiful, guarding the access to Mosphoran Highwaste, and those wanting to visit the aerodrome are escorted through the fortress.