I assumed when I started that since Bastok was the on the brink of a technology age, that there would be more of an industrious feel to that area. Much like the city in FFVII, I'd like to see a zone created with an industrial tone. It could fit in if it was spun the right way....
*DISCLAIMER* I was REALLY bored at work... :)
As miners became more efficient in their collection of raw materials, Bastok was in dire need of a new refinery method capable of handling much higher ore loads. The rich and powerful entrepreneurs and leaders of Bastok formed a council to resolve this very issue. They determined that using powerful new refinery methods developed by Cid, they could increase the refinery proficiency by 68% and exceed the demand for processed ore.
However, the technology came with a problem. The planned factory was too large to place within the city limits of Bastok and theoretically could emit toxin hazardous to the delicate ecosystem in Gustaberg. There was a debatable solution…
During the age of Beasts, the Galka massive city in Kuztoz fell under numerous attacks by the vicious Antica. As the Antica attacks strengthened, the Galka Chieftan ordered all Galka not of age to fight to take refuge on the Zepwell Islet, a small island off the northeastern coast of Kuzotz, until the battle was won. This proved to be a grave mistake.
The Antica were more cunning then the Galka ever imagined. Thousands of Antica tunneled through the ocean and emerged on the Zepwell Islet. They were met with very little resistance as they mercilessly decimated the Galka youth.
The Galka's morale was crushed by this event. It was at this point they decided to flee for the sake of their race. Luckily, they discovered Korroloka Tunnel and fled to safety. They never spoke of the events that occurred on Zepwell Islet. It was only by accident that the Zepwell Islet was rediscovered and its story revealed.
Oggbi, an aging alcoholic Galka, was overheard by President Karst, rambling about the trapped souls on the Zepwell Islet. Typically, President Karst would dismiss any comments from Oggbi but it seemed that little Gumbah was doing his best to quiet the drunken Galka. President Karst determined that there must be some merit to Oggbi's comments, so he sent a small scouting team to try and locate the island.
When the team returned, successfully locating the Zepwell Islet, President Karst immediately proposed the island to be the site of new refinery. This outraged the Galka, who promised not to help with the construction on Zepwell Islet if it were approved. In his arrogance, President Karst approved his own proposal and construction on the Zepwell Islet began.
With a team completely consisting of Hume's, work on the refinery was slow. The Galka's powerful physique was greatly missed. The team had no choice but to move on as best they could. Day and night, workers tirelessly cleared out the semi-tropical terrain to make way for a new foundation.
After 3 years, the project, which was estimated to be complete in two years, was only halfway complete. It was at this point all contact was lost with the construction team. President Karst ordered another scout team to investigate the island. Days went by with no report from the team. Once word got around Bastok, no one dared venture to the Zepwell Islet in fear of the unknown…
President Karst, now desperate for answers, reluctantly offered a reward to any adventure who can shed light on the recent disappearances. An island… part machine, part tropical forest… shrouded in ghosts from the past… is there an adventurer in Vana'diel bold enough to search for answers?
This could lead to an expansion area, possibly involved in new Rank Missions if they ever raised the rank above 10. The island could be a partially constructed refinery and a dense tropical forest. I'm not sure what kind of mobs could be there, probably some kind of new ghost mob and maybe some of those T-rex's ~.^)b It could also have a zone that is somewhat graveyard-like to appease those people who want that kind of zone too. ^.^
Connections could be a tunnel in Quicksand Caves and later (maybe through a quest?) a boat/ferry from Bastok.