2.5 - Before the Fall

[VargasVermillion]

1) Didn't he say he couldn't return during one of the Scyrus Tower cutscenes? May have been lying I guess, but I do find it likely that the whole XIVth and VIIth Legion are basically outlaws in their home country after their colossal failures, it would explain why a few of the (Drest?) aren't simply walking by to the nearest Castrum.

You heard correct, Nero and pretty much any garlean figure in eorzea from the XIVth or VIIth legion are exiled. XIVth for invading eorzea against the high legatus's orders and VIIth for putting their faith in a primal and almost destroying the world.