Idea for a New Expansion: Gaius van Baelsar lives... and he needs your help

[Cilia]

I was... unaware that the XIVth was deemed renegade by the Empire and marked for death. This actually explains Nero's current unemployment. But then how is it that the XIVth stragglers in bases across Eorzea have still managed to hold out for so long? I know there are reasons they can't be removed in-game but the fact that the Alliance has not gotten wiping out these Castrums in their own lands strikes me as ridiculous considering they then launch a full-blown invasion of Imperial Territory.

Everything Gaius did in 2.0 was off the record. He wasn't acting on orders - he took his Legion, went rogue, and tried to conquer Eorzea a second time. (First was before 1.0, when Midgardsormr's unforeseen intervention destroying the Agrius ruined his plans.) As a result everyone in the XIVth was given a kill on sight order by the Empire - and Nero just happens to be the sole surviving important member of the XIVth (because he was smart enough to cut tail and run when overpowered).

As for why the Eorzeans haven't expunged all the stragglers of the XIVth squatting on their lands? Dunno. It's never brought up. My personal opinion on the matter is that the Eorzeans pity them, so they leave them be so long as they don't stir up trouble.

[Kyran-Varlsen]

As for why the Eorzeans haven't expunged all the stragglers of the XIVth squatting on their lands? Dunno. It's never brought up. My personal opinion on the matter is that the Eorzeans pity them, so they leave them be so long as they don't stir up trouble.

Is it ever definitely stated if these legionnaires are still XIV? What if the Empire moved more troops in and these are sanctioned legionnaires?

Again, the in-game reason for this is that these locations are involve in quests or the mobs drop unique crafting loot. But on a geopolitical level, the continued existence and mention of these strongholds in cut scenes really undercuts the commitment of the alliance to safeguard their own lands.

[Cilia]

Is it ever definitely stated if these legionnaires are still XIV? What if the Empire moved more troops in and these are sanctioned legionnaires?

It is not. However, without a statement either way it is wisest to go with what is known - that they are of the XIVth, rogue and defunct as it may be.

For the other bit... I avoid "What if?"s and possibilities. You're on your own for that one.