~ The War : 2030 A.D. ~


Shifters.

They were merely creatures of legend and mystery before and during the 21st century. Humans always had speculations of their existence, but nothing along the lines of hard evidence. Eventually, all humans came to terms that Shifters were not real. They simply were myths.

But that didn't stop humans from desiring the powers Shifters had been rumored to possess. Great power meant having the advantage over one's enemies. Now it was just a matter of which scientists from which country could develop the technology the fastest. Money was always a large factor in the decision making process.

Let's not forget the cover-up.

One country attacked another for the technology, stating that said country had broken their end of a treaty. A battle for the Shifter technology ensued to where it eventually got to the point of going nuclear. Years into the "Forbidden War," a motion to destroy the few genetically altered Shifters was made and project X-Virus was established. The purpose behind the X-Virus's creation was to eradicate the Shifters created. Unfortunately, the viral infection spread to humans, killing them as well.


~ 2040 A.D. ~

It was during this time that the Shifters of legend revealed themselves to be no longer myths...but truth.

The virus was beginning to kill off the True Shifters and the idea of humans attempting to transform themselves into a species similar to their own did not bode well with any of the Shifter races. The ill feeling was heightened when the reasons for such abominable experimentation was purely for selfish gain and simply to rule other nations via a shift in the balance of power.


~ 2045 A.D. ~

The infection and nuclear damage done to the planet and its people was becoming too much for most to bear. The possibility of them surviving was slim and the possibility of them surviving above ground was even slimmer. It was becoming painfully obvious that in order to ensure the survival of their races, human and Shifter alike, they would have to put their petty ideas, grievances, and other desires on the back burner and find a way to live through the mess they had managed to create...together.

Going Underground was the only hope for anyone on Earth to survive.


~ 2055 A.D. ~

Everyone had successfully moved underground (those who'd managed to survive the ravages of the "Forbidden War"). It was quite cramped and uncomfortable to say the least, but some cities did manage to get created. Life was content for the time being, but it was bound not to last. Prejudice is something no one would be able to escape in any lifetime.

It started out as just mere disagreements before breaking out into outright dislike between the species. Fights broke out until a few fatalities attracted the attention of few of the more influential members of the different races. Some sort of order had to be established.

The Zone Project was introduced, approved, and launched.


~ 2065 A.D. ~

A decade of non-stop labor passed and the four Zone levels had finally been created. Though separate for various reasons, a means of order had finally been established in the Underground.

• Zone 3 - The Realm of Humans
• Zone 2 - The Capital
• Zone 1 - The Realm of Non-Humans
• Ground Zero - The Slums

With a government known as Shangri-La and its presiders, "The Eight," it seemed that there was still hope left for those still trying to make a living on what remained of planet Earth. Though many of each race and species within the Shifters had been killed off by the war and X-Virus, the remaining humans and Shifters attempted to regain a balance in their populace.

Order had taken root and there was hopeful talk of allowing open borders at last between the Zones. The Underground seemed like the dawning of a new and great Era for all living creatures.

Yet we all know that where there is goodness and justice, there is evil and corruption...


~ 2075 A.D. ~

At last, the time had come.

It seemed like everyone was getting completely settled into their lives underground. There had been another motion from within The Eight to attempt a field observation mission of the Earth's surface. They had to know what effects their past mistakes had caused and if their was anything worth preserving.

Pleased that the remnants of both the infection and nuclear radiation had subsided, they were disheartened at seeing the vast and endless desert that lay before them. Was there nothing left of anything to represent the beauty of Mother Earth and the technological legacy of humanity?

After a few weeks of clambering around in "The Wasteland," a metropolis was miraculously left standing. However, it hardly could be called a "city" of any sort except for the many towering buildings. Moss and vines were practically overtaking the city and there was barely any power left. However, there were tools and power cells still available, as well as miles of cords and piping that could help with further development of the cities underground as well as possibly creating a new power source above ground.

A project to erect windmills as their power source was underway. During the construction of the windmills (and there were, indeed, many to be built) a nearby forest was discovered. The stone arches of this place led to the entrance of the forest and a fresh and clean water supply, its river, was here as well. Immediately recognizing it to be a sacred place untainted by their past mistakes, The Eight named this treasure of Mother Earth as "The Forest of Rivergate."

Though all these discoveries were fruitful for the continued development of the Underground and its inhabitants, a seed of corruption had been planted within The Eight. It would only be a matter of time before it finally took root...


~ 2080 A.D. ~

With the Underground fully established and with a new, admirable government with trustworthy Leaders, the residents of the Zones, felt that their lives had been allowed to have another chance. Clans of Shifters attempted to rebuild their culture and customs around the new, universal rules and humans took in the Shifters in strides. However, a new infection was slowly starting to spread: the disease known as corruption, and it was infecting a few members of The Eight and those that worked under them.

Because of this, rebel factions began forming. Some of the rebels would attempt to attack Shangri-La on their own while others preferred to strike in groups. Though the incidents could be hidden from public view, the masses were not completely fooled. Though some of The Eight knew of the corruption within their group, they could not fully identify who had been tainted. Without solid evidence as to who had betrayed their cause, they could not investigate or punish any of their fellow comrades. So the matter had been left unchecked. Unwise was this decision.

Now you know the story, so it's time to make a choice. Will you choose to side with Shangri-La, even though corruption is present but not aware amongst the general public? Will you choose to rise up against the system in hopes of rebuilding a new one to govern the people? Or will you choose not to care?

The choice is, still, ultimately up to you...and you alone. Choose wisely.