The Plot

[Sasha Veretti]

Many long years have passed since the Lyra set out her quest and Lord Asriel gathered his army. The General Oblation Board and the power of the Church have both faded to legend, and a new world has formed. Times are more or less peaceful.

Until one day, a man named August Hannes, a mere researcher, revealed his ideas to society. He sought what was widely regarded as impossible: eternal life. Hannes' ideas were linked to his belief that the human soul lived on after death. Therefore, he believed that daemons were the key to immortality...if only the bond between human and daemon could be altered. Extended. Strengthened. Changed.

Mutated.

These ideas at first seemed insane. For one thing, experiments in pursuit of this goal would be terribly inhumane, risking irreversible side effects, and the possibility of severing the bond between human and daemon forever...or even causing death. It was too risky; too obscure; and all in all much too comparable to the ideals of the General Oblation Board so many years earlier. There was an uproar, and Hannes was eventually killed for his theories.

But after his death, it was revealed that his power had extended much, much further than anyone had forseen. He had a whole community of followers who supported him vigorously. Over the years leading up to Hannes exposure, these followers had worked their way higher and higher up through society: through politics and other crucial parts of life. And, in these powerful positions, they were able to manipulate and seize control over the people who had once stood so firmly against them.

Only one year after Hannes' death, everything had changed. The Daemon Researchers, as they were now called, were hiding behind a front of patrionism and humanity. Meanwhile, people of all ages were being plucked right off the streets for experimentation. These people disappeared altogether, most of them never seen again.

But there is a group that stands through the chaos. Their belief that external life would come at too high a cost has long been repressed, but of late they have been gathering strength. They are an underground community waiting for the chance to strike. They are the Rebels.

As for the Witches, they are reportedly gravely offended that any human would even consider the idea of immortality. Long life belonged to them alone, so they believed. As a result, most Clans have began actively striking out against humans--Research Supporters, Rebels, it doesn't matter, for all humans are the same in their eyes. Their attacks have been devastating, and their strength rallies in the North. A few Witches have been bribed by treasures and riches, or else promises of power, to support the Daemon Researchers in their conquest. Likewise, there are several Witches who have lent their support to the Rebels. However, both of these groups are seen as traitors to the main Witch society, and most are gathering for war.

The Armoured Bears alone remain neutral--a shock to everyone. Though they have been repeatedly bribed by both sides, their King has refused to become involved in the conflict. However, rumors have risen that many of the King's once loyal warriors have become restless. It's common knowledge that the Bears live for war, and it has long been denied to them. Will the Bear kingdom suffer its own revolt?

Tensions rise high and violence becomes a common occurance. In this new society, you must choose your side carefully.



Much thanks to Nadia, who wrote this for us!