WORLD


The trouble began when Malaga, then only a small developing nation, discovered a massive Etherium Nexus - a wellspring of pure energy - buried beneath its capital city. Realizing it was his opportunity to increase Malaga's political power and improve the lives of his citizens, King Taros hired the Renzaent Corporation to act as Malaga's liaison in issuing harvesting rights to other nations... In the two years immediately following the discovery, however, Taros began to change, instituting new policies that created a two-tier economy - greatly disadvantaging the lower class. The promises of a better quality of life for all were coming up empty. Matters only got worse when Taros built an elaborate new underground palace for himself, and stopped making public appearances to address his people.

The underground citadel was organized by levels according to a new social hierarchy established by the Renazent Corporation. Those at the uppermost levels (closest to the surface) became home to the poorer second-class citizens. The deeper levels within the citadel were reserved for the richer first-class citizens. The two-tier economy that was established created instant strife between first and second class citizens, creating the looming threat of civil war. After many protests and several large uprisings, some people called for revolution, and formed a public militia known as the Liberation Army. Skirmishes broke out between Malagan Defense Forces and Liberation Army, and it seemed war would soon follow.

Matters took a drastic turn for the worse when the Defense Forces began to employ new highly advanced technologies in an attempt to completely wipe out the Liberation forces. With their forces unable to match the new Defense Force technology, the Liberation Army resorted to desperate measures, enlisting the aid of the Laconian Federation. Laconia, which had been stonewalled by Taros in bids for Etherium harvesting rights, saw this as their opportunity to claim their "rightful share" of the energy. As a counter-move, Taros called in the support of the Anzier Empire. Anzier had fared considerably better in the Etherium negotiations, and agreed to support Taros as a show of good faith. Anzier also recognized Laconia's power play for what it was, and hoped to prevent them from exploiting an already grave situation. And thus did the Etherium Wars begin...