Twilight War 2004: Butterfly Wings

Butterfly Wings

The war is over.

In October 1999, terrorists destroyed the Prudential Tower in Boston, setting off a secondary firestorm of gas main explosions and carefully timed arson across the city. World markets reeled from the impact, and local government nearly collapsed; even City Hall had been destroyed, killing the Mayor and much of the city's administrative staff. President Clinton declared Boston a Federal Disaster Zone, and sent in the National Guard to tend to the wounded, quench the fires and stop rioters. The Red Cross experienced record-setting blood donations as the country rallied to support Boston; the Commonwealth government did its best to help the city rebuild. Special projects managers were brought in from other city and state government, with Federal oversight. In time, the city rebuilt, overcoming its damage, emerging like a Phoenix from the ashes, a triumph of technology and collaboration over the evils of a few.

Yet, tens of thousands of citizens and visitors had died that night. Parents pulled their children from Boston's colleges and universities; investors took their venture capital elsewhere; long-standing Boston investment firm Fidelity relocated to New York. Boston's economy has yet truly to recover.

The terrorists were never caught.

In September 2001, terrorists struck again, destroying the World Trade Center in New York City. Though the target was higher profile, secondary damage was far lower, and fewer died. But it struck at the heart and soul of modern America. The Federal government took immediate action. Terrorists were located and attacked, countries were invaded. To ensure that no threat would go unfound, sweeping legislation was passed, granting Federal, state and local agencies unprecedented powers. The masses would be protected, no matter what. And power continues to be consolidated to this very day; the Attorney General asks for new powers and they are granted; Congress has empowered the Executive to protect the nation, by any means.

Tradition mages have a slightly different perspective. It is clear as day that the Prudential Disaster was caused by magic. The sheer power and the tainted resonance of the event is compelling evidence that it was done by a group of Nephandi. While the Traditions hunted for the perpetrators, the Technocracy moved in and consolidated Boston -- caring for the wounded and sick, reducing the effects of the plague, controlling the riots, bringing order and safety to the survivors.

The perpetrators were never found.

By the following year, the Technocracy had refocussed its efforts, and had brought true control to the country.

In September 2001, the Nephandi struck again, bringing down a potent symbol of Technocratic power, yet ironically, they served only to strengthen the Technocracy as the people demanded safety, control and peace. And in the very same day, the Avatar Storm erupted, preventing dimensional or spirit travel, flaying the very essence of mages who were caught in it. Tradition Masters disappeared, leaving their Apprentices and Disciples floundering. And magic didn't work as expected, anymore. Reality was calcifying. Slowly, the survivors realized that they had, at last, lost the Ascension War.

The war is over.

Welcome to 2004.