In 2077 the world burned in nuclear fire. The nations who launched the bombs could never have predicted the disastrous effect their actions would have on the world, however. The EMP pulse released during the two hour bombardment did more than knock out the world's electronics. It fundamentally altered the Earth's magnetic field, preventing the production of electricity the world over. Only the Vaults, deep underground, escaped the EMP and retained electrical power. In the absence of electricity, a new source of power was rediscovered by the remnants of humanity: Magic. For reasons unknown, The Great War unlocked the potential of humanity to tap into mystical energies, although few possess the fortitude to master the so-called "dark arts".
In the ruins of the West Coast, civilisation never re-emerged in the form of The New California Republic. Instead, various tribes settled the land, some building towns, but most using magic and old tribal ways to live off the land. In the East, although major settlements were formed, the inhabitants lived in constant fear of magic users, most of whom worshipped old gods and made human sacrifices in their name.
The Brotherhood of Steel, with no technology to preserve, instead became "witch-hunters". They scour the Wasteland from San Francisco to Washington D.C, rooting out and exterminating the use of magic. They are zealots, possessing no regard for whether magic is used for good or evil. For them, the very use of magic itself goes against nature.
The Coven of the Pillar are the most influential magic users in the wasteland. Mainly based on the east coast, they worship the God of the Swampfolk, Ug-Qualtoth, and seek to enslave the lesser mortals in his name. They covet ancient artefacts in order to expand their power.
The Bright Brotherhood are a group of ghoul mages. They travel the wasteland, using their magic mainly to return feral ghouls to sanity. They are led by the glowing one, Jason Bright, the most powerful of the ghoul mages.
With no electricity, energy weapons were rendered useless. Conventional firearms and explosive weaponry still work, but the ammunition is difficult and expensive to produce, as well as time-consuming. Most wastelanders have resorted to melee or even unarmed combat tactics to defend themselves.
A war is now brewing on the East coast. The Coven of the Pillar grows bolder with each passing day. They seek an ancient book that will allow them to summon their God from the Netherworld to finally rule over what's left of humanity. There are those who will stand against them though. In the face of the most terrible darkness since the Great War, can the side of good prevail?
