2002-07-17 - 4:54 p.m.

• c. 250 million B.C. The last of the Sheloth, having been defeated by their ancient enemies, the Vasloi, arrive on Earth. Using incredibly advanced technology, which is practically sorcery, to trigger volcanic eruptions and gradually alter the composition of the atmosphere, they begin changing the planet to suit their needs. The resulting reduction in oxygen and increase in temperature triggers the Permian extinction, wiping out 95% of all indigenous life. Ultimately, the Sheloth lack the time and resources needed to complete their mission, and Earth's normal environment bounces back, forcing most of the invaders to enter stasis. Those that remain in sporadic consciousness begin modifying terrestrial life, with the goal of creating a species advanced enough to act on their behalf and begin their work again.
  
• c. 225 million B.C. By this point, life has recovered and is proliferating. The few Sheloth sentinels guide the evolution of the archosaurs, eventually creating the dinosaurs. At about the same time, Vasloi scouts arrive secretly on Earth and begin guiding the evolution of the protomammals, planning to create a race that will one day oppose the Sheloth's slave race.
  
• c. 213 million B.C. The end of what will one day be known as the Triassic period and the beginning of the Jurassic. The Sheloth trigger another mass extinction, ensuring the dominance of their dinosaur prodigies. In the meantime, the mammals have secured a low-key niche in the background.
  
• c. 177 million B.C. The Sheloth discover the existence of Vasloi colonists. Before they can act, however, the Vasloi launch a preemptive strike and destroy most of the conscious Sheloth. The Vasloi are also decimated and are reduced to a few small colonies that continue to guide mammalian evolution.
  
• c. 144 million B.C. The end of what will one day be known as the Jurassic period and the beginning of the Cretaceous. Drastic changes in Earth's geology break up the old landmasses and awaken many of the slumbering Sheloth. After destroying what they believe to be the only existing colony of Vasloi, they settle back into guiding the evolution of the dinosaurs.
  
• c. 72 million B.C. A second expedition of Vasloi arrive, along with Onjina allies, and combine efforts with their few remaining brethren. They work toward cooling the Earth's climate and poisoning its atmosphere, by triggering geological changes, in an attempt to weaken the dinosaur's stranglehold on the planet.
  
• c. 67 million B.C. The Sheloth finally succeed to producing a race of sentient creatures from dinosaur stock, the raptor-like Surd. They begin guiding their creations toward civilization, ultimately planning to use them to alter the world, as they failed to do nearly 200 million years earlier (which would, incidentally, destroy the Surd).
  
• c. 65 million B.C. In desperation, the Vasloi fall back on their final weapon. They begin using mass drivers to bombard the Earth with meteors and finally draw in one massive body that strikes the Earth, in the Gulf of Mexico. The resulting cataclysm, combined with the other damage that has already been done, wipes out most of the dinosaurs and many other forms of life, as well. The Surd are all but destroyed, although a few escape and form underground colonies. The few remaining Sheloth prepare to meet their end, but not before putting into effect their "doomsday plan". They modify the genetic structure of certain mammals that will one day evolve into higher primates, hiding pieces of their own genetic code within terrestrial hosts. If all goes as planned, a species will one day arise to inherit the Sheloth's power and bring about their resurrection. In the meantime, the dying Vasloi and their Onjina allies pursue a similar goal in a different manner. They also alter the genetic structure of certain mammals, so that later generations will be susceptible to possession by Vasloi sahtrri (souls). Most of the Vasloi give up their lives to ensure the success of this plan, and the few remaining immortal Onjina sink into slumber beneath the Earth.
  
• c. 4.5 million B.C. The first upright-walking hominids begin to appear. Ironically, they contain the genetic potential to further the goals of both the Sheloth and the Vasloi. By this point, the Sheloth strain has vanished in all other mammals, but the Vasloi strain still persists in some non-primates.
  
• c. 1.8 million B.C. The end of what will one day be known as the Pliocene epoch. Homo erectus begins to migrate from Africa.
  
• c. 100000 B.C. A group of awakening Onjina begin to manipulate humanity's ancestors, causing the Neanderthal offshoot to arise. These beings are less intelligent and technologically inclined than their Cro Magnon counterparts but more intuitive and spiritually advanced, making them well suited to the Onjina's needs. In reaction, dormant Sheloth controls in the Cro Magnon genetic structure cause Home sapiens to compete directly with the Neanderthals.
  
• c. 40000 B.C. A small but united colony of both Neanderthals and Cro Magnons arrive in Australia, drawn there by the Onjina but never succeed in creating the sort of civilization their benefactors have planned for them. The cave images that they leave behind come to be known as wandjina, by the people that come after them.
  
• c. 35000 B.C. The last of the Neanderthals disappear, and Homo sapiens continue to proliferate. The Onjina decide that they have acted prematurely and sink back into slumber.
  
• c. 10000 B.C. Human civilization begins to advance in leaps and bounds, as the Ice Age gradually recedes.
  
• c. 8500 B.C. Jericho, believed to be the first walled town in the world, is founded.
  
• c. 6500 B.C. Earliest known metallurgy, in the Middle East.
  
• c. 4300 B.C. A few Humans begin to develop paranormal powers, as a result of the Sheloth genetic strain. Presumably this is an accidental and premature activation of the genetic code, since it does not continue through later generations, who recall this era only through their stories of heroes and demi-gods (especially, in Egypt and Sumeria). In response, the Onjina teach certain Humans sorcery, allowing them to battle the more evil "gods" that arise. Although the Onjina later withdraw, again, the knowledge they granted is passed through later generations of humanity.
  
• 4218 B.C. A paranormal warlord, Xu "the Caller of Thunder", discovers a cache of Vasloi technology and, over the following decades, uses it to create an island kingdom that will someday be known as Atlantis.
  
• 3987 B.C. The Atlanteans awaken a living Sheloth. Driven mad by its captivity, it wreaks havoc on the city-state. Although it is eventually destroyed, its presence triggers numerous defense mechanisms in the Vasloi technology that supports the island, and Atlantis sinks beneath the waves.
  
• 3824 B.C. For the first time in millions of years, Surd are seen awake and outside of their subterranean lairs, albeit in small numbers. They have several large beasts of war that may have inspired legends of dragons.
  
• 3372 B.C. Ancient ancestors of the Olmecs, in South America, find a dying Vasloi, one of the last left to be called up from its stasis. It remains with them for a time, teaching them many things, before passing away.
  
• c. 3000 B.C. Stonehenge and other stone circles are raised by shaman, who practice the magic of the Onjina and attempt (unsuccessfully) to recall their ancient patrons. In the meantime, Surd agents begin influencing the ancient Egyptians.
  
• c. 1800 B.C. A second wave of paranormal Humans arises in Crete and, later, in what will one day be Persia. These will eventually inspire many legends, especially in Greece. A society of sorcerers appears to balance their power, and this group persists through future generations, eventually forming the tradition of Hermetic Magic.
  
• 1502 B.C. Arrogant paranormals, perhaps influenced by their Sheloth "programming" attempt to locate and destroy one of the few remaining Vasloi. They accidentally trigger a weapon that causes volcanic instability for several years, decimating the area and, effectively, bringing the Minoan culture to its knees. Also, during this time, paranormals in China found the Shang kingdom.
  
• 356 B.C. Alexander the Great, a paranormal with ties to the Onjina, is born. In 334, he sets out with an army and conquers a large portion of the known world.
  
• 208 A.D. The Nazca discover an ancient Vasloi artifact and accidentally trigger a homing beacon. Seventeen years later, an expedition of Gunda arrive, seeking Vasloi technology. They set up limited negotiations with the Nazca but eventually begin manipulating them into warring with their neighbors and building a large workforce of slaves to use in their excavations. A Nazca leader arises who turns against the Gunda and defeats most of them, although a few escape and vanish into the jungle.
  
• 342 A.D. An Onjina awakens and begins taking an interest in Indian culture, during the Gupta age, encouraging advances in art, science, and literature. Nearly three decades later, it vanishes, possibly driven off by a group of Surd shaman.
  
• 467 A.D. Merlin, a very long-lived paranormal sorcerer, first appears in England for an extended period, although there are hints that he has been around much longer. He vanishes in 502, possibly betrayed by another magician.
  
• 714 A.D. Possibly influenced by one of the Onjina, Ibn Ahmed al-Rashid records visions he has experienced that grant him some knowledge of the true history of the world, including the dangers posed by the Sheloth and the Surd. His writings are passed down through many generations, eventually inspiring the work of Ambrose "the Mad".
  
• 998 A.D. Unknown alien visitors arrive on Easter Island but remain only briefly, having little contact with the locals.
  
• 1178 A.D. More Gunda arrive in South America and begin exploring ancient Vasloi ruins. Most are killed when they accidentally activate a bioengineered defense mechanism.
  
• 1325 A.D. A centuries old Gundahk begins influencing the Mexica, who will later be known as Aztecs. Over the next two centuries, it helps them create an impressive but bloodthirsty empire.
  
• 1346 A.D. Surd agents use sorcery to ensure the spread of plague through Asia and into Europe. It is not known whether this plan was inspired by their own malevolence or a misguided attempt to force out the Sheloth genetic strain in the beleaguered Human race and, thus, advance their original masters' goals.
  
• 1454 A.D. Ambrose "the Mad", said to be over one hundred and thirty years old, writes his great work, The Book of Lost Truths. Based partially on the writings of Ibn Ahmed al-Rashid, partially on his own "visions", and partially on the research of scholars and mystics whom he has been supporting financially, the tome supposedly describes the true history of the world and prophesizes about its future, as well. The original is lost when Turks capture Athens, but copied excerpts from it continue to surface, periodically, for decades.
  
• 1516 A.D. The Gundahk mentor of the Aztecs uncovers a hidden tribe of Surd and is destroyed. Three years later, Spaniards reach the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán, and two years after that, they conquered the city, bringing an end to the empire.
  
• 1755 A.D. A secret cult, attempting to raise the Sheloth, instead triggers an earthquake that decimates Lisbon, Portugal. Something is released, but no one ever discovers exactly what.
  
• 1756 A.D. In response to the destruction of Lisbon, the Amaranth, a society of scholars and mystics, opposed to the Sheloth and the Surd, is formed. William Hurst is the driving spirit behind the organization, but there are hints that someone or something else is influencing him.
  
• 1808 A.D. William Hurst passes away and is replaced by Marie Desjardins.
  
• 1822 A.D. With the help of the Onjina, Marie Desjardins finally succeeds in awakening the sahtri of the Vasloi, and she is possessed by one of the ancient aliens.
  
• 1854 A.D. Several bored aristocrats in England form a mystic society and begin to gain real power when they acquire a partial copy of The Book of Lost Truths and the notes of a 15th century Hermetic sorcerer. This group eventually becomes the Twilight Covenant, an apocalyptic cult that supports the return of the Sheloth and has occasional dealings with the Surd.
  
• 1871 A.D. The birth of Rasputin heralds the third wave of paranormals, although only a few appear, at this time.
  
• 1892 A.D. Urged on by their vile patrons, members of the Twilight Covenant nearly succeed in destroying the Amaranth. The few survivors go into hiding, and the Amaranth becomes a secret society, believed by many to be destroyed.
  
• 1908 A.D. The current generation of paranormals peaks. In Russia, Rasputin has reached the height of his influence. In England, a woman burns to death in her bed without the bedsheets being damaged. In the U.S., several people claim to have seen a flying man, and a strange creature with the ability to leap phenomenal distances is rumored to exist. All over the worlds, sea-going vessels are mysteriously damaged or destroyed.
  
• 1912 A.D. Several people with telescopes spot a huge object on the Moon. Although it soon disappears, bright spots sometimes appear in the same area, for the next three years, and other unusual objects are occasionally seen in nearby space. Unbeknownst to mankind, a colony of Gunda have set up a base on the Moon.
  
• 1914 A.D. World War I begins. Each country involved secretly makes use of a handful of paranormal "special agents", although they are too few in number and operate too discretely to have a profound impact.
  
• 1918 A.D. World War I ends. By this point, the third wave of paranormals seems to already be fading.
  
• 1927 A.D. Members of the Amaranth destroy a building in London, England, during a meeting of the Twilight Covenant. Many cultists are killed, along with a Surd liaison (although the body mysteriously vanishes). Unfortunately, numerous innocents are also killed in the resulting fire. Sebastian Crane quits the Amaranth, believing that it is just as much a pawn of alien invaders as the Twilight Covenant. He eventually forms a new, neutral organization, devoted to scientific and mystical research, known as the Brotherhood of the Unveiled Eye.
  
• 1929 A.D. Marie Desjardins passes away, at the astounding age of 147, and the Amaranth, having mysteriously lost contact with the Onjina, is unable to replace her.
  
• 1939 A.D. World War II begins. Hitler is urged on by agents working for the Surd and becomes obsessed with the supernatural. All sides involved once again make use of paranormals, although these individuals are now even fewer in number.
  
• 1940 A.D. In the U.S., the top secret Project Prometheus is initiated to study paranormals and decide how best to make use of this limited resource.
  
• 1943 A.D. The Amaranth frees a trapped Onjina, and its leader, Peter Stone, is finally able to replace Marie Desjardins, as a Vasloi host. Members of the inner circle are taught rituals that will allow them to continue the tradition without the assistance of the Onjina, hereafter, although it is rumored that there is a stiff price attached to this knowledge.
  
• 1945 A.D. World War II ends.
  
• 1947 A.D. In the U.S., the National Security Act results in the formation of the Central Intelligence Agency, which soon gains control over Project Prometheus. With so few paranormals left to study, the department has little to do and soon fades in importance. Nevertheless, the Soviet Union soon puts together a similar organization.
  
• 1954 A.D. The U.S. and Canada begin building radar stations across northern Canada. Although it never becomes public knowledge, the first few weeks of construction are plagued by sabotage, carried out by Human agents working for the Gunda.
  
• 1969 A.D. U.S. astronauts land on the Moon. Upon their return, there are hints that they discovered traces of previous inhuman visitors; however, this rumor is quickly denied and no proof to support it ever appears. Later expeditions into orbit have occasional "close encounters", but these are always chalked up to optical illusions and space debris.
  
• 1972 A.D. Sebastian Crane passes away and is replaced by Elizabeth Trent.
  
• 1976 A.D. Explorers, working for the Brotherhood of the Unveiled Eye, discover a vault, hidden beneath the Atlantic Ocean, with contents dating back to the age of the dinosaurs. They recover several relics before they accidentally trigger a defense mechanism that buries (and, presumably, destroys) the vault.
  
• 1983 A.D. Dr. Richard Crandall, a brilliant geneticist, vanishes shortly after making a startling discovery about Human DNA. His assistant, Dr. Helen Lane, tries to finish his work but is forced into hiding when it becomes clear that there are hostile forces intent on preventing her success.
  
• 1986 A.D. Daniel Yates, a self-proclaimed prophet, begins to appear regularly in the media. He claims that the Final Age of Mankind is approaching and that Earth's doom or salvation will be "born from within". While his long-term apocalyptic claims are widely ridiculed, his more immediate lesser predictions are uncomfortably accurate. Over the next few years, he gathers a small following and becomes increasingly paranoid.
  
• 1990 A.D. As paranormals once again begin to appear in small numbers, it becomes clear, to those "in the know", that the "third wave" never really finished and was merely at low ebb, in recent decades. At first, there are only a few individuals with minor talents, and these are often over-looked. Some are killed by Surd, although others are allowed to live, hinting at some sort of "breeding program".
  
• 1991 A.D. Agents of the Amaranth raid a Surd lair, only to discover that their foes are already dead, apparently slain by others of their own kind. It becomes apparent that there are at least two factions of Surd working toward mutually exclusive goals.
  
• 1992 A.D. Agents working for Project Prometheus turn up two paranormals, and the department gains a new lease on life. Elizabeth Trent is murdered and replaced by Michael West.
  
• 1993 A.D. Daniel Yates is assassinated by Human agents of the Surd. Shortly thereafter, all of his followers commit ritual suicide. A note found at the scene reads, simply, "We pave the way for the many who will follow. The seeds were planted long ago, and damnation hides in our own souls."
  
• 1995 A.D. Project Prometheus is now a going concern, with over a dozen paranormals being studied or employed. Some are missed, however, and these pursue agendas of their own, working on both sides of the law. In general, governments in most countries are able to keep a lid on the situation; however, rumors continue to leak out, and the situation only grows worse as more and more paranormals appear.
  
• 1997 A.D. After an undersea earthquake, the vault discovered by the Brotherhood of the Unveiled Eye, in 1976, is located again; however, it has shifted deeper into the ocean and is currently out of reach of the technology available to the those few people who know about it. The Amaranth gets wind of the discovery and tries to use its Naval contacts to pursue the lead; however, the submarine sent to investigate vanishes without a trace.
  
• 1998 A.D. Present day.

Previous - Next