Beyond all conceivable boundaries of our known galaxy, tucked within the dark recesses of space, lies the long forgotten world, of Helen. Where rocky terrain meets churning seas, and snow crested mountains hide rolling plains. Home to life as varied as its landscape, man and beast alike. Helen is a planet like no other.

         Orbited by great celestial bodies, it holds in sway it's dueling moons, Forte and Morendo, though it is through its suns, Corna and Tarna, that it is truly blessed with form. For long ago, it is said that all the ground of Helen lay bare, until such time as the gods deemed it worthy of life. In truth though, this gift came not from heaven, but from the stars. For it came to be discovered, that Corna and Tarna, each emitting their own unique, complimentary energy signatures, which upon immersion in the dense atmosphere of Helen become bonded with one another, create "Anima," the very building blocks of life.
          Attracted and absorbed by the nearest organic matter, the canopy of trees became it's natural target. Recognizing the great bounty that the taller trees yielded, the first humans, known now as the Originators, believed them to be the favored offerings of the gods. For nearly a millennia, the nomadic tribes lived in conflict with one another, each attempting to erect the highest offering, whilst destroying their rivals. Thus giving rise to the great Planter Wars.
          From the chaos though, rose the Herald. The figure known only now as, Mikiral. Believing mankind's duty to the gods was paramount above all, he sought to unite all tribes in one great offering. Thus he travelled the world, planting the great behemoths, which came to be called, the siphon trees. Capable of sustaining entire continents with their harvests, for centuries mankind lived in peace, all civilization centering under their shade. However, the glorious days of harmony were not to last.
         Claims of dominion over the great oaks bred new conflict, and all mankind descended into civil war. The wisest of these people; scientists, scholars, intellects, retreated to the cloudy peaks of Orphan, and there built the Sanctuary. Determined to understand the forces that so splintered their people, they formed the Caelum Machni, a secret society devoted to studying and researching the Anima. Searching for clues to its origin and nature, they discovered the truth of our age. Upon the instinctual consumption of the Anima's bounty, flora and fauna alike, mankind's metabolic processes lead to its subsequent expulsion back to the cosmos, thus completing The Great Cycle.
           Recognizing the innate ignorance necessary for such an instinctive process, the Caelum Machni made a solemn vow, to keep all hidden, and to let the world burn. From the safety of their Sanctuary, they watched as all civilization tore itself asunder. Only then, when all hope appeared lost, and all peoples lived in chaos and fear, did they descend upon the world to construct it anew. Posing as religious prophets, political leaders, kings and queens, and revolutionaries alike, they rebuilt Helen from the ashes. All the while, operating in secret. Today their order stands guard, agents working around the globe, hidden in plain sight. And from the Sanctuary, they watch. Committed to ensuring that all nations are provided for. Committed to ensuring relative peace. Committed to ensuring that all truths stay secret.
 

            Yet time bends all things. And much like the days of old, the dark instincts of mankind are rising again...