Following Stonewall’s dramatic and overly publicized exit from Bastion, a massive wave of separatism took hold. Factions of all shapes and sizes sought to follow in Stonewall’s footsteps pointing towards Bastion’s weak leadership and corruption. With factions formed, violent protests broke out. Some factions fought amongst each other while some banded together. Over the years one faction grew to be the largest and most fanatical, named Whitewash.

Whitewash’s leader, Hegris Covach, was at the head of each protest. She would lead marches to the heart of Bastion vandalizing everything in her path. Hegris made wild demands, threatening to rally Whitewash again and again until the government eventually gave in.

During this time Bastion’s democracy was going through an overhaul. Much of Stonewall’s wealth had trickled into the government causing widespread corruption. It took years for the Bastion Investigation Agency (BIA) to purge this corruption all while Hegris and Whitewash were gaining momentum, with the city in permanent lockdown. Thousands of civilians were starving, injured or worse.

The newly elected president, Orvis Connel, took immediate military action. Within the day Bastion’s forces were organized and retook the city. Hegris, Whitewash, and their constituents were detained. President Connel now had tens of thousands of people in custody, what was he to do? They couldn’t be let off the hook, but Bastion didn’t have the resources to imprison all of them at once, and death was too harsh of a sentence. President Connel knew the entire city was watching him. He wanted to show mercy, yet send a message.

After meeting with several advisors President Connel decided exile was the most fitting punishment. If Hegris and Whitewash wanted their freedom they could have it far from Bastion in the unsettled isles of the Northern Territories.

There thousands upon thousands died trying to establish civilization. Dinosaurs roamed the lands finding humans to be easy prey. Colonies split up all across the Northern Territories clinging onto life, until one finally established a foothold on the Laticauda River. For an unknown reason the river teamed with life and the lands were incredibly fertile. Those who lived there found themselves revitalized, free of disease, and living noticeably longer lives.

This is were Danaran was established by Victor Gradashian. The city went through dozens of reconstructions, losing thousands in the process. Intense rains, and flooding would wipe buildings out overnight. Eventually a clever woman, Anima Vosh devised a way to tame the mighty Laticauda River using dams to control the water. After three decades and over 8,000 workers’ death the structure was complete and the Laticauda River could be controlled.

From that point on Danaran flourished. Anima was praised as the almighty savior of Danaran and eventually took control, exiling Victor for his failed leadership. Anima and her kin ruled, uncontested, expanding their empire and eventually finding a treasure deep in the waters of the Laticauda, the Water Core. A secret they’d keep from the world for generations.

