#ironhides

The world of Hybrid, domain of the Alphas and Hominus Anima, is under attack from an outside threat.  The invaders, an army of mechanical horrors called “Ironhides”, have taken up residence in the wastes of the Forsaken Lands, and have pushed tirelessly to expand their reach across the next closest landmass of Amerr’sul.  This war has been kept secret from the rest of the world, for fear of the repercussions - and at the time of the story’s beginning, the bitter conflict has been raging for more than half a century.

The invasion had first started with a massacre, when the Ironhides first set foot in the thriving colonies of Amerr’sul, and began their conquest… leaving no survivors.  The Alphas retreated, unable to do anything but watch as their human companions were murdered en-masse.

Upon evacuating what few human Clans were left, the Alphas’ first order was to send in the Hyena-Bloods - a militant, yet volatile Breed - in retaliation.

The resulting first waves were carnage, with countless casualties on each side.  The Hyena-Blood’s population was cut in half, and as such, they resigned themselves to their last stand - a sacrifice to keep the threat contained.  It was during the battle for Amerr’sul’s last foothold that one particularly clever Beta was able to find the enemy’s weakness, and turn the tide against them.

This Beta became the Alphas’ general, and was henceforth known as the War Mother.

The Alphas, being a peaceful race, knew nothing of war, or how to win it - so the War Mother stepped in to fill that role.  She was given full jurisdiction over her peers, the Alpha’s assets, and even other Breeds: a “Beta among Betas”, and the first ever to be granted that authority.  But most importantly, she was given an army.

Retiring the remaining Hyena-Bloods from the frontlines, the Alphas cooked up new soldiers to take their place.  The War Mother and her kin drove the campaign with this new manpower, setting up their base of operations in the Red Crater - from which the Hyena-Bloods dictate every aspect of the war effort, from supply and training, to strategy councils.  For a time, the Ironhides were beaten back; and Amerr’sul was all but reclaimed.

But then the Ironhides evolved.

What was previously a clear path to victory became a gruesome struggle, as the Ironhides seemingly adapted overnight.  They became faster, stronger, harder to kill; rising from their own graves and mowing down the Alphas’ soldiers almost as fast as they could make them.  Gifted with longevity under the Alphas’ influence, the War Mother held her position for many years, pulling every trick she could to keep her forces afloat as Amerr’sul once again became a no-man’s land.

It was during this time that the War Mother could see their chances slipping, and implored the Alphas to give her something better than her mindless soldiers.  Anything that could help her regain the advantage.  And finally, the Alphas delivered.

Hybrids, crossbreed humans - the first and only of their kind - were sought out.  A young group of 15 were exiled to the Red Crater, forming a small Clan that would become the War Mother’s most valuable asset.  They were strong, smart, and in some cases boasted abilities that bordered on supernatural.  Each sporting bizarre mixes of animal traits, most humans considered them aberrations.  But to the War Mother, they were perfect.

She personally raised and trained the first Hybrid that was given to her care - a child that would later become the Clan’s leader, and the captain of their unit in battle.  He, in turn, helped train the others as they arrived - quickly procuring a squad that was versatile and ready for combat.  This group now functions as the War Mother’s most elite special ops team - and under the direction of their missions, they have helped her put a halt to the Ironhides’ advance.

The War Mother believes with this new development, victory may be possible.  Because, as she frequently reminds the Hybrids: they are not soldiers.

They are exterminators.

~ ~ ~