Mass Effect: Finis Bellorum

War had been humanity's constant companion. Through the world wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the War on Terror, humanity fought for reasons both petty and noble. By the 2050s and 2060s it seemed mankind had overcome its old tendency toward conflict.

That hope did not last.

In the 2070s, as political disputes grew, the United Nations Colonial Administration, a plutocratic oligarchy ruled by Earth's most powerful nations, used its authority for exploitation, abuse, and neglect. For forty-one years the colonies endured worsening conditions until, in 2111, civil war began across humanity's settled worlds.

For nineteen years the Terran Civil War consumed everything. Billions died. Earth was devastated. Across the twelve colonized planets fleets fought without restraint. On June 5th, 2130 at 06:30, opposing admirals met above Reach and declared the war over.

The following decade offered little relief. Tensions rose, and another conflict seemed likely.

Everything changed on January 3rd, 2141, when the Systems Alliance was founded in New Alexandria, granting every star system representation. Under the Alliance humanity rebuilt and expanded. Over the next 248 years the Alliance expanded to 751 planets and more than forty trillion citizens.

On October 27th, 2378 AD, our story begins.