From the introduction: The industrial revolution ushered in a new era that risks transforming that which men value. No longer would spiritual abilities be the sole source of great power that man could wield. On one of the islands north of England in the year 1783, demons ushered into the world. The Alchemist Guild fearing their station within this world and after losing their funding, had resorted to drastic and unethical action. The Alchemists created superhumans known as Shardbinders who could harness demonic power after it had been crystalized after they themselves were implanted with a crystal. These Shardbinders were sacrificed thus opening the Gates of Hell and causing the Laki Eruption in Iceland.