That individuals with special abilities exist was discovered by Adam Weishaupt early on. He recognized the potential of his discovery and began to systematically track down the victims of witch hunts and provide them with a safe place to go into hiding. A secret society soon evolved from this undertaking, which Weishaupt called the "illuminati" and used to manipulate the balance of power in Europe to his advantage. When the Templars became aware of him, however, he saw himself forced to find a new place of refuge in North America, which was still shaken by the Civil War. Due to the change in government and the general unrest, it was much easier for Weishaupt to set up the secret society there that covertly intervenes in world affairs. Through the foundation of the "Council of 13", the New World Order was born.