Timeline of In-World Lore (WIP)
Chernobyl Incident
The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Ukrainian SSR suffers a catastrophic explosion during a "routine safety test". Publically, the incident is written off as the result of human error and technical failures. Unbeknownst to the world, however, the disaster was in fact caused by the Soviet State's research into "alternative energy production".
International Response
to Chernobyl
The international community, deeply shaken by the Chernobyl disaster, convenes an emergency summit to address the global nuclear threat. The nations agree to establish a United Nations Nuclear Oversight Council (UNNOC) with the authority to enforce strict safety regulations and monitor nuclear facilities worldwide.
Death of Valery Legasov
Valery Legasov, one of the primary scientists in charge of the Chernobyl Incident's response team, is found dead in his Moscow apartment due to an apparent suicide.
Increased World Militarization
Tensions between major powers escalate as nations become increasingly distrustful of each other's nuclear capabilities. The failure of Chernobyl highlights the need for stronger defense systems and more advanced military technologies.
Founding of
Eclipse Biosecurity Group
LTC Jason Reynolds, a US Army veteran, founds Eclipse Biosecurity Group.
Founding of
Obsidian Security Services
Nikita Bodrov and Timur Gorokhov both retire from service to the Russian Federation, and together found Obsidian Security Services, with Bodrov at it's helm as CEO. They quickly setup their headquarters in St. Petersburg, Russia.
9/11 Terrorist Attacks
The 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States further heighten global tensions and lead to a significant shift in national security priorities. Governments around the world adopt a more aggressive and militant stance to combat terrorism, resulting in increased defense spending and the expansion of military capabilities.
Founding of Praetorian Defense
Samuel Augustine leaves his executive position with Blackwater, USA, and after receiving investments from several venture capitalists, founds Praetorian Defense Solutions in Billings, Montana, USA.
Beslan School Siege
Timur Gorokhov, OSS CFO, along with several OSS Operators, are arrested by the Russian Federal Security Service, for suspected involvement in the Besland School Siege. Upon their arrest, they are immediately transferred to the custody of the Russain Foreign Intelligence Service, and are imprisoned in an undisclosed location. Within days of their arrest, they are given full pardons by President Vladimir Putin.
"Birth" of Cyber Warfare
The emergence of powerful non-state actors and cyber warfare further pushes nations toward militarization. Governments prioritize building robust offensive and defensive cyber capabilities to protect their national interests, further increasing military spending budgets.
START/CHB-III Treaty
US President Barack Obama refuses to sign a new strategic offensive arms treaty with Russia, reheating old hostilities between the two nations.
Murder of LTC Reynolds
LTC Jason Reynolds, founder of Eclipse Biosecurity Group, is murdered outside of his home in Vienna by his Chief of Operations, Major Isabella Mercer.
Reemergence of Colonialism
The rise of populist movements and nationalist sentiments in various countries fuels a sense of insecurity and the need for militaristic responses. Governments exploit this sentiment to "gain control" of smaller countries around the world, harking back to old western colonialism.
Assassination of Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa, is assassinated via a car bomb in Johannesburg. While the guilty parties aren't successfully identified, it is widely believed to be the work of an unknown foreign intelligence service.
MH370 Shot Down
Malaysia Airlines flight 370 is shot down while enroute to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur by a Russian Missile Frigate, the Admiral Gorshkov, after it refused to deviate from it's flight plan to avoid the ship's self-declared no-fly zone. The attack is condemned by most of the UN Member States, but goes unpunished.
Alternative Energy Research
Dr. Oleg Gusev, formerly of the Soviet Institute for Nuclear Research, restarts his experiments that began at Chernobyl. After having his theories laughed at by his peers, he emigrates to Napf to continue his research.
The Paris Agreement
The United States, along with most of the G7 Nations, walk out of the signing ceremony for the Paris Agreement, using the ceremony as a stage to protest against their perceived notion of the world using their monetary strength to fix everyone else's problems.
Apple enters the military sector
With the increase in it's company value, Apple announces the launch of a R&D Division that specifically focuses on military technology. While condemned by the world population at large, many governments aligned with the United States publically applaud the decision.
President Trump visits North Korea
US President Donald Trump visits his North Korean counterpart, Kim Jong-un. After a brief discussion with him, he immediately returns to South Korea via the Joint Security Area. After discussions with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, he publicly denounces North Korea, claiming that the totalitarian regime needs to be "bombed into the stone age". In response, North Korea increases it's development and testing of missile technology, vowing to crush the United States.
Death of Dr. Gusev
Dr. Oleg Gusev dies due to an uncontrolled explosion at his laboratory in Napf. Upon hearing this, his former lab and research is purchased by the Elektronika Central Scientific Research Institute. After several months, Dr. Gusev's research is continued by Elektronika Research in secret.
Dr. Gusev's Legacy
Elektronika Research moves it's continued research into Dr. Gusev's theories to a recently purchased underground facility located in Northern Canada.
US/Iran tensions escalate
Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force is assassinated just prior to a pre-arranged meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister by an AGM-114 missile fired from a US MQ-1C Grey Eagle. While condemned by the Arab world as murder, and without authorization from the US Congress, then President Trump faces no legal reprecussions.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The World Health Organization elevates COVID-19 to a "public health emergency of international concern".
Wildfires in Western United States
Wildfires, eventually covering an area of over ten million acres, destroy record breaking numbers of civilian and military buildings and assets throughout the remainder of 2020. While the initial cause of the wildfires is unknown, multiple land purchases are made by corporations with close ties to the US Government during (or immediately after) the incident, leading to suspicions of malicious intent.
SpaceX and NASA
SpaceX conducts the first launch to carry NASA astronauts aboard it's Crew Dragon spacecraft. After successfully delivering four astronauts to the International Space Station, multiple US Military contracts are quickly granted to SpaceX for further operations outside of Earth's atmosphere.
Conflict at the US Capital
In support of claims of election fraud, thousands of protestors attempt to storm the US Capital. Waiting to greet them at the Capital are military units from garrisons close to Washington, DC. After a brief back and forth between the protestors and military commanders, the military opens fire on the protestors, killing hundreds.
Creation of Norse Platoon
The original five deserters from the 4th Ranger Batallion, 75th Ranger Regiment (US Army) are officially hired by Praetorian Defense, and are given the callsign "Norse".
Ethiopia
PDS is contracted by the Ethiopian Government to assist during a civil war against the 'Tigray Defense Forces', a rebel guerilla faction seeking to overthrow the government. Norse Platoon is deployed to the region and successfully destroy's the Tigray's military capabilities in the immediate region.
Breakthrough in Research
Elektronika Research finally cracks the formula for Dr. Gusev's research, managing to create a self-sustaining plasma reaction within it's Canadian Facility. Before it can announce it's success to the world, the scientists working directly with the reactor show signs of mutation, and are ultimately euthanised. Elektronika continues it's research in secret, covering up the deaths as "workplace accidents".
Ruha
PDS enters the Ruha region, working under a short term contract with a local archealogical organization to provide security for a dig site. During the night, they receive an alert call regarding something strange happening at the site. Upon arriving to investigate, they are attacked by the local population, somehow driven mad with rage.
Ruha
Norse Platoon flees the area, being hounded by unknown creatures. After encountering several areas of abnormal activity, they finally arrive at an evacuation point at the southeastern airfield. Boarding an evac helo, they depart the area just before a tactical nuclear device is detonated. Strangely, there is no mention of the events made by journalists or locals, and the region itself appears as if nothing happened.
The "Malden Incident"
Praetorian Defense is hired by the Russian Federation, and are tasked with disrupting infrastructure, direct murder of civilians, and other various illegal activities. This was done to legitimize their invasion of Malden, providing a plausible excuse to annex Malden to "ensure the safety of ethnic Russians".
Bornholm, Denmark
Praetorian was hired by the Maersk Group to provide security for their facilities on the island amid concerning amounts of ecoterrorist attacks on their personnel and oil processing sites. The group attacking Maersk was linked to a radical faction within Greenpeace, which PDS engaged on multiple occasions. This campaign marked the first direct contact with Obsidian Security Services.
Bornholm, Denmark
Praetorian Defense is labeled a "terrorist organization" by radical factions within Greenpeace. These claims are quickly dismissed by the world at large, citing the claimant's own history of ecoterrorism.
Beketov, Russia
At the direction of PDS CEO Samuel Augustine, and with backing from the Maersk Group, elements from Praetorian Defense's Tactical Services Division deployed to Beketov, Russia. Once in country, they began conducting retaliatory offensive operations against OSS.
Beketov, Russia
PDS uncovers evidence of OSS conducting chemical weapons research in the Beketov region, as well as plans to begin mass producing VX Nerve Agent at several local facilities.
Beketov, Russia
A member of Norse Platoon was captured in a snatch-and-grab operation during the night. He was later rescued while under interrogation by OSS Intelligence Agents.
Beketov, Russia
Norse Platoon was contacted by an unidentified member of the Russian Military, who offered to double the money Maersk was paying them to ensure the total destruction of OSS facilities in the region. PDS begins receiving intelligence from their "friend", pointing out key personnel and facilities for Norse to target.
Beketov, Russia
Leveraging intelligence from their Russian benefactor, as well as collected on the ground, Norse Platoon assaults and destroys OSS' chemical weapons production facility in Beketov, as well as eliminating the local civilian OSS Leadership.
Pulau
After being rerouted from their direct flight home, PDS' transport plane was shot down by the French Military while flying over Pulau. All but one unit member landed safely, with their Platoon Leader 1LT Miller being captured by French Forces.
Incident at Elektronika
After months of continued research, Elektronika attempts to halt the plasma reaction it initiated the previous year. After multiple failures, site personnel begin disappearing at random intervals. Fearful of what is happening, Elektronika seals the doors to it's facility to outside parties, and suppresses information leaks using legal and physical threats of violence.
Pulau
With their escape window quickly closing, Norse Platoon rescues 1LT Miller from the French and steal a plane from the local airfield, finally arriving safely back in the US.
Invasion of Ukraine
The Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine commences, and is immediately condemned by most of the world.
Southwestern Yemen
PDS is hired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assist in the suppression of an insurgency (composed of the 'Houthi Movement', with independent al- Qaeda cells) in the south western portions of Yemen, which was occupied by Saudi forces.
Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine
During fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces, the Chernobyl New Safe Confinement sustains damage. Within days, radiation levels in the immediate area begin to rise. Fearful of more damage if fighting continues, the Ukrainian military withdraws from the immediate area.
Southwestern Yemen
PDS conducts a final assault of the cities of Ma'Arat and Al Kareem, finally securing the region on behalf of the Saudi government.
Chernarus
PDS is cotnracted by a scientific research organization to provide security for one of their dig sites. After some concerning radio messages are received during their off time, Norse Platoon travels to the location and discovers a recently uncovered cave. Upon entering, they find they have been transported to a location several kilometers away, but the landscape looks....'odd'. Norse Platoon sets out to investigate.
United Nations
As a result of several incidents within Yemen, multiple countries put forth motions to investigate possible human rights violations perpetrated either by, or on behalf of, the Saudi Government in Yemen.
Chernarus
Discovering that they can only be in what could be described as an alternate reality, Norse Platoon fights through shadowy clones of themselves, as well as other creatures, eventually discovering an underground facility in the Chernarus woods. They enter the facility, and after navigating through a maze of tunnels, shut down a machine that was maintaining this "region", which sends them back to their original location.
Chernarus
Norse Platoon's discoveries from "within the cave" are suppressed, and no information is released to the public, fearing mass panic.
Ukraine
PDS conducts a parachute insertion into the country of Ukraine, having been contracted by the Ukrainian Government to assist in repelling the invading Russian Military.
Ukraine
A letter is discovered at a small helicopter outpost, writted by OSS CEO Nikita Bodrov, addressed to a Russian Officer. OSS presence within Ukraine is confirmed.
Ukraine
PDS redeploys to the Leskovets Region, to continue it's investigation of OSS activity, as well as support the defense of Ukraine.
Elektronika Scientists Found Dead
Several key researchers from Elektronika's Canadian facility are found dead in the forest outside of the site. While rumors of "forced retirement" are circulated by local media outlets, Elektronika makes several well placed bribes, and is able to explain the deaths as having been accidental due to exposure to the elements after drinking too much alcohol.
Ukraine
PDS supports the Ukrainian Military's final push against Russian military units in the region. After several days of fighting, the Russian military withdraws from the region, allowing Ukrainian Forces a chance to secure their territory against further agression.
Ukraine
PDS support for Ukraine ends with it's contract expiring. All Praetorian elements depart the country.
Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine
Russia's continued occupation of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone causes further damage, with the Vector Radioactive Waste Storage Facility receiving significant damage. Information related to how the damage happened is suppressed by the Russian Military, however satellite footage indicates an accidental detonation of a nearby diesel fuel depot as the potential cause. Radiation levels in the exclusion zone rise once again, further threatening eastern Eurpoe.
Jordan, Montana
Plans to form a new unit within PDS, Banshee Company, are finalized. Command of this element is given to CPT Roland Grimes, with it's subordinate units being composed of Aztec, Norse and Olympus platoons.
Canada
Banshee Company deploys to Canada, working under contract with the Canadian Government to secure it's assets against a terrorist organization, "Front de libération du Québec".
Canada
Banshee Company departs Canada, it's contract terms having been met with the elimination of FLQ Leadership, as well as the forced pacification of FLQ insurgents.
Columbia
Elements of PDS deploy to Columbia to support a recently signed contract with the Gulf Cartel. Contract terms include offensive and defensive operations against the Gulf's rivals.
Columbia
PDS departs the country of Columbia, having successfully fulfilled the terms of their contract with the Gulf Cartel.
Altis
While travelling to the Caspian Sea to deploy for an upcoming contract, Norse Platoon's transport plane was rerouted to Altis in response to an emergency call from a local PDS Branch Office. Their plane lost power as it approached Altis and crash landed after a semi-controlled flight. Norse Platoon investigates, and finds strange anomalies across the island.
Altis
After several days of fighting against multiple "entities", as well as navigating anomalous regions, Norse Platoon manages to escape Altis. Several weeks later, the world appears to completely forget about the incident, with life on Altis continuing as if nothing had happened.
United Sahrani
Banshee Company deploys to United Sahrani, following up on intelligence gathered during their time in Columbia.
United Sahrani
With some assistance from other TACSER Elements (Centurion and Sword Companies), Banshee Company eliminates all OSS units on the island, and recovers significant amounts of bio/chemical weapons research from a captured facility.
Yellowstone National Park
Banshee Company travels to the northern regions of Yellowstone National Park, having been contracted to provide security services in the area.
Yellowstone National Park
Norse Platoon conducts an assault on a civilian airfield, in an attempt to rescue a captured comrade from local militiamen. In the confusion, 4 security guards and 1 TSA agent were killed by Norse Platoon. Arrest warrants are issued for all members of Norse Platoon, who are forced to flee the region.
Canada
After evading National Guard forces deployed to the region, Norse Platoon arrives in Canada, having called in favors from their previous deployment. The are now officially wanted fugitives by the US Government, and "officially" are cutoff from further support from PDS. Banshee Company's official mission is to capture/eliminate their wayward platoon, but continue to secretly support them during their exile.
Canada
PDS conducts a raid on the underground research facility operated by Elektronika Research in Canada. They are immediately attacked by what can only be described as "monsters". After destroying an the site's plasma reactor, which at that point was made of both mechanical and organic material at the facility's heart, PDS makes immediate plans to depart the region.
Canada
Norse Platoon, having been reunited with it's parent unit, depart Canada. Finishing their support of a local research organization in the suppression of an aggressive Russian PMC force, they travel to parts undisclosed for a breather before their next mission.
Ethiopia
Banshee Company loads into transport planes and departs for Ethiopia, to once again assist the country's government in the suppression of the Tigray Rebellion.
Ethiopia
At the direction of the Ethiopian Government, Banshee Company guns down a UN Inspection Team investigating the usage of chemical weapons against the Tigrays.
Ethiopia
Norse Platoon hunts down and murders a group of journalists covering the Tigray Rebellion. One of them escapes, and while making mention of a private military contractor, is unable to identify the group as PDS.
Ethiopia
Banshee Company fulfills it's contractual oblications, violently eliminating the Tigray's leadership, rendering the rebellion headless and hopeless.
Lithuania
Banshee Company deploys to Lithuania, along with sister companies Centurian and Spear, to combat a land invasion from the Russian Federation.
Lithuania
After capturing it for a short time, Norse Platoon is forced to retreat from the Power Plant to the south of Kokkila. As the Russians advanced back into the facility, the Lithuanian military targetted it with focused MLRS fire, leaving it (and the Russians) as a burning scorch mark on the earth.
Lithuania
After a navigational error, John Arma, the head of Bohemia Interactive, was killed while riding a jetski by Norse Platoon. With his death, the release of Bohemia Interactive's next planned release, Arma 4, is uncertain.