It started with a flicker.
The earth's energy source, fueled by massive climate changes, sparked what the scientists called a "Source". This "Source" was like a small organic EMP that ripped thru every human and creature. For years the event was monitored and no effects were found. The "Source" was declared safe.
In 2158 a small community sprung up in Manitoba, no one really knows were they came from but they came. The small and stocky humans, now called "Dwarves" from the old literature and games, possessed great strength and skills.
About the same time the community of Lae Nara was established in Norway, the vain almost supermodel like humans were drawn to it. Here they decried they were the descendants of the elves of lore. They started to worship the Norse gods of old.
Eurussia abruptly dropped all racial ideologies and became zealots against the new races. Using the same old tactics, they honed to perfection over hundreds of years, they first outlawed the races. They used Nationalism to get neighbors to turn on neighbors for rewards, some were made martyrs for the numbers they turned in. It was a return to fascism and fanatical beliefs. The corporations purged the corrupt government and replaced it with their own choosing. Walls were built up, no one has been allowed in or out since, a self-imposed Quarantine has been implemented for the last 20 years.
Upon seeing the Eurussian temperance fall, the human population of North America sought peace and found they could live with the other races. It had taken them hundreds of years to learn to live and work with other races peacefully; they could extend their hand of friendship to these new races for it was just like working with other countries like Japan or Saudi Arabia. For them the events were neutral and easier to get though.
These actions all tore the agreements and the borders between countries to pieces. Some merged...others declared war.
After 128 years of wars, the remaining countries are banding together. People of all races are aligning behind their chosen. The landmasses have undergone upheaval and shift. New continents have been formed and radiated areas have been abandoned. The "Source" was not safe after all. The remaining four countries fight a war over land, food supplies and population control. They now use Mercenaries to fight their wars in proxy.
There are many Merc companies selling their services to the highest bidder. All live by a code of honor based on ancient feudal rules.
#1 Fight for the glory of your family. Bring them glory and they will praise you.
#2 Do not use an axe where a word will work.
#3 Never kill a fellow Company member - dishonor is worse then death.
#4 None shall be left behind. Defend a wounded comrade at all costs.
#5 Death is not an option; it's an eventuality.
These Mercenary bands form loose families protecting their own and pledging their loyalty to their Company, their leaders and their squadmates, selling their services to anyone that can pay. Mercs form the basis of the continuing war as the countries can no longer conscript for the losses to population are too great. The great war machines these Merc's pilot are called Mecha. With these giant machines they can lay waste to entire battlefields. To hone their skills they engage in practice battles, called skirmishes. Some of the better Pilots are sent to compete in the Arena games where they fight for the honor of their Company for all Merc's to see. The greatest are idolized or hated the world over. Betting is a great sport for all of the free worlds citizens, here they bet on the winners or losers of upcoming battles in the monthly Arena games.
Mercs come from all over the planet to fight. Some for greed, others for revenge.