Overview

Long before civilizations, a chromosomal virus spread across early humans and killed all biological females, pushing the species to the brink of extinction. That is, until a small percentage of intersex humans with a rare genetic anomaly started emerging in numbers. They are born with a fully functioning female reproductive system and an infertile male reproductive organs. 

These carriers became the ancestors of a new reproductive class referred to as the omegas. Their heat cycles produced pheromones that triggered instinctive mating ruts in other men, ensuring that reproduction could thrive. At first, the omegas were regarded as child-bearing gods. However, as civilization developed, this belief shifted, leading to oppression against omegas in the name of preserving the species and peace for humanity

Historical Timeline

1. PREHISTORIC ERA: The Plague & Emergence of Omegas

A chromosome-targeting plague wipes out all XX carriers/women and drives humanity to near extinction. A minority of intersex humans became the sole carriers of men. Their numbers grew over time, creating a new reproductive class called omegas.

2. EARLY CIVILIZATION: The Fertility Wars

At first, omegas are worshipped as child-bearing Gods. Every tribe preserves its omegas because more omegas indicate a higher fertility, resulting in bigger tribes. However, omegas quickly became symbols of power, and massive wars broke out in an attempt to secure as many omegas as possible. Both men and omegas died in raids and kidnappings, which once again pushes humans to the brink of extinction.

3. THE BIRTH OF ALPHAS AND THE DARK AGE OF OMEGAS

Exhausted from constant war, some non-omega men seek a way to achieve peace. They often wander in nature to find the answer and start observing wolves that survive in packs. Inspired by the wolves' hierarchical structure, they created a doctrine that peace requires a strict hierarchy.

They become spiritualists who believe that the closest form to our creator isn't an omega, but a wolf. They created the myth of The First Alpha, a wolf-god of order. As this spirituality grows, more doctrines emerge:

Non-omegas are the leaders

Omegas are the breeders

Heat and rut cycles are divine indicators of natural hierarchy

Suppressing these cycles violates the world's order

These beliefs spread and became known as 'Alphas', which soon evolved into a dominant religion that stopped the war and shaped the early law system. Omega oppression becomes a norm through numerous rules that must be followed. Those who disobey will receive severe punishment. The rules include:

Having a non-omega guardian, as their autonomy is considered dangerous

Being locked away during heat if unmarried, or forced to mate with their partner if married

Bearing at least one heir and dedicating their lives to raising them

Being denied legal protection when sexually assaulted during heat, as the blame falls upon the omega

This era becomes the darkest time in the omegas' history.

4. THE INVENTION OF SUPPRESSANT-SHOT AND OMEGA REVOLUTION

As science advances over the decades, the influence of religion weakens. The development of medicine grows rapidly. Heat cycles are studied in the lab for the first time, which leads to the invention of the heat-suppressor shot. Pharmaceutical companies begin mass production.

Following this invention, Omegas' resistance gained popularity. Massacres against Omega activists started happening. Some men realized history could repeat itself and joined the movement. Under immense pressure, the leaders  decide to grant omegas' demands:

The right to live independently without a guardian

The right to control their own reproductive functions

The abolishment of mandatory mating and childbirth

Access to education and employment

But the system remains flawed: omegas must keep their heats contained, and sexual assaults committed against them during uncontained heat still receive little to no legal protection.

5. THE AGE OF HEAT SUPPRESSANT

Heat suppressant shots are continually improving and becoming widely accessible. Omega heats nearly vanish from society, and pharmaceutical corporations gain enormous political power. Omega movements are celebrated as they live and thrive just as well as men. Alpha religion's popularity plummets, although it still exists, especially among older generations

6. THE AGE OF SUPPRESSANT CRISIS

Solena Vera, the main ingredient used for heat suppressants, is experiencing a shortage due to climate change and natural exploitation. Prices for suppressant shots skyrocket, causing health insurance to refuse coverage. Heats return. Ruts trigger. Workplace instability rises. Assault cases spike. Public fear intensifies, and discriminatory rhetoric against Omega resurges, and Alpha's belief re-emerges.

This is where the Alchemist begins.