Many years ago, a group of researchers at Miskatonic University sought to harness the power of reality itself by delving more deeply into the atomic structure than science had theretofore studied. Frustrated with the limitations of normal equipment and methodoligies, the scientists borrowed arcane occult techniques as well as highly unstable theoretical concepts of physics, many of which had never been tested.

The preparations for the experiment were expeciently and concisely readied for the conjunction of the planets of classic astrology -- Earth, Moon, Sun, Mars, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter.

the test proceeded excedingly well initially; however as the scientists probed further and further into the atoms` cores immense quantities of energy accumulated well outside the expected range.

The resulting explosion destroyed the laboratory ... but what`s more is that it sent ryfts throughout the fabric of reality through which past, present, and future collided -- and fantasy and fact became one in the same. Many claim this is the "Hell on Earth" foretold in Holy Scriptures -- those responsible have never been heard from again, though some speculate that they attained the power they sought to control.

The city of Arkham itself was spared in this merging of realms and has since become the only known sanctuary left in a world changing constantly as the threads holding reality together unravel more and more each day.