Some might call it a miracle, a gift from God, and indeed some are. Most however, believe this to be a curse. Some go so far as to say it's the work of the Devil. Certain people -- who it affects seems random -- have been changing in ways no one thought possible. These "mutants" are gaining special powers, powers no human should be able to have. Levitation, water breathing, invisibility, speed, shape shifting... these are merely simple examples. The number of different mutations and powers appears to be as great as the number of people affected. Some of these mutants are using their powers in ways that are destructive to society. Because of this, people believe that all mutants will do so, even though in reality this is far from true.
In response to these mutants, governments worldwide have begun an effort to "contain these dangerous criminal mutants and study the causes of mutation." Many countries have signed MCSA, the Mutant Containment and Security Agreement, which creates an emergency international administration, the Mutant Security and Research Administration (MSRA). The MSRA has been given near absolute authority in the interest of eradicating the mutants from existence. They employ some of the most honored generals, the most dangerous criminals, the most brilliant scientists, and the most ruthless bureaucrats in the world.
The MSRA has attempted to keep as much knowledge of the mutants away from the general public as possibly, however it's hard to keep these things secret. The general public is aware, and many of them try to take matters into their own hands, attacking mutants and making "citizens arrests." Some extremists just outright kill mutants on the spot, which, in countries under the MCSA, is actually legal, as mutants are not considered human and have the same rights as wild game.
