End of Days

They called it the End of Days.

  Portals began opening up above major cities and Nautiloids began to emerge, raining down with power no one had ever seen from the Illithid. We fought back, but within a week's time-- the Illithid gained control of our world. 17 years later, we are still in these end times; but, it doesn't seem like they are ending anytime soon.   All intelligent life has been rounded up into mega-cities. Those who resisted were lucky if they died in the wilderness, and not taken into Illithid custody. Relocation happens to us all, but some more than others. Those who made too much noise or, gods forbid, built relationships with each other.   These cities are dotted with immense obsidian obelisks that suppress our connection to the Weave. Of course, this doesn't affect the Illithid psionic abilities. There are a few of us who have found psionic abilities within ourselves, but we dare not show it to them.   One day, we will free ourselves from this oppression. The Resistance works hard every day to learn about our enemy and uncover its secrets. There have been many attempts to overthrow the Illithid in the last 17 years, but no notable progress has been made.   Better days are coming, I'm sure of it.
In short: End of Days takes place in a modernized dark fantasy/cosmic horror D&D world. The Illithid invaded 17 years ago, showing a militaristic force no one had ever seen or expected from them. Within a few years, the Illithid managed to round up all intelligent life (that did not perish trying to resist) into high security mega cities. These cities exist in anti-magic zones that were established by the Illithid through large obsidian obelisks. Illithid magic, powered through psionics, is not hindered by the anti-magic zone, allowing them to have an advantage over anyone that crosses them. Over the last 17 years, some individuals have unlocked psionic casting of their own-- be it due to a failed Illithid experiment on them, pacts with ancient Elder Evils, or simply honing their skills through years of practice.   The day to day of the average, law-abiding citizen is mundane and cyclical: avoid Civil Protection's harassment, and do little to upset the status quo. There exist gangs and rebels that try to make the most of it, attempting to make an impact on their lives and the lives of others. Commerce and standardized currency is more or less a forgotten concept, though some will still trade for objects, resources, or information they deem valuable. Usually, individuals will use ration cards that are distributed by the Illithid as a form of currency, should they want payment for their goods or services.   It is unclear what the Illithid are planning. 17 years of oppression has left people hopeless and unmotivated. A few prophets, diviners, and others gifted with foresight warn that something big is on the horizon that will shake everything up. Different accounts of this "big event" range from individual to individual. Some say the Illithid is going to begin casting some massive ritual that requires these cities to be filled with intelligent life. Others say that the Resistance is going to land a blow to the Illithid, causing war to break out-- but this time, with the Illithid at a disadvantage.