Following World War Terminus, a radioactive dust remained within Earth's atmosphere. This dust diminished much of the planet's population, necessitating emigration to other worlds. Those who stayed on Earth and were not killed by the dust could be subject to mental and genetic damage, resulting in individuals known as specials. Products such as the Mountibank Lead Codpiece were designed to help protect against the dust.[1]
Animals in particular fell victim to the dust, many of them becoming extinct or endangered due to its harmful presence. This directly led to the culture of animal ownership being an indicator of social status. Those who could not afford to buy an animal often resorted to purchasing an electric one.[1]