Demon Hunters: The War of Survival Against Martian Threats in a World of Fear and Faith

This is a really interesting alternate history/world-building scenario for something inspired by *Helluva Boss!* Let’s break down what might happen in a version of Earth where: - Mankind fought a Martian invasion in 1917 (with Martians as a soulless, mortal, bug/mollusk-like race) - Humanity survived, got some Martian technology - The world’s major powers (Allied forces, including Germany, Britain, U.S., Japan, etc.) begin purging demons out of fear and religious motivations Here are some possible consequences and story beats for such a setting: --- **1. The Martian War: Catalyst for Change** - Humanity in 1917 would be utterly shocked by the Martian invasion. Imagine WWI-era soldiers suddenly confronted with totally alien weapons, vehicles, and biology. - Survival could unite the world (or just the Allies) and push them to reverse-engineer Martian tech: things like rapid-fire energy weapons, rudimentary flying devices, maybe even medical advances. --- **2. Demons: The New Threat** - After repelling the Martians, humans might become hyper-vigilant, suspicious of any other "non-human" beings. - If demons from Hell (*Helluva Boss*-style) exist and can manifest or influence events on Earth, they would likely get lumped in with the Martians in the human imagination — as existential threats or invaders. - Religious authorities and fundamentalists would have their worst fears confirmed: "Demons ARE real, just like the Martians! Clearly, Earth is under siege!" --- **3. The Purge Begins** - With supercharged nationalism AND new Martian-derived tech, governments might start a literal "demon purge": hunting, capturing, or exterminating suspected demons and anything else perceived as "unholy." - This could include mass witch hunts, inquisitions powered by advanced tech, and special squads trained to detect/dispel supernatural entities (think Men in Black, but with 1920s militaries). --- **4. World Politics and Paranoia** - Once-friendly Allied nations would likely double-cross and spy on each other, hunting for "demon infiltrators." The world could become a global police state. - Germany, Japan, Britain, and the U.S. might form secret societies or agencies dedicated to containing Hell's influence. - Neutral or less religious nations could become safe havens for demon refugees, fostering weird alliances. --- **5. Hell’s Response** - Hell itself would probably be on the defensive. Demons who used to mess with humanity might start to hide or even try to make deals with humans to survive. - Some demons (*Moxxie or Loona types*) might end up as tragic or sympathetic figures, on the run or working with humans against a common enemy. - More powerful demons (like Stolas or Blitzo) could become the leaders of a "supernatural resistance." --- **6. Societal Effects and Cultural Fallout** - Everyday humans would be torn between gratitude for Martian tech and terror of 'unholy' influences. - Possession, witchcraft, and exorcisms could become common fears — with new gadgetry and state-backed violence behind them. - Art, literature, and religion would go through a kind of "post-Martian, anti-demon" renaissance (or dark age), full of propaganda and paranoia. --- **In Summary:** You'd end up with a *dieselpunk* or *weird war* world where early 20th-century Earth is militarized, fearful, and saturated with anti-demon (and anti-alien) technologies and ideologies. Demons would be hunted like the ultimate scapegoats, with only the bravest or most cunning able to survive. Meanwhile, humanity would be divided between fear, fanaticism, and the struggle to adapt to technology beyond their original era. --- **Storytelling Opportunities:** - Demon fugitives teaming up with outcast humans to survive - "Demon-hunter" noir detectives using alien gadgets in smoky 1920s cities - Human and demon alliances trying to prevent a new genocide - Martian technology being exploited for good or great evil, ethically ambiguous - Religious and political power struggles, with questions of what it means to be *mortal* or have a *soul* Feel free to ask for more world-building detail, story ideas, or questions about specific characters in this scenario!