"About two an a half decades ago, this city used to be part of the great 'Freeland'. It went by a different name that the people of today don't use anymore.
The nation of Freeland was a great proponent of 'true freedom' and the leaders tried to rule with laws that were more lax than in other nations.
But it didn't turn out well. Not long after it was founded, it became completely lawless and the only rule was survival of the fittest.
It was a very hard time for those with no access to magic. They lived in constant fear and torment, and their standard of living was way below average. They wished fervently for a change and their prayers were answered when people's powers started going off in a part of the country.
The powers of people went off irregulary. It last for minutes, hours, or just a few seconds but the 'revengers' risked any opportunity that came their way and struck. This started a long war in the nation.