A thousand years after the nuclear holocaust in the USA, only a few people have survived the war and the subsequent plagues. Their descendants have reverted to being "savages," roaming the vast, partially radioactive land as hunters, or they have fortified themselves in small settlements. Gradually, cultural centers are beginning to emerge again; one such center is Pelbar, the citadel on the Heart River, the former Mississippi. Dangerous expeditions are starting to explore the post-apocalyptic wilderness of the American continent. Jestak from Pelbar returns to his homeland after escaping from slavery and is determined to unite the neighboring tribes, as a powerful enemy has emerged in the north. This enemy has rediscovered the secret of gunpowder and is advancing with cannons on the citadel of Nordwall to conquer the Pelbar cities.