That's a really good point. What we want is to bring players up to the current day in the game's history. Then the players will MAKE the history! The plot will be defined by the most committed players.
As to the general conditions--the world of Skara suffered some traumatic disasters. The formerly two suns that rule Skara's solar system collided, producing massive earthquakes and climate changes. The sudden changes in temperature, strong wind and frequent earthquakes makes the world extremely volatile. Survival is not a matter of peacefully living, but requires those left to fight for what's left. That's why people become 'genocidal'--so they can live another day!
The different races will go about it in different ways, however.
If you're really not into being a Monster, then you might think about not being a Khärn! they are the most barbaric society!