[ WP ] Magic is discovered and it 's channeled with music . Modern nations dissolve and new countries rise in their place divided by the preferred music . In the frozen north lie the Metal kingdoms . Far to the south are the countries of Soul etc .

As bad as the war was, nobody expected what came next. 
 
 In America, the forces of Country had split over whether Miss Swift was really part of their cause. The various Metal tribes could not come to terms with who should lead though a growing number seemed to be backing Tenacious D. Rap/HipHop had unfortunately started to really believe Kanye was the second coming and had dubbed him Yeezus the Almighty. Techno and K-Pop had taken over much of Europe and Asia. It was anarchy, with artists commanding huge armies of followers. Tearing apart families and communities. Using their powers for good or ill seemingly on a whim. Millions perished in the first International Billboard War. Then, without warning, someone released the plague spell... 
 
 Nobody knew what caused it. City after city fell, their citizens wandering in a zombie-like state constantly clapping or grunting in monotonous percussion. It knew no borders, it spread to all corners of the Earth. People wandered until they fell, feverishly tapping the ground, hearts beating to the same rhythm until they just, stopped. Oddly most who went this way appeared content. As if an end to the beat was welcome and a rest appreciated. 
 
 The cure, when it came, seemed unlikely at best, and yet people responded. It started in Texas, on a cattle ranch outside of Dallas. A few researchers, still trying to find some way to treat the plague stricken, heard of a small town that had suffered no fatalities. When they arrived they found a few small groups of men and women making daily rounds of the area. By their efforts they had blocked the plague's spread, at least in their area. One of the scientists asked them how they had accomplished this seeming miracle. The leader of one group answered,'' Well, it was a pretty desperate attempt by my brother actually. Ya see, he recognized the beat all the sick people were thumping to and realized that this ailment had been mentioned before. We ca n't seem to prevent the effects, but we can stop them once somebody shows symptoms.'' 
 
 The researcher was astounded,'' I ca n't believe this. Please, tell us. What is the treatment?'' 
 
 Solemnly, the rancher replied,'' Well, from what we've found, once somebody has the fever, the only cure, is more cowbell...''
