Basically, the server has focused more on the conflict between the 'group' of rebels/refugees and the same garrison of the Combine - around the aftermath of episode 2 - and your character (for the most part) would have followed that group. The same group that escaped from Azov prison, Fought around Odessa, Fled Odessa due to Xenian overgrowth, Engaged with Combine forces in the metro tunnels before finally joining in on a besiegement of a City (City 24).
You come into this setting at whatever point, and are more than likely going to play the 'Refugee' which turns into the 'Rebel' rather than being a city loyalist. This map is different than the previous maps, which have mostly focused on 'no mans land' style combat between Rebels and Combine soldiers, with Refugees caught in the middle.
This map is different, where it started off as typical city RP style servers ... but is slowly turning more and more into the 'No Mans Land' style.
Look around, have fun. The map is comically large and it can feel lonely at times.
