Second Invasion

The Second Invasion was an assault launched by the Infernal Host on Earth, roughly 8000 years after the First Invasion.
==History==
===Background===
At the end of the First Invasion, the Infernals were locked-out from Earth through a Celestial device called "the Suppressor," which prevented the formation of stormgates on the world. While humanity had been spared the ravages of alien invasion, by the 21st century, humanity had done a good job of ravaging their homeworld through their own actions, as Earth's biosphere neared collapse. In this period, an organization called the Sigma Program was charged with steering humanity through the crisis, and one of their branches, Sigma 6, was charged with obtaining artifacts that might grant them the means to leave their dying homeworld.
In truth, Sigma 6 played into the Infernals' hands. An Infernal known as "the Whisperer" had infiltrated the mind of the program's founder, and while Sigma 6 was not necessarily formed on her orders per se, she nevertheless played a role in directing its progress as she influenced the leader of the program, Dr. Clive Cullin. Following the Whisperer's lead, Cullin and his team uncovered the Suppressor in Earth's Arctic Circle. As far as Sigma 6 was aware, their stated goal was to activate the Suppressor (or "the Key," as they called it) and in so doing, open a portal through which they could find a new world to colonize. In truth, their research would disable the Suppressor, and in so doing, allow the Infernals to return to Earth.
Despite numerous setbacks, the experiment was a success.Bentele, Jack. "Beyond the Brink" (March 5, 2024). Frost Giant Studios. Beyond the Brink. The Suppressor was disabled, and a stormgate formed in the heart of Sigma Polar. After 8000 years, the Infernal Host had finally returned to Earth.2024-06-07, Stormgate - Official Opening Cinematic. YouTube, accessed on 2024-06-19
===Opening Stages===
The initial Infernal breach was led by Warz.2023-12-08, Simu Liu on Playing Warz in Stormgate: The Next Great RTS. YouTube, accessed on 2023-12-08 Shadowflyers quickly breached the confines of Sigma Polar, and soon, the rest of the planet knew the aliens' wrath. The invasion decimated nearly all life on the planet, with survivors describing the event as "a world ablaze."2024-07-04, Firestorm Fog of War Shader. YouTube, accessed on 2024-07-17 The Infernals were unlike any foe humanity had encountered, as not only were they very different biologically, but their weapons relied on magic. As humanity was unable to understand how the Infernals' weapons were powered or operated, Earth was nearly overrun.2022-12-23, James Anhalt & Tim Morten Interview: SnowPlay Technology & Stormgate. ScreenRant, accessed on 2022-12-24
Despite the carnage, the initial Infernal invasion was thwarted by humanity, but the planet was devastated as a result,2022-06-09, Stormgate, PC RTS From Ex-Blizzard Devs, Looks A Lot Like A Blizzard Game. GameSpot, accessed on 2022-07-06 with some regions devastated by humanity's use of chemical and/or nuclear weapons.2023-05-30, STORMGATE SUMMIT: CONCEPT ART. Stormgate Nexus, accessed on 2023-05-31 
In the wake of the chaos, diverse human factions begin to form, with survivors, militias, and marauders carving out their niche in the post-apocalyptic landscape.2024-01-31, The Signed Stormgate Collector’s Edition lets you inscribe your name in-game. One Esports, accessed on 2024-02-08 Humanity thrived in small clusters, protected by the Vanguard, but was bereft of much of the technology it once possessed. Other humans formed ragtag survivalist/marauder groups.Stormgate, Kickstarter. Accessed on 2023-12-06
===The War Continues===
Twenty years after the arrival of the Infernals, the war continued to rage, with Warz still leading the Infernals. In the twentieth year of the war, a Vanguard operative named Tara Fletcher was able to locate and secure the Aegis Cipher. The Vanguard began examining this relic, collecting valuable data to aid them in locating other artifacts. It was believed that success would allow the Vanguard to mount a decisive counter-offensive to strike at the heart of the Infernal Host.2022-08-03, Re: War Update. Stormgate Reddit, accessed on 2022-08-04
==References==
Category: Wars