Post Invasion

An army from Outer Plane 1 invades Earth through a Crystal  that appears in the Indian ocean causing a volcanic ash cloud. In exploring the ash cloud forces found the crystal and the army and were met with immediate aggression. Earth's forces rallied together and eventually fought back the invaders who returned through the Crystal. Total Losses - 318 Million People
First Invasion

The United Nations took on initial research into the Flume Crystal. Over this first period, some details about the Flume Crystal were discovered. The Crystal was noted to break off small pieces every so often, deemed Flume Gems, and an energy signature was found later called Ether. Not a lot was learned about the ability to use this energy as the results of testing varied without notable reason.
One particular research team, led by Istaki Waddiche, focused on the possibility of the Flume Crystal connecting to alternate realities.
Another research team was able to discover that the flume gems could be shaped or built into Flume Constructs which would allow for some unique results. Some of these objects and structures were found to manipulate weather or natural growth, others seemed to change shape temporarily to fit unique needs. Some were even discovered to temporarily form barriers or weapons. In all cases, the devices required either unique users or masses of people to shape the Ether energy through the gems.

Russian research teams in an effort to create their own Flume Crystal, drill into the volcanic rock of Kamchatka with their collection of Flume Gems. This causes a new volcanic eruption that results in the decimation of the peninsula and the loss of 400,000 Russian lives. In the aftermath, many countries ban the use of Flume Gems.

A team of 6 scientists and diplomats take the first step into Limbo. Following the instructions given in the message almost 2 years ago, they enter the platform and are transported away. 1 full day later some of the team returns. They met with an entity named Freit who explained much more about the potential for Ether, Flume Crystal, and Flume Gems. They also gave the knowledge of a Hero-type entity that could come from Earth's peoples called Avatars and of the ability to travel between planes through the space called Limbo.
3 of the travelers did not make it back including the 2 primary Waddriche scientists. They had apparently tried to journey beyond the platform created by Freit and were torn into nothing by the vapors of the in-between world. Upon return, the platform shattered blocking Earth's ability to return by those means. They also came with the fearful knowledge that more planes or invaders could come.

A group of Avatars discovers Outer Plane 3, known as Primmar. This plane is inhabited by a civilization that originally thought Earth to be invaders. Captured, the Avatars were able to prove their innocence and set up a treaty by assisting in clearing the name of one of their merchant lords.