Apocalyptic world

The Carapace is a rare artifact that appears in clusters of gravitational anomalies. It generates a weak gravitational field around the wearer, slowing incoming projectiles. In other words, it reduces bullet damage, though not significantly. Its cost is equivalent to a good pistol or three weeks' worth of food.
The Goldfish is a rare artifact that appears in clusters of gravitational anomalies. It allows you to carry more weight and is expensive, costing the equivalent of a good pistol or a month's worth of food.
The Medusa is a less rare artifact that appears in clusters of gravitational anomalies. It gradually absorbs radiation and removes it from a person. When sold, it's equivalent to a hundred rounds of ammunition or a week's worth of food.
The Bubble is an extremely rare artifact that appears in clusters of chemical anomalies (jelly and burning fluff) and accelerates the regeneration process. Its cost is equivalent to a good rifle or a four-month supply of food.
The crystal is a fairly common artifact, appearing in clusters of fire anomalies. It lowers a person's body temperature, allowing them to survive extreme temperatures or reduce a fever in a sick person. Its cost is equivalent to a couple of weeks' worth of food.
Beads are a rare artifact that appear in fire anomaly clusters. They promote rapid blood clotting, gradually stopping bleeding. They are equivalent in value to a shotgun or a month's worth of food.
The Battery is a very rare and useful artifact that appears in clusters of electrical anomalies. It increases stamina and allows you to get enough sleep in less time, making it highly prized by stalkers. Its value is equivalent to the best rifles or two months' worth of food.
ARTIFACTS DO NOT APPEAR IN EVERY ANOMALY!

A trampoline is a gravitational anomaly that launches a person high into the air. It appears as a barely noticeable, uneven sphere of distorted air.
A funnel is a gravitational anomaly that swirls and tears apart. It can be detected by dust, leaves, or other debris flying in a circle about half a meter in diameter.
Electra is an anomaly that appears as electrical sparks on the ground. When struck, it delivers a powerful electric shock.
Zharka is a fiery anomaly that appears as distorted, hot air rising from the ground. When struck, a column of fire emerges from the ground, causing injury or death.
Kissel is a green, glowing puddle. It acts as a very powerful acid.
Burning fluff - looks like cobwebs or fluff, and causes severe chemical burns when touched.

Ploughs are mutated pigs. They are extremely ugly in appearance, but pose no particular danger. They are omnivorous and can be scared off by shooting or screaming loudly.
Boars have changed little. They've grown larger and more resilient, making their meat tougher but more filling. Stalkers often hunt them for food while traveling.
The dogs are ordinary mongrels, driven feral during the apocalypse. They are blind, but have excellent hearing and smell. Individually, they are not dangerous, but a pack of dogs can kill even the most experienced stalker.
Bloodsuckers are humans mutated by the emission. They are fast, strong, and can temporarily become invisible. They become visible before an immediate attack. Their stealth and speed make them a serious threat, but a group of experienced stalkers can quickly deal with them.
Beasts—it's unknown what they mutated from. They look like muscular animals with the gait of large cats. They're about two meters long and a meter at the shoulder. They're among the most dangerous mutants. They're intelligent and stealthy, attack from behind, and can rip a person in half with a single blow. They live alone.

Stalkers are mercenaries who primarily transport packages between cities, hunt for artifacts, and purge mutants. They maintain a neutral relationship with each other; in difficult situations, unspoken rules require them to help each other.
The Rebirth are religious fanatics and eugenicists. They aim to recreate humanity as a single, unified race, and therefore practice eugenics. They are often neutral toward other groups, but to gain access to their controlled areas, one must agree to eugenic surgeries, including castration for members of certain races.
Sparta is a union of former military personnel. Their goal is to protect the remnants of humanity from the dangers of the new world. They are happy to welcome any stalker into their city. Their patrols can sometimes be encountered in the wastelands between cities, clearing out mutants and escorting scientists, and, if necessary, they will help any stalker they encounter. They have a strong sense of justice and oppose the Rebirth group.
Guides and loners are not a cohesive group. They are experienced stalkers. They either operate alone or offer guide services, meaning they can lead groups of stalkers along safe routes for a fee.

The Ark is a major trading hub, transit point, and residence for stalkers and traders. It is located in the former Yaroslavl region of Russia.
New Babylon is a city two weeks' journey west of the Ark. It is the main base of the Rebirth faction.
Moscow, the capital of the destroyed Russia, is six days' journey from the Ark. People there inhabited the metro system, providing good protection from mutants and emissions. It is a major trading hub and a large population center.
Sparta is a city eight days' journey from the Ark and is the main base of the Sparta faction of the same name.
In addition to these cities, small settlements, transit points with shelters for waiting out emissions, and stalker hiding places are sometimes found.