S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

Factions/groups

• *"Duty" is a paramilitary group of former military personnel. They believe the Zone is a threat to humanity and want to destroy it. Strict discipline, with an emphasis on combat training. "Freedom" are anarchists and idealists. They believe the Zone should be open to everyone and defend it from attempts at destruction. They wear green uniforms. "Monolith" is a religious sect. They believe in the power of the Monolith crystal (the Wish-Fulfiller) and protect the approaches to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. They are susceptible to psionic influence and are aggressive. "Clear Sky" are scientists and researchers. They study the nature of the Zone, anomalies, and emissions. They are trying to understand how to stabilize or control the Zone. "Bandits" *are criminals and marauders. They act outside the rules, robbing stalkers. They control certain territories, especially on the outskirts of the Zone.
• Military (Ukrainian Armed Forces) *— the official forces guarding the cordon around the Zone. They conduct special operations, clear territories, and sometimes come into conflict with stalkers.
• Scientists *— independent researchers and laboratory employees. They study artifacts and anomalies, purchase finds from stalkers, and assign tasks to collect samples.
• Mercenaries *— professionals working for money. They carry out dangerous missions for any client. They are neutral, but can attack stalkers.
• Loners (free stalkers) — the majority of stalkers. They do not belong to groups; they explore the Zone in search of artifacts and form small groups.

• *Marked One (Strelok) is the protagonist of "Shadow of Chernobyl," suffering from amnesia. He later learns that he is the legendary Strelok, who went to the center of the Zone.

Scar is the protagonist of Clear Sky, a mercenary who survived a powerful emission.

Alexander Degtyarev , the protagonist of "Call of Pripyat," is an SBU major and former stalker. He was sent to investigate the failure of Operation Fairway.

Scythian (Evgeny Martynenko) is the protagonist of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, an artifact dealer. He is sent to the Zone after an anomaly occurs in his apartment.

The Doctor is Strelok's medic and mentor. He helps him understand the nature of the Zone and his connection to it.

The Guide is an experienced stalker who knows secret paths. He helps Strelok find the Doctor.

The bartender is the owner of the 100 X-ray bar in the Duty zone. He's also a source of information and quests.

Sakharov is a scientist who studies anomalies and assigns data collection tasks.

Ghost and Fang are members of Strelok's group. They die before the events of "Shadow of Chernobyl."

Herman is Skif's partner in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. He helps the hero enter the Zone.

Herman is Skif's partner in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. He helps the hero enter the Zone.

Plot

The action takes place in an alternate version of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Exclusion Zone. In 2006, an anomalous release occurs, altering the physical, chemical, and biological processes in the Zone. The following appear:

• *anomalies *- unexplained phenomena (vortices, pillars of fire, lightning bolts);
• artifacts *- items with special properties (antigravity, radiation absorption, etc.);
• mutants - aggressive creatures with psionic abilities.