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

Obtained by dropping heavy metal into the "Hot" anomaly. This artifact is excellent at removing radiation. This artifact is highly prized by stalkers and is rare to obtain. Stats: Radiation: -30 (positive, removes radiation). Stamina: -13 (negative).

The "Burning Fuzz" anomaly very rarely produces such an artifact. Blood pressure rises, and the body eliminates a large number of red blood cells. However, accumulated radiation is released along with them. Sakharov, in his fundamental work "Ionization and Polarization of Rare Artifact Components," noted that the composition of this formation is critically stable, and creating such an artifact in a laboratory setting is unrealistic in the coming decades. Stats: Radiation: -30 (positive, removes radiation) Bleeding: +100% (negative)

A degenerate case of the Electra anomaly. Apparently, such a remarkable rounded shape can be achieved by subjecting the anomaly to thermal effects. A valuable artifact. Stats: Endurance: +109% (positive). Electroshock: -10% (negative).

Crystallizes in the "Heat" anomaly. Effectively combats radioactivity, although the accelerated energy exchange wears down the locomotor muscles. Sprinting is not possible. The artifact emits heat. Stats: Radiation: -20 (positive, removes radiation). Stamina: -18 (negative).

It is known for certain that the artifact is generated by the "Jellied" anomaly. When worn on the belt, wounds bleed less, although the wearer's body becomes vulnerable to various burns. Stats: Bleeding: -400% (positive, greatly reduces bleeding). Burn: +10% (negative, increases fire damage taken).

Spawned in the "Springboard" anomaly, this artifact can be found in a few areas of the zone. Inclusions of metallic compounds create a beautiful play of light. Looking at this artifact by the light of a fire at night is wonderfully calming. Stats: Radiation: +5 (negative). Bullet resistance: +3% (positive).

Produced by the Carousel anomaly, it stimulates enhanced cell growth. However, young cells are more susceptible to many types of physical damage. This artifact is rare, but it's hardly unique. Stats: Health: +400% (positive). Impact/Burst/Bullet Resistance: -10% (negative).

This artifact can be found near the Carousel anomalies. It is a rather ugly reddish formation made of compressed and strangely curved polymerized remains of plants, soil, and bones. It is quite common and has little effect. Stats: Health: +200% (positive). Impact/Burst/Bullet Resistance: -10% (negative).

Formed by the "Hotness" anomaly at high temperatures. It appears as a blackened, teardrop-shaped formation with a glossy surface covered in cracks. Stats: Radiation: -10 (positive, removes radiation). Stamina: -18 (negative).

Very rare near Carousel anomalies. Only a few have ever found such an artifact, and few have ever seen one. It has a pleasing shape and an equally pleasing price. Grants the following effects: Health: +600% (positive). Impact/Burst/Bullet Resistance: -10% (negative).

Found near Funnel-type anomalies. Upon contact with the body, it emits directed radiation, protecting against scratches or wounds inflicted by bladed weapons. This artifact is easy to find, which is why it fetched little money. Stats: Radiation: +5 (negative). Rupture: +2% (positive).

Can be found near Funnel-type anomalies or on another stalker. When worn, some of the radioactive rays accumulate in the body, while the main beams radiate outward. Price: Average. Stats: Radiation: +5 (negative). Breach: +3% (positive).

Formed in the "springboard" anomaly, it creates a weak protective field with a side effect of mild radiation. The artifact is widely available and inexpensive. Stats: Radiation: +5 (negative). Bullet resistance: +2% (positive).

This is one of the few thermal anomalies. When inactive, it appears as a barely visible cloud of hot air (shimmering, like over asphalt in the heat). When struck by any object or living creature, it forms a compact zone heated to ~1500K. At night, it is only detectable by detectors or by throwing metal objects. Artifacts generated: "Drop," "Fireball," "Crystal."

A formation of unclear origin. Upon contact with the body, it causes injuries similar to those of a strong acid. It forms three types of artifacts: "Slime," "Slug," and "Mica."

An anomaly, presumably of a gravitational nature. A small "black hole." When triggered, it violently pulls all objects within a 10-15 meter radius into the center. It's crucial not to miss the moment the pull begins... The anomaly breaks bones and compresses the body into a bloody lump, then tears it apart as the "core" discharges... It can be detected by distortions in the air above it, swirling foliage, and dismembered animal corpses... Artifacts spawned: "Twist," "Gravi," "Goldfish."

One of the first recorded anomalies. It inflicts impact damage with a variable gravitational field. It remains in one place for an average of a week, changing the strength of its impact throughout its "life." The results of an encounter with the "springboard" can vary from minor bruises and contusions to instant death. During the day, it is easily detected by distortions in the air above it, swirling foliage, and characteristic reddish-brown spots on the ground. It can be detected by any type of detector, as well as by throwing various objects at it. It forms three types of artifacts: "Jellyfish," "Stone Flower," and "Night Star."

An anomalous formation approximately 10 meters in diameter that accumulates static electricity. When disturbed, the anomaly explodes with dozens of mini-lightning bolts, and the resulting electric shock is almost always fatal to any living creature. A characteristic feature of the "electra" is a bluish fog visible above it during the day. At night, it is easily detected with any type of detector or by throwing metal objects. It produces three types of artifacts: "Sparkler," "Flash," and "Moonlight."

The name derives from the effect of lifting any living creature into the air and then spinning it to incredible speed. The nature of the "carousel" has not yet been fully investigated. It can be detected by a light dust vortex and scattered body fragments around it. It is crucial to not miss the moment when the anomalous vortex begins to draw you in and to avoid the zone of maximum force at the center—only then is there a chance of escaping with minimal injuries. It forms three types of artifacts: "Blood of Stone," "Slice of Meat," and "Soul."

Abnormally altered vegetation. When a living creature approaches quickly, it emits a cloud of particles that, upon contact with exposed or poorly protected skin, cause serious injury. It does not react to slowly moving objects. It produces three types of artifacts (possibly seeds): "Thorn," "Crystal Thorn," and "Sea Urchin."

Anarchists and daredevils who have declared themselves freedom fighters within the Zone, and therefore are in constant conflict with army units, military stalkers, and the "Duty" group. The "Freedom" group believes that information about what is happening in the Zone cannot be hidden from humanity, thus challenging the government's monopoly on the secrets and wonders of the Zone.

Those exposed to prolonged radiation from emitters on Yantar or in some other sectors. Careless stalkers quickly go mad, turning into wandering half-corpses. Many of them roam the Zone, some even reaching the perimeter. In any case, it's impossible to help them: the process of personality destruction is irreversible. Although zombified stalkers can still use their weapons, they are quite stupid. When encountered, they can be heard muttering fragments of phrases under their breath, which, however, are completely devoid of meaning. Over time, zombified stalkers completely lose all their previous skills and turn into zombies. They are typically very aggressive and pose a serious threat in large groups.

The mobile laboratory looks like a small metal bunker with small tinted windows. It can withstand almost any damage known to man, regardless of its nature. It can be converted to a completely autonomous mode for several months, for which it is equipped with reliable life support systems. It is delivered to the Zone by cargo helicopter. Laboratory personnel never allow outsiders past the outer airlock, so no stalkers have ever penetrated the laboratory.

Stalkers who explore the Zone alone. These are the majority, as group membership takes up precious time, thereby reducing earnings; furthermore, some are simply naturally inclined toward solitude and independence.

The most mysterious and secretive group in the Zone, whose existence many don't even believe. Some regularly employ mercenaries: professionals in their field, they can quickly deal with any stalker and can even completely eliminate a small group. For their services, they apparently charge considerable sums in money or artifacts. The location of this group's base remains a mystery, but it is apparently located somewhere deep within the Zone.

A group more reminiscent of a religious sect. Its members believe that an evolutionary crystal—the Monolith—of extraterrestrial origin rests at the center of the Zone. Most stalkers despise the Monolith's adherents, considering them insane. Since its formation, the group has been hindering stalkers' advance toward the center of the Zone, citing their ill intentions toward the Monolith. Rumor has it that the Monolithists have a large base somewhere closer to the center of the Zone, but its exact location is unknown to anyone but the group itself.

Regular army soldiers guard the entrance to the Zone's restricted area, patrolling the perimeter, shooting mutants, and catching looters.
Army special forces are elite units that typically deploy to the Zone to conduct rescue and special operations.

A clearly paramilitary group distinguished by strict discipline: its members practically live by a charter. Only representatives of "Duty" do not trade the unique creations of the Zone with the outside world: according to rumors, all artifacts found by these people are handed over to scientists. Each "Duty" member considers their primary goal to be protecting the world from the Zone's influence. Most of the group's operations involve exterminating monsters, so "Duty" raids often relieve ordinary stalkers of many pressing problems. They have a long and bitter feud with the "Freedom" group.

Representatives of the criminal underworld who came to the Zone for various reasons: to make money selling artifacts, to evade the law, or to buy or sell weapons. The Zone is home to many such elements, ranging from street urchins to serious criminals. Most of them are organized into gangs. Although there is still no unified gang organization in the Zone, they are a significant nuisance to ordinary stalkers.

There used to be a fairly large factory in the Wild Territory, now just ruins. Many stalkers met their end there: all sorts of evil spirits proliferated there, as if they converged there from all over the Zone. Rumor has it, however, that something very important is at the factory, so there's always plenty of people willing to try their luck.

A former nuclear power plant that everyone has heard of at least once. It's the very heart of the Zone. According to legend, somewhere there is a thing called the Monolith, which can grant any wish.

The "Duty" group has cleared a spot on the outskirts of the wilderness for a base and allows stalkers to relax here. It's a sort of oasis in the desert—no anomalies or mutants. There's a dungeon housing the "100 Roentgen" bar, where stalkers from all over the Zone gather. A local merchant runs the bar, so you can not only chat here but also buy and sell almost anything. To the north of the bar is a military base, and to the south is the Dump.

It was a city of power engineers—it was built back then, along with the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. It was quite a small town... it was... but now no one lives there anymore—except, of course, all sorts of evil spirits like mutants and monolithists. Going there, apparently, is completely impossible: the Brain Scorcher blocks the way.

It's a scary place. You can die here for no reason, even if you've been lucky your whole life. Anyone who gets close to the Brain Scorcher goes crazy, turns into a zombie, and then wanders the Zone, lost. Only shells remain of people, and no one returns from there sane.

The legendary lake in the sector of the same name has long since dried up—only a shallow swamp remains. It's a nasty place, saturated with death. Going there is especially dangerous because anyone who ventures too far is immediately damaged in their mind. Dummy zombies roam the entire sector, and if they see anyone, they approach them, and not with peaceful intentions at all. If you walk around the lake and the zombie groups, you'll come across a scientific camp: scientists—brought in by helicopter—are studying something. You can talk to them; they buy artifacts for prices much higher than the bartender or Sidorovich offer, and they might even give you a task.

It's always gloomy and foggy here, and it rains frequently. You can score some good artifacts in the dark valley, but you can also quickly say goodbye to life. There are many seasoned stalkers here—they've come for valuable artifacts; there are also bandits. You can search for the entrance to a laboratory located somewhere here, but no one ever returns, and no one really knows what's hiding there.

A strange place. If you venture deeper into it, you'll emerge onto a plain heavily contaminated with radiation. A shallow lake there is filled to the brim with the wreckage of equipment. You can also visit the old institute and factory, but recently, military personnel have been appearing there far too often.

An abandoned army base next to a crumbling village and a small swamp. The village is a rather creepy place: teeming with mutants, you can hardly count the bloodsuckers alone. Stalkers rarely venture here, more often than not giving it a wide berth. And anarchists from the "Freedom" group have established themselves on the military base's grounds. If you go further into the zone from the base, you'll find yourself right next to the Brain Scorcher: it completely blocks the route to Pripyat and the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

A sort of antechamber to the Zone, the first place newcomers arrive, gradually settling in. A merchant lives in a cellar behind the village near the army checkpoint—it's worth talking to him. There's no point in approaching the checkpoint and catching the soldiers' eye: they have orders to shoot on sight; on the other hand, some are willing to instantly soften up for money, especially if their superiors aren't around. Killing soldiers is highly discouraged, unless there's a direct threat to their lives.

A huge technical cemetery: mountains of radioactive waste were dumped here after the first accident. There are remains of old buildings, and mutants are common. Here, as at the perimeter itself, there are many newcomers—and bandits hang around, always looking for the juiciest piece of the action without too much trouble. You can find a few artifacts, but it's best not to linger too long—there are more interesting places. If you go north, you'll reach the Wild Territory; to the east is the road to the Agroprom Institute.

These creatures, apparently, were once human, although it is difficult to imagine what conditions could reduce a person to such a state. Snorks are crazy creatures, leading a completely bizarre lifestyle, essentially little different from the predatory monsters of the Zone. They move on all fours, hopping above the ground and constantly sniffing it to catch the scent of their prey. They hunt cautiously and calculatingly, lying in wait for stalkers like predatory animals. Lightning-fast reflexes and hypertrophied muscles allow snorks to make long, precise leaps and tear their prey to shreds in seconds. Some specimens retain parts of army uniforms or individual pieces of equipment, suggesting they may be missing military stalkers.

A pseudogiant is a massive, teardrop-shaped body with a pair of hypertrophied limbs. These arms are used for locomotion and grasping prey. An adult can weigh up to two tons and stand approximately two meters tall. This outward clumsiness is deceptive—pseudogiants move swiftly, their muscles are incredibly powerful, and their bones are as strong as metal. The brain is protected by a massive skull—approximately 100 millimeters!—and the spinal cord also performs many complex functions. Equally astonishing is the pseudogiant's ability to generate localized shock waves on the earth's surface, damaging all living things within a limited radius.

These are truly supernatural, invisible beings encountered only deep within the Zone; they typically dwell inside dilapidated buildings. Their origins are unknown; legend has it that they are the spirits of stalkers caught in a powerful emission. The mechanism by which these invisible beings manifest is indeed consistent with poltergeist legends (hence the name) and is varied: from periodic howling and laughter to dangerous fireballs appearing out of nowhere. Unfortunately, all information about this phenomenon is drawn from vague and rather contradictory stories, the veracity of which is questionable.

A semi-legendary monster—seasoned stalkers describe it as a tall, Sutu-like humanoid with numerous tentacles where its mouth should be. They say the creature feeds with its tentacles: by latching onto the neck of a living victim, it paralyzes its prey and sucks its blood; after this procedure, all that remains of the person is a dried-out, mummy-like shell. The most astonishing thing about this bloodsucker is its ability to become invisible. Apparently, these creatures are responsible for the deaths of a large number of stalkers. Few eyewitnesses survived—and, judging by the stories of those lucky ones, bloodsuckers prefer damp places like swamps and dungeons.

A rare mutant found close to the center of the zone. It resembles a humanoid with a disproportionately enlarged head. It possesses advanced perception and the ability to control the behavior of less developed living beings. Mature specimens are capable of taking control of even humans. It is a dangerous opponent, one that even the most experienced stalkers fear.

Since the first catastrophe, several generations of canines have passed, and each generation has increasingly shown the influence of the Zone. Mutations and evolutionary adaptation have led to the enhancement of previously weak canine abilities, often to the detriment of familiar ones. The main physiological changes affected vision—it proved almost useless after the rapid enhancement of scent: for example, blind puppies survived in the Zone no worse than, if not better than, their sighted counterparts. As a result, ordinary dogs soon completely degenerated here, giving way to a new species—blind dogs. These animals are excellent at recognizing and avoiding anomalies, radiation, and other invisible dangers that swarm the Zone. Like their ancestors, blind dogs hunt in packs; an encounter with a large group of these creatures poses a serious threat even to a well-armed stalker.

A large animal, reaching one and a half meters at the hoof. Its vitality and aggressiveness surpasses that of its relatives outside the Zone and is on par with most mutants. Mutagenic processes caused by exposure to radiation and anomalies have significantly affected the appearance of these mammals: in some places, they have become bald, while in others, on the contrary, they have grown very long, coarse fur. The animals' hooves have changed shape and become sharper, taking on some resemblance to claws; their pupils have become discolored, and pigment spots and deep wrinkles have appeared on their bald heads. Wild boars in the Zone tolerate radiation well, allowing them to remain in heavily contaminated areas for long periods. These animals typically attack from a running start, attempting to rip open their prey's abdomen with their tusks or knock them down.

Domestic pigs trapped in the Zone, like many living organisms, underwent severe mutation. Because genes controlling metabolic processes were affected, the animal's phenotype changed dramatically. The mutated pig, which stalkers call "flesh," is one of the most obvious examples of the Zone's desecration of nature. These creatures developed a scaly-bony protective covering, significantly increased their regenerative capacity, and their nervous system became more complex. Like a regular pig, "flesh" is omnivorous, so if hungry, it may well attack a stalker.

Professor Kruglov is a scientist at Yantar, the scientists' bunker.
Professor Semenov is a scientist at Yantar, the scientists' bunker.
Professor Sakharov is the leader of the scientists on Yantar and a merchant.
Boroda is a bartender and artifact dealer in Skadovsk (Zaton).
Sych is a merchant in Skadovsk (Zaton).
Spartak is the leader of the group on Shevchenko's ship (Zaton).
Kardan is a technician in Skadovsk (Zaton).
Shustry is an armor and weapons delivery man in Skadovsk.
Noah is a crazy stalker on the Barge, lives with a pseudo-dog (Zaton).
Hawaiian - a merchant at Yanov Station (Jupiter Outskirts).
Nitrogen is a technician at Yanov Station.
Shulga is the leader of the "Duty" at Yanov Station.
Loki is the leader of the Freedom Party at Yanov Station.
Professor Herman is a scientist and merchant in the scientists' bunker (Jupiter).
Professor Ozersky is a scientist in the scientists' bunker (Jupiter).
Squad Iskra - Poplar, Bulava, Zmey, Spirit. They work for scientists.
Novikov - scientist technician (Jupiter).
Strelok is a Zone legend; he destroyed the O-Consciousness. Friends: Fang, Ghost.
Mercenary Scar - survived the ejection, was in Clear Sky.
Major Degtyarev, stalker, SBU major. Operation "Fairway."
General Tkachenko, the founder of "Duty", died in the anomaly.
Chekhov, the founder of Svoboda, died at the hands of the military.
Monolith is a hologram-deception created by O-Awareness.
O-Awareness - a group of scientists in the Sarcophagus, destroyed by Strelok.

Wolf is the leader of the stalkers in Cordon, a village of newcomers.
Major Khaletsky – leader of the Military at the Cordon checkpoint. He was kidnapped and rescued by Scar.
Sidorovich is a merchant in a bunker under the newcomers' village on Cordon.
Gray is the leader of the stalkers at the Dump, Abandoned Depot.
The bartender is a merchant at the 100 Roentgen bar in the Rostock Plant.
General Voronin is the main leader of the "Duty" at the Duty base.
Colonel Petrenko is a Duty merchant who sells armor and weapons.
Wolfhound is the leader of the mercenaries in the Wild Territory.
Lukasz is the main leader of "Freedom" in the Army Warehouses.
Ara is the leader of the Mercenaries at the Army Warehouses, a village near the Bloodsuckers.
Skull is the leader of the Duty group at the Freedom base, wants to attack.

Duty is a militarized group seeking to destroy the Zone and protect people from anomalies and mutants. Freedom is anarchists advocating for free access to the Zone and control over artifacts. Monolith is a fanatical sect worshiping the mysterious Monolith and protecting it from stalkers. Bandits are criminal elements engaged in looting, robbery, and arms trafficking. Clear Sky is a group of research scientists seeking to understand the nature of emissions and prevent disasters. Scientists are a neutral group studying anomalies, artifacts, and mutants. Lone Stalkers are free-spirited fortune hunters who have not joined any gangs. Mercenaries are professional fighters who carry out contracts for money. The Military is the government force that controls the perimeter of the Zone and attempts to contain the threat.

Anomalies are dangerous zones created by the Zone's influence. Frying is a fiery blast capable of instantly destroying a stalker. Electra is an electrical discharge that delivers an electric shock. Vortex is a gravitational anomaly that compresses everything within itself. Carousel is a tearing anomaly. Kholodets is an acidic puddle that corrodes armor. Meat Grinder is a rotating blade that cuts everything in its path. Trampoline is a launching pad that deals damage upon falling. Green Grass is deceptive, concealing other anomalies. Rust destroys armor and weapons. Steam is scorching air that deals thermal damage.