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

On the night of April 26, 1986, the reactor of Unit 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant collapsed as a result of a powerful thermal explosion. Wind-blown radioactive dust partially fell across the USSR, leaving pockets of radiation in Europe and even reaching the shores of America. The consequences of the accident were so severe that the Soviet government was forced to urgently evacuate nearby settlements. Contaminated areas within a thirty-kilometer radius of the plant became a strictly guarded Exclusion Zone. After the construction of a reinforced concrete sarcophagus over the destroyed unit, operations at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant resumed. The availability of a powerful energy source and the absence of a population allowed the creation of a complex of secret laboratories within the restricted area.

On June 10, 2006, the Zone was suddenly illuminated by an unbearable light. For a few moments, there was complete silence, and clouds could be seen evaporating in the sky. Then came a terrible roar, and the earth shook. Most of the soldiers guarding the perimeter were instantly killed.

2007. Scientists still can't provide a clear explanation for what happened. Expeditions invariably end in tragedy, and the rare survivors tell of mutant animals possessing astonishing abilities.

2009. According to various estimates, there are between one and three hundred unaccounted individuals within the Exclusion Zone. These people call themselves stalkers and primarily search for so-called artifacts—anomalous formations that can fetch substantial profits.

2010. Despite the cordons placed around the perimeter, stalking is becoming more widespread. However, only the outskirts of the Zone have been explored: attempts to penetrate its center have ended in failure.

From 2011 to 2012, Ukrainian troops attempted to break through to the center of the zone, but no matter how well the operation was planned, not a single soldier returned alive.

(You can be anyone within this setting and start almost anywhere.)