Clear Sky

Clear Sky is a paramilitary-research group in the Zone. They are one of the smaller communities, but don't let that be the judge for their strength.

One of their most well-known achievements was successfully pushing through the Red Forest and bringing the bridge leading to the ghost city down, which it remains untouched to this very day.

> We're researchers. We're trying to figure out the nature of the Zone, determine the reasons which caused it to appear, and formulate the rules that govern its existence. We are not consumed by a quest for money, we don't seek fields of artifacts, and we're not interested in turf wars with other factions. That is why we're hiding here in the Swamps and concentrating on our research. Our forte is not combat, but knowledge - knowledge of the Zone, accumulated over years of research. We know more about it than stalkers and the government combined, and our research was finally shaping up into a sound, coherent picture... until the massive emission a few days ago...
>
> - Lebedev addressing Scar after his recovering about Clear Sky's nature and goals, 2011.

## Clear Sky

The patch depicts a sun and blue sky as background. Under it are the words "чистое небо" (Chistoye Nebo), which means Clear Sky in English. This also explains the "ChN" acronym for Clear Sky in Russian.

## Overview

Clear Sky uphold a thought that "coexisting with the Zone is the way humanity should be doing, instead of actively eradicating and harvesting it. Containment has been proven to be simply impossible by regular means". They promote research about the Zone, actively conducting their own while working in tandem with the larger scientific communities, namely the Ecologists. This also explains why Clear Sky has such a mutual relationship with the Ecologists, even more so when compared to the Military and Duty. The rather small fighting force they maintain is roughly on the same standing as a few special squads of Duty or the Military's Spetnatz, *however.* Clear Sky stalkers make limited usage of artifacts, as they prefer to study them for more practical application, such as creating new types of medicine, permanent electricity...

The faction is collectively controlled and played by: Greyhound, Mito, First Mate Topol and Second Mate Smiley.

## Background

Formed back in the early-late 2000s by a group of scientists belonged to **The Group**, their goals were to research about the newly expanded Zone, understand it more for the eventual *peaceful* coexistence between it and the rest of humanity. However, due to two large emission that was triggered as part of the C-Con's response to Strelok's group efforts in reaching the center of the Zone, most of their work gone to waste. However, it also brought them **Scar the Mercenary**. With Scar on their side and another emission to act as "evidence" for their theory that "someone is actively entering the area that the Zone considered as taboo", they embarked on a journey, from the Swamps to where it all started, **the CNPP.** However, contradicting their beliefs, after Strelok's psi-device was disabled, *instead of calming down, the Zone released a huge emission, wiping everyone that was caught outside...* Clear Sky effectively ceased to be a existing entity, as most of its' members were either dead or indoctrined into being soldiers for **the Monolith**. However, like Final Day, it didn't simply go away like what most people thought... With Lebedev dead, Cold had to assume his position. Thanks to his connections however, overtime, he would rebuild the faction back to its' former glory. In 2014, Clear Sky returned on the map of the Great Swamps. Nowadays, Clear Sky is one of the more major factions, despite its' size.

## Infrastructure

### Command structure:

Everyone is given with almost absolute liberty. In times of conflict, everyone is obligated to follow the leader's orders.

### Notable characters:

* **Leader:** Cold
* **Trader:** Spore
* **Barman:** Librarian
* **Medic:** Professor E.F. Kalancha/Beanpolev
* **Others:**
	1. Styx River: A living legend among legends
	2. Greyhawk: A living fossil, as well as legend. Nicknamed "The old guard"
	3. The Demolitionist: An explosive expert (and maniac)
	4. Mikhail Nord: A veteran (with something dark behind his back)
	5. Smiley: Also known as the "Cleaner of the Swamps", she is an absolute unit, with a height of around 2.2 meters
	6. Râ: Avid or perhaps, professional artifact collector

### Ranks:

It's known that Clear Sky doesn't employ a rank system, unlike other factions in the Zone. However, a similar system exists within the community. It goes as follows:

* Rookie
* Experienced
* Veteran
* Expert

This is based on their usual conversations with each other around campfires and inside bases. Clear Sky stalkers are ranked identically like other factions' personnel on the PDA's ranking system.

### Base's location

The Great Swamps. Clear Skiers lovingly refer to it as "Swamps sweet swamps".

### Areas they commonly travel to:

* Cordon
* Garbage
* Rostok
* Yantar
* Army Warehouses
* Red Forest
* Jupiter

## Equipment

**NOTE**: These exists solely as references for a new player to choose when they create a new character.

### Protective gear:

#### Helmets and gas masks:

* Helmet:
	1. Steel helmet: The common combat helmet for any stalkers in the Zone.
		1. Clear Sky employs an improved variant with a custom respirator accompanying it. They are unofficially referred to as "**Blueberry's helmet"** or "**CS-S"** with the *S* standing for *Shlem* (meaning "helmet"). There are two variants: the ones used on the CS-2a and CS-3b referred as "**CS-SN"** with the *N* standing for *Naslediye* (meaning "legacy") and the ones used on the CS-3a being called as "**CS-S**". These helmets can be separately bought from their suits, however.
		> So, basically, I slipped a piece of mesh inside the helmet. Then, covered it up with a layer of Kevlar and aramid. As for the rest, haha, I can't really tell you. It's a secret. The respirator... er... I'm sure almost anyone with a crafty enough pair of hands can make one, right?
		>
		> - Gray talking to a curious stalker.
	2. Screen helmet: An integral piece of protection in SEVA and SSP suits. It can also be purchased seperately and worn as a headgear. It's mostly avoided since the helmet's visor is reflective, making it easy for snipers to pick their targets off. The psy protection on this helmet is higher than any other helmets in existence, with the exception of the Apocalypse helmet. Nicknamed "Egghelm".
	3. ACH-7 (in considerable numbers) and ACH-7EX (in limited numbers): Western helmets proven to be more useful than the proven steel helmets.
	4. Sphere-12M (in limited numbers): "The army... uh... were kind enough to *gift* us with these!"
	5. Altyn (in extremely limited numbers): Soviet heavy bulletproof helmet, based on the Swiss PSH-77. It first appeared during the Afghanistan war, where it was worn by Spetnatz units, allegedly. Today, it's primarily used by law enforcement units, which is actually more effective... owning to "its' goddamn weight!".
	6. Exohelm (in limited numbers): "This is just redundant as this point."
	7. Apocalypse helmet (a few units): "The apocalypse came, but we're more than prepared."
* Gas masks:
	1. Retrofitted PBF
	2. GP-5
	3. PMK-1
	4. M40
	5. Avon M50 (in limited numbers - as part of their cooperation with the Mercenaries)
	6. GP-10 (in limited numbers)

### Body armor:

* Light:
	1. Leather jacket: For anyone who's too poor to afford a CS-1 body armor.
		1. Firearm enthusiast's leather jacket: "Some guys dyed it in a Flecktarn-like poop camo and slapped some extra pouches on."
		2. Clear Sky leather jacket: A simple jacket, with extra pieces of cloth sewn to it for slightly improved protection. It also dons the iconic "sky blue" camouflage pattern.
	2. "Sunrise" stalker suit: "It's more economical this way."
	3. CS-1: The very first suit created and produced by the faction. Designed by the talented Novikov also known as Gray, this armor set comprises of a Clear Sky bodysuit, a light bulletproof vest and tactical webbing, pads and hiking boots. Provides fairly below average protection, comparable to a slightly modified Sunrise suit.
* Medium:
	1. CS-2: Name used to describe two suits, also designed by Novikov and produced by Clear Sky.
		1. CS-2a: Assault variant, comes with a medium grade bulletproof vest, combat webbing and hiking boots.
		2. CS-2b: Scout/Expedition variant, eschews the vest in exchange for a lighter vest with extra webbing and utility pouches.
	2. Clear Sky NBC suit: A Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) protective suit, modified for Clear Sky's needs. It has improved durability, elemental and physical protection. Imagine it as a perfect combination between Duty and Freedom variants. Still, it's despised by everyone among the ranks. It's typically used by poor scientists of the faction.
	3. Clear Sky SEVA: A SEVA with Clear Sky's local modification that increases the suit's effectiveness when used in the Great Swamps' environment. It also dons the iconic CS camo arm bands as well as areas around the chest.
		1. "The Pathfinder" - a now legendified suit. It is an almost perfect balance between ballistics, rupture, impact and elemental protection. Considered to be Novikov/Gray's second greatest invention after the CS-3a, this suit is unique to Clear Sky, Duty and Mercenaries (these two have them as tokens of goodwill sent by Cold as a thank you for helping them in their rebuilding process).
	4. CS-3a: One of the greatest suits to be ever created (yes, I know, this is bias, shut up) in the Zone. It combines great physical protection and elemental protection while remaining light (a weight of... 11kg). It was and now still extensively fielded by Clear Sky fighters. It's highly sought after for being economic while still providing excellent protection despite the suit's age.
		1. CS-3a old pattern: These suits are part of the older generation, dating back in 2011. They suffer from weak thermal protection as they were treated with a now-discontinued substance that caused rapid erosion to them whether they come in contact with thermal anomalies. Generally, these suits are still good for combat, but unsuitable for artifact hunting.
	5. IBA - Interceptor Body Armor. This design dates all the way back in the 1980s to 90s. It was created as a replacement for the PASGT - Personal Armor for Ground Troops for the U.S. Army. It's by far the most hated piece of armor in the Zone, for the fact that it provides almost zero anomaly protection whatsoever, while being a bitch due to weight. Ballistic protection is no better, only marginally greater than the mercenaries' stalker suit. For this reason, only Clear Sky stalkers of the defense branch use them. Even then, they still hate it.
* Heavy:
	1. CS-3b: "extended" version of the CS-3a. This suit was meant to be used by Clear Sky's assault squads' leaders. One of the most protected suits back in the days, the revised version is now even more effectively in protecting the wearer from the Zone's anomalies. Only one example of the "old pattern" version exists today: Greyhawk's. The suit was created as an effort to have *an exoskeleton* for themselves, since they couldn't afford to procure even a single unit.
	2. CS Skat-9: Scavenged Skats from dead Military Stalkers and veteran stalkers alike. It's said to have *slightly* better elemental protection than the regular version.
	3. Clear Sky heavy armored suit: Clear Sky's version on the exosuit. It's said to be one of the better suits in the Zone, processing somewhat acceptable elemental protection while still providing rather tough protection against physical threats.
	4. Exoskeleton - 2 variants:
		1. Legacy/Loners' exoskeleton: The original version of the legendary power armor. It's much more common and as such, is more preferred than their own version.
		2. Clear Sky's exoskeleton: This version is described to be "The middle [finger] of all exoskeletons". It combines great durability, great protection against all threats. It's not just simply an upgrade from the legacy version, it's on its' own level. Since this suit is homemade in the Swamps, only a few units can be produced at a time.
	5. Clear Sky Nosorog (doesn't exist in basegame/GAMMA): A legendary piece of armor. It's purely stuff of legends nowadays. The only unit was made use by the legendary Styx River.

### Weapons:

#### Primary firearms:

* Submachineguns - SMGs:
	1. PPSh-41
	2. HK MP5A3
	3. OTs-02 "Kiparis"
	4. PP-19 "Bizon"
* Shotguns:
	1. Sawed off shotgun: The most common and primitive shotgun available in the Zone. Rarely would a sawed off be an O/U.
	2. TOZ-34: Also called as the hunting rifle, it's the most accurate shotgun in the Zone when upgraded carefully. There have been reports of stalkers scoring kills from sniping with this particular gun.
	> Be aware of people who peeks with these guys. You don't know if they are being complete idiots or extreme opportunists waiting for the perfect time to lodge a slug or two right up your ass!
	>
	>
	3. TOZ-66: The side-by-side brother of the TOZ-34. There's nothing special to comment about it.
	4. MP-133: Russian pump-action shotgun, essentially a counterpart of the Remington 870. Simple, reliable and deadly at close ranges.
	5. MP-153: The MP-133 but sem-automatic and can only holds four shells instead of up to eight. Also known as the **Balkal**.
	6. Izhmash Saiga-12K: "This is more practical than the rest."
	7. Armsel Protecta (in limited numbers): "12-gauge revolver, enlarged."
* Rifles:
	1. Bolt-action rifles: Mosin-Nagant
	2. Semi-automatic rifles:
		1. SVT-40
		2. SKS
	3. Carbines:
		1. AKS-74u/UN: Commonly seen in the hands of experienced troopers.
		2. AK-105 - 1 variant:
			1. AK-105 "Swamp Thing": Clear Sky's modernization kit for the AK-105 for the Swamps' environment.
		3. Colt M4A1: "It's a good gun."
	4. Assault rifles:
		1. AKM family
		2. AK-74 family
		3. IMI Gaili ARM
		4. FNH FNC (in limited numbers): Belgian assault rifle, based on the previous FN CAL. A good rifle in general.
		5. Thales F90 (a few units - as part of their cooperation with the Mercanaries as well as tactically acquired from their fights with the UNISG)
		6. HK G36 (in extremely limited numbers): "i don't know how Spore managed to plunder these in, but hey, he's not receiving any complaints from me. Rarely would one get such goods at the most remote location in this Zone."
		7. FNH F2000 (in extremely limited numbers)
		8. Swiss Arms SG 550: The most common Western assault rifle available to Clear Sky stalkers. Well-loved due to its' reliability, accuracy and rather light weight.
	5. Battle rifles:
		1. FNH FAL (in limited numbers): World's first 7.62x51mm selective fire rifle ever, dubbed "the right arm of the Free world". Features a high rate of fire of 750 RPM, acceptable ergonomics and slightly controllable recoil.
		2. HK G3: German battle rifle from the 1950s. It's HK's most successful product to date, with around 8 million units produced. It's remarked for its' relatively controllable recoil, as well as being a good platform for modernization for the 21st century.
			1. RPK
			2. RPK-74
	7. DMRs and Sniper rifles:
		1. SVD: The legendary Dragunov. Been servin' you, trusty soldier, since 1963.
		2. Sniper AK-74: Novikov's creation. This rifle is finetuned to have the highest accuracy and stability possible. Rate of fire is reduced down to roughly 400 rounds per minute. The stock is replaced with a custom-made model, featuring a cheek pad for "that slight bit of comfort" (It resembles an RPK's).
		> What the fuck is this piece-a-shit?
		>
		> - A surprised Spore
* Special weapons:
	1. Rifles
		1. VSS "1PN93": It's just a VSS equipped with a 1PN93-1 scope for night operations.
	2. Explosive weapons:
		1. RG-6 (one unit, belongs to Demolitionist)
		2. RPG-7: Apparently, Clear Sky managed to get their hands on this before their assault to the CNPP. It's safe to assume that they have at least one in their stocks.

#### Secondaries:

* Pistols:
	+ 9x18mm
		1. PM
		2. Fort-12
		3. Fort-17 (in limited numbers - given by Duty as a token of goodwill)
	+ 9x19mm
		1. Browning Hi-Power: Oldest double-stack magazine fed pistol still in service around the world. Considered to be the first of the "Wonder Nines", this pistol was a homage to the then late John Moses Browning. The design of the pistol was already made, but John tragically passed away, so FN Herstal decide to finalize the piece to what we all know and love today. Featuring a 13rnd magazine, which is still high even for today's standard, and impeccable reliability just like the legendary M1911, Clear Sky stalkers have countless praises for this sidearm. It's said that Greyhawk have this piece of history as his sidearm of choice.
		2. Beretta 92FS: Another member of the "Wonder Nines", this late 20th century design is still a popular choice for many armed forces and law enforcement agencies around the globe. While not as popular as the Hi-Power, a few of these were used extensively by member of "Pesertion". Today, the pistol remains somewhat common among rookies and trainees.
	+ 45 ACP:
		1. Colt M1911
		2. SIG Sauer P220
	+ 357 Magnum:
		- Desert Eagle Mark XIX: Sighting of Clear Sky fighters using *the Handcannon* was first reported back in 2011. Nowadays, it's unknown how much, if there's even one, is still in stocks and used.
* Machine pistols:
	1. vz. 61 Skorpion
	2. APS

## Gallery

CS-1 and Sunrise being used by Clear Sky stalkers.Fighting in LimanskSwamps at nightThis picture was recovered from a GoPro. It depicts a scene of the fight for the bridge in the Red Forest. On the left, a CS-3b can be seen used by an unknown fighter.Another picture from the firefight in the Red Forest.Novikov/Gray in his shed, Clear Sky base.CS-2a assault armorCS-2b "Expeditionary's Finest Choice"Full picture of the CS-2b
## Sources:

1. EN STALKER Wiki: *Clear Sky*
2. EN STALKER Wiki: *The Great Swamps/Marshes*