Corkshire Exclusion Zone (CEZ)

The Corkshire nuclear powerplant was once the flagship of Vladistov-Johnson EnergyTM. The powerplant was opened on February 14th 1938 and performed as a marvel of technology until October 6th 1942, when it was struck by a stray thermobaric bomb during the scuffles of the early 40s. The explosion destabilized the plant and caused a violent meltdown that left the surrounding area riddled with radiation.

## Early effects

Almost immediately after the meltdown all 7923 inhabitants the 89 square kilometers area surrounding the powerplant had been vaporized. 37 hours, 16 minutes and 24 seconds after the initial explosion a bustling and colorful forest of mutated plants. An intelligent society of bipedal beavers took form in the forest and exactly 2 weeks after the meltdown they created their first functional battery. Just below the surface of the entire CEZ large writhing, festering pustules have grown to make a layer throughout the entirety of the CEZ. These pustules peak trough the surface in several locations across the exclusion zone. Radiation sensors were mounted in several locations along the edge of the exclusion zone.

## Ongoing situation

Contrary to the expectations of Kalkstortzkan scientists, the levels of radiation within the CEZ have steadily risen and in 2023 it is immediately lethal to any humans to enter the area. Incorporeal beings stalk the CEZ, believed to be the disembodied souls of those that parish within the CEZ. These ghosts are usually referred to as gamma wraiths and are considered incredibly lethal. Unfortunate studies have found that the writhing pustules are dormant embryos. The contents of these embryos are yet to be discovered. The civilization of beavers have advanced to a similar level of technology as humanity but seem to have a significantly greater rate of advancement. While this level of technology is alarming to the surrounding nations, their small numbers keep them from being a serious threat. The beavers rather recently proclaimed themselves as the "Independent Movement of Radiological Beavers" and have demanded to be recognized as an independent nation.

## Exploration logs (1942-2013)

### 1st manned exploration of the CEZ (November 14th 1942-November 19th 1942)

Soon after the meltdown a temporary ceasefire was signed and immediately after the first exploration into the CEZ was prepared and sent in. Exploration head scientist Helena Borowitz was accompanied by security officer Jacob Rowling and paramedic Yusuf Wester. The purpose of this mission was to gain understanding of the severity of the meltdown and get readings of the radiation levels. The first few days of the expedition were uneventful with rather expected levels of radiation across the board. When the team reached the ruins of the powerplant, however, their Geiger counters went off the charts. The radiation of the area was manageable for short times but extended exposure would be deadly in their current protective equipment.

Upon debriefing the team after their return two of the team members, Borowitz and and Wester, exhibited severe memory loss. They could not recall any memory of the two final days of the excursion but showed no signs of brain damage or radiation poisoning. Rowling showed no sign of this but was reported as uncharacteristically rude but this was written off as an effect of poor sleep and food during the excursion.

### 2nd manned exploration of the CEZ (May 12th 1944-June 23rd 1944)

During the remainder of the scuffles no more explorations were planned due to the CEZ being considered stable for the time being. However, after the war ended a second exploration team was put together, this time with the mission of venturing into the ruins of the Corkshire powerplant using more advanced protective equipment. This team consisted of head scientist Helena Borowitz, security officer Gerald McGrane, paramedic Julian Webb and a scientist and representative from Vladistov-Johnson EnergyTM called [REDACTED].