Harmont
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Contents |
History
26 years ago the town of Harmont was changed beyond all recognition by an alien landing, which was brief and remains unexplained to this day. When the visitors left it was quickly established that the northern part of the town, the site of their landing, has become exceptionally dangerous, full of items, technology and phenomena of unknown purpose. Entering this ‘Zone’ proved to be fatal for many, but this did not deter others, who ventured in to retrieve various artefacts, in order to sell them to the highest bidder. Such activities by these people (or ‘stalkers’ as they are now generally known) are considered illegal and the law-enforcement agencies has been trying to put a stop to it ever since the beginning with little success.
Geography
The town, or the part of it which is included in the patch can be separated into three parts. The northern strip contains a wall which was put up to prevent people from entering the ‘Zone’ and is heavily guarded. Any visitor from the outside would not be hindered by this wall, since, in the patchwork universe it has been replaced by the mist which determines the northern boundary of the patch. The northwestern corner is occupied by the International Institute for the Study of Extraterrestrial Cultures (IISEC), which is considered the most important building in the town. Here the research on the ‘Zone’ and its artefacts is conducted and legitimate missions into the ‘Zone’ are launched. It is also heavily guarded at all times.
The rest of the town is split into West and East districts, opposite in pretty much everything. The West is the business and wealth heart of the town, a number of international banks, hotels and all the major companies, linked to the Institute can be found there. The East represents the poor and dangerous areas of Harmount, with its grim, unimaginative multi-storey estates and small neglected ancient-looking houses. Even the military police has trouble entering that side of Harmont and any visitors are advised to stay on their guard during their visits to that part of town.
On the border between the two lies the ‘Borch Bar’. Originally a ‘stalkers’ and smugglers‘ meeting ground it has been transformed recently by its landlady to welcome allsorts. Anyone from a stalker to an army officer to a businessman can be found here and many deals (legal and illegal) can be struck here.
Inhabitants
Alex - A research assistant at the Institute and wannabe stalker.
Jonathan Carter - The owner of a car repair business in Harmont and the oldest surviving stalker in Harmont
Bola - Another research assistant at the Institute, who shares his office with Alex
Map
