[@pugbutter] ahaha, stalker.  I've not played, but there's a magical version in a group I adored (the power plant with the meltdown was a magitech nuclear plant researching better methods).  Granted, we don't go grimdark, and some things are playued for laughs, but it has given me a fondness for the Zone.  ...I cannot say for certain that I wish to join you, but I shall consider it.

I seem to remember artifacts being a thing.  Is that the case here, andif so, how do they work?