Pre-Outbreak Chernarus

[Cap'n (DayZ) 1827]

                                                           

 

Chernarus

 

Lore and backstory on the standalone is rather obscure. The majority of players aren't aware of the history behind Chernarus, but I wish to clear some of this up. A few members have already wrote wonderful fan fiction on the lore (Skate3rats outbreak story and Katana67's outbreak log are two good examples, I suggest you search them up ;) ). This is not new lore. This is all official backstory, with a shred of speculation thrown in there.

 

Before I start, concerning questions about the history- yes, it is ArmAverse material. Torchia confirmed that the backstory of Chernarus+ rides the back of ArmA 2, so it is safe to assume that all lore follows this pattern until a parting date (2012-2035). So yes- ArmA 2 is canon. Bite me, mein freund.

 

The History of Chernarus

 

We play in the Northern Province of the Republic of Chernarus (Černarus). Referred to as South Zagoria by the Russian minority, it was ruled by the Moscow Principate, divided from the mainland Chernarus by the Burnaya river valleys. The very first settlements date back to 5th Century B.C. When the valleys of the Burnaya and Svetlaya rivers were inhabited by Skyth tribes and nomads, who later formed the Takmyr and Karzeg nations (aka; Takistan). The center of modern Chernarus had been founded in the delta of the Burnaya River.

 

The Slavic population constantly had to fight off the raiders from the southwest, so it was traditionally bound with Russia, but always kept its independence. In the 12th Century it was controlled by dukes, in the 13th century it was united by Taras Kozub. The Kozub dynasty ruled until 1631, when Chernarus joined the Russian empire. After the revolution in 1917 Chernarus became an autonomic federal republic, after the demise of the USSR in 1991 it gained independence.

 

The Devils (Kozlovo), Rog, and Zub castles were built at the turn of the 11th and 12th century by Duke Ivan Kozlov, for the means of protecting important roads and grounds, and were often attacked from the sea and by northern neighbors. The Pik Kozlova above Chernogorsk was named after this duke, who is considered the founder of the first Chernarussian state. On the peak above the city there used to stand a warning post which protected the local provinces from pirate raids.

 

 

The former Kozlovo Castle, now referred to as Devil's Castle, was supposedly inhabited by the yeoman Jakub Čert (Devil) from Gorka. His bandit campaigns started here at the castle. He enlarged the keep of the castle, using the loot from these raids and the castle holds his name to this day. According to legend, the Devil's Castle was burned down during the Zagorian Karzeg rebellion, Jakub Čert burned in the castle's main tower after he refused to surrender to Ataman Simurg. Only burned walls remain of the castle,  supposedly haunted by the spirit of Ivan Kozlov.

 

After WWII, the small Red Army airport in the Northern province, designated for parachute training, grew and evolved into a air base with large military surroundings. In the border mountains there are a few former bases. After the regaining of independence, the Chernarussian Army took over these military bases. After regaining control of these outposts, there was a lack of funds needed for security and maintenance; the condition of these bases became even worse because of the fighting between the regular army and rebel units who were using a number of these bases as their foot-holds.

 

 

For the fast growing industrial production in the second half of the 20th century, the electricity inflow conducted by land from the west was insufficient; also the basic infrastructure of gravel roads was inconvenient. Yearly floods, created from the melting snow were constantly threatening the coastal railroad, built for the purpose of transporting cargo from Chernogorsk to the industrial centers. This was the only secure connection during the long-lasting rains.

 

In the 70's it was decided to build a motorway infrastructure and also construct a number of waterworks, which would not only reduce the yearly floods, but also allow the generation of electricity from owned sources. The results of this effort are mainly the Pobeda Dam, a number of flood barriers on the main traffic artery leading from Chernogorsk along the coast to Berezin, and of course the great hydro-electric power plant near Elektrozavodsko, and the main coastal highway, which runs from Novigrad and back, following most of the country's border.

 

The largest city and capital of Chernarus is Novigrad, notable for its large river delta, harbor, and connecting river system. Second it is Kirovograd, a riverside city notable for the Cernaruska Zbrojovka weapon factory, producer of the CR-75 and licensed AK-series rifles. Thirdly is Miroslavl, another prominent coastal hub, and the closest major city to Chernogorsk. Chernogorsk is the largest city and administrative city of the Northern Province. What was originally a small fisherman's village quickly grew into a city thanks to the intensive industrialization of the Chernarussian Autonomic Republic, which began in the 50's of the previous century. Chernogorsk has always been a harbor town, once connected to northern trade routes, now a place through which the raw materials flow to Elektrozavodsk.

 

 

 

By the decision of the Soviet Union's government, not only Chernogorsk, but also other fairly undeveloped cities of the Northern Province were supposed to change to the symbol of industrial advancement. The price for urbanization and industrialization was the environmental damage of the coastal areas. The local village population was rooted out and forced to live an urban life, or moved to the northern Kolkhozs. This fact reflects not only in the fast-engineered infrastructure and generic apartment block style housing developments, but also in the architectural spirit of socialistic realism. The dominants of the cities then aren't the historical centers, but industrial zones, lime-kiln and the buildings of long abandoned factories.

 

Despite the industrialization and the devastation of the coast, the Northern Province was proud of its untouched wild nature and idyllic agriculture countryside. Mostly because of the highland character of the North East part of the country, this was unsuitable for either industrial production or for collective agriculture.

 

A large part of the northern area is covered by coniferous or mixed forests, known as the Black forests because of their depth and inviolateness. The unique moors on the table-side Dičina on the south of the Vybor is also worth mentioning. In the scientific view the area around the Blunt rocks is very precious: rock formations with the remains of a glacial lake from ice age times. The southern part of the Northern Province suffered through thoughtless construction, so that the original coastal fauna and flora can only be found sporadically, mostly aside the mainland. The best known such place is the Skalistý Island, which during the start of the 90's was declared a nature preserve within the frame of the newly declared Zagorie Protected Natural Area.

 

The people of Chernarus were divided by the civil strife that had plagued the country for decades. The majority of citizens were of Chernarussian nationality, who identified with their own unique language and culture. There was, however, a sizeable Russian minority within the country, who sought closer ties with the Russian Federation, or possible re-integration, and even complete independence of the Northern Province (South Zagoria). What followed, was two decades of civil and ethnic strife.

 

 

In 1993, a worker of the Solinchiny quarry, named Andrej Lopotev, formed the ChDKZ alongside Nikola Bardak, with the original intention of representing the quarry workers of South Zagoria. It quickly drew support from the Russian minority, and grew especially in the Northern Province. In 1995, Lopotev and Bardak organized a riot in the administrative capital of Chernogorsk. After several dead and many hundred injured, the democratic government started to suppress the activities of the party. From there, the first Chernaurssian civil war began. The conflict was short, and the Western backed government squashed the insurgent forces. The ChDKZ still remained as a legitimate party in Chernarus until 2007, when it was banned by the Chernarussian government. In retaliation, insurgents began coordinated attacks in the Northern Province, now with the agenda of complete independence of South Zagoria. They were repelled, and retreated into hiding along the Russian border. CDF forces would not risk chasing insurgents across the border, so the insurgent forces were free to smuggle arms and armor from Russia.

 

They embarked on a large offensive in 2009. Quickly taking control of the rural province, they proceeded to corner the remaining CDF forces in Zelengorsk, Utes, and outside the province. The Chernarussian Prime Minister, Alexander Baranov (http://i.imgur.com/h9UROcn.jpg AKA; pedo stache billboard guy), was captured while on a visit to the city of Cherngorsk. After executing the prime minister on live television, the Chedaki (as nicknamed by the Chernarussian opposition) pushed to Utes island, and slaughtered the over stretched and supply starved forces. What followed was an intervention by NATO forces, lead by the 27th MEU.

 

During the conflict, the Nationalist party rose to prominence among the disgruntled ethnic Chernarussians living in South Zagoria. Enraged by the slaughter of ethnic Chernarussians, and the inability of the government to control the advance of ChDKZ, these angered youth and village folk took up arms to defeat the insurgency themselves. Plagued by frothing ultra-nationalism and xenophobia of foreign "pigs", the hardline wing of the NAPA party refused to cooperate with USMC and CDF forces. After their extremist guerilla leader "Fyodor" was killed, the USMC, CDF, and NAPA began working together to defeat the insurgent forces. And, in the end, Chernarus and her allies would rain supreme, regaining control of the Northern Province.

 

After the long and bloody conflict, things returned to normal. With the leaders of the ChDKZ dead, and the country in shambles, it was a time of peace and rebuilding. Three years later, the CDF would commit a contingent of UN Peacekeepers to assist with the NATO invasion of Takistan. The Bardak brand of beer would grow to prominence in Europe, known for it's cheap price and good quality. Chernarus, once again peaceful, would become another sleepy, backwards Ruritainia, and a cheap destination for sight seeking tourists.

 

Until the infection struck.

 

 

And it began...

 

 

Yeah...enjoy! Took a while to make, I guess I was bored. Orrrrrr- feverishly obsessed with making you casual filth accept it! NYEHHHHH

 

just kiddin'

 

[Cap'n (DayZ) 1827]

shameless bump- some lame threads be jackin' my limelight

[Cap'n (DayZ) 1827]

Not even a smidge of discussion? No interest in lore? Is the ONLY value in this game for the k0s bullshittery for you people? I'm ashamed.

[q.S Sachiel 470]

no green mountain do not want :(

ooooOOOooooOooooHHhhhhHhhhhhh

[Chaingunfighter 917]

Discussion of stuff happens slowly at times, for seemingly no reason.

It will probably pick up shortly.

[Octoberville 1]

I know it's not the same but my DayZ gaming group came up with our character's backstories.

 

Mine for instance: A thrill-seeker, adrenaline junkie from the US, heard about the zombie outbreak and wanted in. Bribed his way onto a ship. Bad luck, the ship ran a ground and sank, along with all his supplies & equipment/weapons. He escaped the sinking ship swam to shore with nothing but his lucky flashlight.

[CJFlint 357]

Cap'n great you brought this up. The reality is there really is a history and story line behind Chenrarus. It was in ARMA2. Its vary much based off a post cold war Soviet break away state. Vary much like Chechnya or Ukraine. Also bohemian games has a long line of military games taking place in eastern euro or russia, taking place in the cold war and post cold war. There was the OFP series and the ARMA series, all had what I though were really good techno thriller story lines. Although many just liked the multi player. All of these games were open source and mod a ble.

 

Some of you guys remember were all this 1st came from but here some videos from the 1st OFP, which is a true pc game classic. A really well done game for its time, it was epic. This is were it all started, it was what years latter evolved into ARMA 2 then Dayz mod then dayz sa. There's a part of me that would like to see OFP cold war crisis remade, but with all the new gaming tech.

 

 

As far as CHR and role playing goes, I think my CHR is just some poor local rebel fighter who spent years fighting off the Ruskis then ended up in the Zombie apoc just to be killed by hackers lol or falling off a ladder, you pick.

Edited June 25, 2014 by CJFlint

[daringd 88]

My character was just on holiday with his family, he was a massive nerd and had talked them into going there because his favourite video game was based on the local landscape, when the infection broke out.

 

Being the not so prepared type, they fell into the hands of a small group of people who enslaved them and questioned them about what they had.  Upon realising they had nothing, they proceeded to murder his wife before his eyes, slowly slicing off swathes of her skin like thinly cut bacon, and frying them, feeding themselves and, once the starvation set in, him too.  His son was kept in another room, where my character would hear the nightly screams, until one night they came no longer.  He was comforted that in death his son was spared the terror he was exposed to in life, but swore to get revenge.  After a few more days he managed break free from his prison while most of the group were out hunting and killed the remaining two, laying in wait he killed the others upon their return, he burned the bodies and buried his family. Now he roams the hills of Chernarus, a hunter amongst the hunted, a bounty hunter, a renogade....

 

Syke!  he's just a local who happened to be on the beach with a flashlight and a battery.

[Cap'n (DayZ) 1827]

Cap'n great you brought this up. The reality is there really is a history and story line behind Chenrarus. It was in ARMA2. Its vary much based off a post cold war Soviet break away state. Vary much like Chechnya or Ukraine. Also bohemian games has a long line of military games taking place in eastern euro or russia, taking place in the cold war and post cold war. There was the OFP series and the ARMA series, all had what I though were really good techno thriller story lines. Although many just liked the multi player. All of these games were open source and mod a ble.

 

Some of you guys remember were all this 1st came from but here some videos from the 1st OFP, which is a true pc game classic. A really well done game for its time, it was epic. This is were it all started, it was what years latter evolved into ARMA 2 then Dayz mod then dayz sa. There's a part of me that would like to see OFP cold war crisis remade, but with all the new gaming tech.

 

 

As far as CHR and role playing goes, I think my CHR is just some poor local rebel fighter who spent years fighting off the Ruskis then ended up in the Zombie apoc just to be killed by hackers lol or falling off a ladder, you pick.

 

Amazing idea- would be awesome to see a DLC for A3 remake OFP, or even ArmA 4 return to the setting. I'd throw money at it like hell.

[Private Evans 1303]

Nice work Capn  :thumbsup: but you forget to mention that allthough Chernarus became independent in 1991, Russia kept control over different miliary facilties.like the Lyutyi Island Naval Base ( Green Sea Fleet), Lake Beloe Radar Station. Green Mountain Communications Intercept Station and the Pavlovo Military Hospital Complex which was attacked by Chernorussian ultranationalists short before the outbreak. :)

[igor-vk 909]

If someone would make map of area around Novigrad, that would look great. Lots of rivers, bridges and swamps.

[frosti 2165]

 

In the 70's it was decided to build a motorway infrastructure and also construct a number of waterworks, which would not only reduce the yearly floods, but also allow the generation of electricity from owned sources. The results of this effort are mainly the Pobeda Dam, a number of flood barriers on the main traffic artery leading from Chernogorsk along the coast to Berezin, and of course the great hydro-electric power plant near Elektrozavodsko, and the main coastal highway, which runs from Novigrad and back, following most of the country's border.

 

Too bad Rocket and dev team decided to just liek that remove Pobeba Dam.

 

How about we make a petition to bring back Pobeba Dam?

[Cap'n (DayZ) 1827]

I'd love to see Pobeda make a comeback.

[Ugly (DayZ) 79]

Hey Cap'N! Great read. thanks for that.

 

I also didnt realize they removed a large portion of the game. must be a reason.

[Tatanko 5591]

Too bad Rocket and dev team decided to just liek that remove Pobeba Dam.

 

How about we make a petition to bring back Pobeba Dam?

I'd love to see Pobeda make a comeback.

I agree with this 100%. There's no real reason they couldn't add it back, even if they had to modify it a bit.

 

 

 

Cap'n, great read. How much of that is truly official? If it's legitimate based on ArmA backstory, I would love to add some of this to the wiki.

[iongaming33@aim.com 137]

Might be a bit off-topic but I picked up an official Chernarus map from the BIS store way back when. I just checked they're still up there for sale. The thing is really cool, came with Taki and my love, Sahrani too. Chernarus is an awesome place.

 

https://store.bistudio.com/chernarus-map-collection

[Agrefits 70]

Might be a bit off-topic but I picked up an official Chernarus map from the BIS store way back when. I just checked they're still up there for sale. The thing is really cool, came with Taki and my love, Sahrani too. Chernarus is an awesome place.

 

https://store.bistudio.com/chernarus-map-collection

Got that thing with my arma 2 collectors edition ... still got it hanging on the corkboard next to my desktop. <3'ing it! ..Whenever i quickly need to find my beeline bearings, i just turn left and have a quick peek. The home map offers so much more just because of the elevation lines overall better layout. Always hated that sattelite view of dayzDB's map.  Hope they'll make one for Chernarus+ aswell.