I’m fine with gruesome media but Max Brooks just does not do it for me

I think that playing up his zombie thing as a “realistic take” and being all “ooh look at all the research I did” only to then talk a load of complete ignorant bollocks might have been the seed of it

but that Malaysian zombie apocalypse thing was just more of the same

Night of the Living Dead

Name: Solanum Ghoul Motivation: FLESH Critter Type: Zombie Attributes: Str 3, Dex 2, Con 2, Int 0, Per 2, Will 1 Ability Scores: Muscle 12, Combat 10, Brains 9, Life Points: 15 Drama Points: 0-2 Special Abilities: Unique Kill (Destroy the Brain, takes no LP damage otherwise. "base' Life points for damaging body are 30), Reduced damage (No multipliers from bullet, slash/stab damage, or targeted areas), Immune to Pain, Spread the Love - one bite and your hooked, maddening moan, Acute Senses (Hearing), Tireless, Zombie Name - Score - Damage - Notes Bite - 10 - 7 - Slash/Stab, Solanum Infection Grapple - 12 - None - Allows Grappling Bite Grappling Bite - 12 - 8 - Slash/Stab, Solanum Infection Giles was correct in stating that zombies do not eat flesh unless bid to by their zombie masters. There is, however, a creature that fits what popular culture would describe as a Zombie: The Solanum Ghoul. These creatures are the result of a virus that infects the brain of its victim, and largely shuts off the rest of the body. The creatures spread the virus through fluid transfers--most often a bite, but infection can also occur through blood transfusions, having an open cut come in contact with the infected fluids, and so on. Ingestion of the Ghouls' flesh results in death, infection affects humans with near 100% effectiveness, causing death in 24 hours, whereon they rise again to spread the virus. Aside from their infectiousness, their moaning cry upon locating a meal can be dangerous. Those exposed to it for 1 hour per level of Constitution and Willpower they possess need to make Willpower and Constitution rolls every hour (with increasing negative modifiers, 1 per hour) or be driven insane by the moaning. More details on this creature can be found in The Zombie Survival Guide.

Most of the time, Ghouls go on Full Offense and forgo defense actions. This adds +2 to all their attack actions, usually adding an extra success level to the damage in the process.

This is the basic type. There are many variations that are difficult to deal with but are quite similar. The Trioxin Ghoul, for instance, is... nearly unkillable. Their infection is also lethal to most monster species. This is why, even among demons, the use of the Trioxin zombie is considered a war crime.

Beyond that, even the standard Solanum Ghoul can be 'unique'. Some retain the knowledge of when they were alive. Like where prey is, how to use simple tools, or other minor benefits.

Nuclear Winter: The Terrifying After-effects of a Worldwide Nuclear War

Nuclear winter season is a term that was first coined in the early 1980s to explain the catastrophic environmental repercussions that would arise from a large-scale nuclear war. It refers to a prolonged period of darkness, severe cold, and reduced sunshine that would occur as a result of the enormous amounts of smoke and soot launched into the environment by nuclear surges. This smoke and soot would shut out the sun's rays, resulting in a considerable drop in temperature levels and disrupting global weather patterns. The idea of nuclear winter emerged during the height of the Cold War, when stress in between the United States and the Soviet Union were at their peak. Researchers started to realize that a large-scale nuclear war might have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate damage brought on by the surges themselves. They hypothesized that the enormous amounts of smoke and soot launched into the atmosphere would create a "nuclear golden" that would last for months or even years, leading to widespread devastation and death. The Science behind Nuclear Winter: How it Happens The science behind nuclear winter season is based on the concept that when a large number of nuclear explosions happen, they release massive amounts of smoke and soot into the atmosphere. This smoke and soot would rise into the stratosphere, where it would be carried by winds around the globe. As it spread out, it would shut out sunshine, causing a significant drop in temperatures. The smoke and soot particles in the environment would also soak up and scatter sunlight, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface area. This would result in lowered photosynthesis, which is necessary for plant growth and food production. The lack of sunlight would likewise interrupt weather condition patterns, resulting in modifications in rainfall patterns and potentially triggering dry spells in some locations. Elements that add to nuclear winter season include the number and size of nuclear explosions, as well as the amount of smoke and soot released into the environment. The type of targets that are hit, such as cities or industrial areas, can also impact the quantity of smoke and soot produced. Additionally, the season and place of the nuclear war would also play a role in identifying the intensity and period of nuclear winter. The Impacts of a Worldwide Nuclear War on the Environment A worldwide nuclear war would have devastating results on the environment, with the potential to cause prevalent destruction and death. Among the most significant impacts would be on the atmosphere, as the huge amounts of smoke and soot released into the air would result in a substantial drop in temperature levels and lowered sunlight. The smoke and soot particles in the environment would shut out sunlight, leading to a reduction in photosynthesis and plant development. This would have a cascading result on communities, as plants are the structure of food cycle and offer habitat for other organisms. The loss of plant life would likewise result in a decrease in oxygen production, additional affecting the environment. In addition to the influence on the atmosphere, an international nuclear war would likewise have serious effects on the climate. The interruption of weather patterns caused by nuclear winter season would lead to modifications in rains patterns, potentially triggering dry spells in some areas and flooding in others. This would have a considerable impact on farming and food production, resulting in extensive scarcity and hunger. The Terrible Effect of Nuclear Winter Season on Human Being Life The results of nuclear winter on human life would be disastrous. The severe cold temperature levels and minimized sunlight would make it hard for human beings to make it through without sufficient shelter and food materials. The absence of sunlight would also have a detrimental result on mental health, as people depend on sunlight for vitamin D production and total well-being. The impact of nuclear winter on human health would be far-reaching. The extreme cold temperatures might cause hypothermia and frostbite, while the absence of sunlight might lead to vitamin D shortage and weakened body immune systems. The disturbance of weather condition patterns could likewise cause the spread of illness and the breakdown of health care systems. The effect of nuclear winter season on agriculture and food materials would be ravaging. The absence of sunlight and changes in rainfall patterns would make it difficult for crops to grow, leading to prevalent crop failures and food scarcities. This would result in famine and starvation, with countless individuals at threat of death due to absence of food. The Role of Nuclear Weapons in Modern Warfare Nuclear weapons have actually played a considerable function in modern-day warfare since their development in the mid-20th century. The first and only time nuclear weapons were used in warfare was during The second world war, when the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These battles led to the deaths of numerous thousands of individuals and caused extensive damage. Ever since, nuclear weapons have actually been utilized as a deterrent against prospective foes. The belongings of nuclear weapons is seen as a sign of power and influence, with countries such as the United States, Russia, China, and others maintaining large toolboxes. The threat of nuclear weapons has actually formed global relations and influenced military methods. Presently, there are 9 countries known to have nuclear weapons: the United States, Russia, China, France, the UK, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea. These nations have varying levels of nuclear capabilities, with the United States and Russia possessing the largest arsenals. The possession of nuclear weapons by these nations has actually caused concerns about expansion and the potential for an international nuclear war. The Possibility of a Global Nuclear War: Is it Realistic? wilderness survival guide of a global nuclear war is a topic that has actually been disputed by experts for decades. While the possibility of a large-scale nuclear war has actually decreased since completion of the Cold War, there are still worries about the capacity for dispute in between nuclear-armed states. The risk of a worldwide nuclear war is influenced by a range of aspects, including political tensions, military abilities, and the existence of nuclear weapons. The current state of worldwide relations and the capacity for miscalculation or unexpected use of nuclear weapons are also aspects that contribute to the threat. There are numerous prospective triggers for a worldwide nuclear war, consisting of territorial disputes, ideological conflicts, and the expansion of nuclear weapons. The possibility of a terrorist group getting and utilizing a nuclear weapon is also an issue. In addition, making use of cyber warfare or other unconventional methods to interrupt nuclear command and control systems could possibly lead to a nuclear dispute. The Political and Diplomatic Implications of Nuclear War The impact of a nuclear war on international relations would be extensive. Using nuclear weapons would likely lead to a breakdown of diplomatic relations between countries associated with the conflict. The destruction caused by a nuclear war would likewise result in significant political instability and social unrest. The role of diplomacy in avoiding nuclear war is vital. Diplomatic efforts can assist to de-escalate tensions between countries and promote discussion and settlement as a method of dealing with conflicts. International contracts such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Defense (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) are examples of diplomatic efforts to avoid the spread of nuclear weapons and reduce the threat of nuclear war. The Value of Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation The requirement for nuclear disarmament is important in order to prevent the destructive consequences of a global nuclear war. The ownership and danger of usage of nuclear weapons by any nation increases the danger of conflict and heightens stress between nations. The elimination of all nuclear weapons would considerably reduce the risk of an international nuclear war. Non-proliferation efforts are also vital in avoiding the spread of nuclear weapons to additional nations. The more countries that have nuclear weapons, the greater the risk of a nuclear conflict. International contracts and companies play a crucial role in promoting non-proliferation and avoiding the spread of nuclear weapons. The Function of International Organizations in Preventing Nuclear War International companies such as the United Nations (UN) play an important function in preventing nuclear war. The UN Security Council has the authority to impose sanctions and take other procedures to resolve risks to worldwide peace and security, including the threat of nuclear war. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is accountable for monitoring and verifying compliance with worldwide arrangements on nuclear non-proliferation. International cooperation is vital in preventing nuclear war. Countries must collaborate to attend to the root causes of dispute, promote disarmament, and strengthen non-proliferation efforts. Multilateral negotiations and diplomatic efforts are type in developing trust and promoting cooperation in between nations. The Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear War: Lessons from Hiroshima and Nagasaki The battles of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II provide a stark reminder of the humanitarian consequences of nuclear war. The instant impact of the battles was the loss of hundreds of countless lives and widespread destruction. The long-lasting impacts consisted of radiation illness, cancer, abnormality, and mental injury. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki also serve as a suggestion of the importance of gaining from history. The destruction caused by these battles resulted in a worldwide motion for disarmament and non-proliferation. wilderness survival guide learned from these occasions have shaped global efforts to prevent using nuclear weapons and promote peace. The Urgent Requirement for a World without Nuclear Defense In conclusion, the principle of nuclear winter highlights the disastrous consequences that would arise from an international nuclear war. The science behind nuclear winter discusses how the release of massive quantities of smoke and soot into the atmosphere would result in extreme cold temperature levels, lowered sunshine, and interfered with weather condition patterns. The devastating effect of nuclear winter on human life would include health impacts, food lacks, and widespread destruction. The role of nuclear weapons in contemporary warfare and the prospective triggers for a worldwide nuclear war are elements that add to the threat. The political and diplomatic implications of nuclear war underscore the importance of diplomacy and worldwide cooperation in avoiding dispute. The urgent requirement for a world without nuclear weapons is clear. Nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts are essential in minimizing the risk of an international nuclear war. International companies play an important role in preventing nuclear war, and the lessons gained from Hiroshima and Nagasaki advise us of the humanitarian repercussions of nuclear weapons. It is important that countries interact to promote peace, prevent dispute, and create a safer world for future generations.

The Ten Best Zombie Novels: From Undying Classics to Fresh Flesh

Zombies have been shambling, lumbering, and occasionally sprinting through the horror and post-apocalyptic genres for decades. While zombie movies often get the spotlight, zombie novels offer a deeper dive into the apocalyptic world where the undead are more than just target practice. Here’s a list of the top ten zombie novels that will satiate your hunger for more cerebral (pun intended)…

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The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks

Dead Season  

"Hang on, Claire... my cop sense is tingling..."

Leon, why are you so fucking awkward?

But yeah, the Resident Evil 2 Survival Guide strikes again... sorta.

So, the Survival Guide has some incomplete but original uncut scripts from Resident Evil 2 in it and I spotted this while looking it over.

I'll try to post the entire script (save for the missing beginning to Leon's A campaign) at a later date. The formatting for it is a bit weird and I gotta figure all that out.

I just started Minecraft: The Island by Max Brooks, read by Jack Black. After just a couple minutes, it's clear that Jack Black should read more audiobooks. He's a good voice actor, so it makes sense

Me, holding multiple copies of the World War Z/Zombie Survival Guide audio and physical books: I like these books a completely normal amount

Zombism

Zombism is a condition spread via various pathogens characterized primarily by rewiring the central nervous system in ways that weaken sensitivity to pain, remove higher cognitive functions and result in infected individuals targeting noninfected individuals with violence. Zombism has historically at times been used interchangeably with revenancy, the term used to refer to any circumstance where an individual has had all life functions cease yet remain animate. Clinically speaking, those who are reanimated via supernatural means are not considered zombies in the modern era, as though some examples of this act similarly to those infected by the range of diseases causing zombism, such as Inferi, others do not. The term ‘zombie’ is considered a slur when applied to individuals like the teenagers brought back during the Reanimation of 2008 or the members of Franchouchou, whom while clinically dead retain higher cognitive function and are no more predisposed to violence than the average person. The remainder of this article will thus focus on the conditions considered forms of zombism by medical professionals. For most strains of zombism there is no cure outside of supernatural methods (eg: resurrection rituals or use of healing potions), though a few can be defeated with vaccinations, antiviral drugs or alterations of temperature around the host.

The most baseline cause of zombism is the Solanum virus, which has existed for thousands of years. Solanum in nature is only capable of infecting humans in the present, though archaeological evidence suggests that now-largely-extinct species such as dinosaurs or mammoths may have acted as carriers of proto-Solanum viruses that made the jump to humans during the Ice Age. Solanum is universally infectious and transmitted via bites or deep scratches. Anyone infected this way will inevitably die and reanimate seeking to consume any living flesh within 24-48 hours, unless the infected area is amputated immediately. Over the centuries, there have been numerous small outbreaks of Solanum as well as at least one large-scale outbreak in Roman-occupied Britain. Solanum’s first known natural mutation was also in Britain in the 1800’s, where the ‘dreadfuls’ outbreak was sparked by corpses who rose from the graves despite being dead for years. However, Solanum is not the only natural cause of zombism. A plant known as the resurrection herb, native to the Korean Peninsula, is host to a parasitic worm that, if ingested by humans, will reproduce within their bodies and reanimate them, causing them to display behavior similar to Solanum infectees, albeit with some deviations. Those under the influence of the resurrection worms tend to have a low tolerance for warmth, functioning only in darkness or cold conditions. Additionally, the resurrection worms will be purged from the body if infectees are submerged in water, which was used to deal with a Joseon-era outbreak of zombism caused by the resurrection worm.

Both Solanum and the resurrection worm drew the interests of scientists researching biological warfare. The Darwinist Entente Powers of World War I considered using the resurrection worm as a bioweapon at the urging of the Japanese, whom had captured specimens of it from their occupation of Korea. This proposal ultimately was rejected and most of the specimens were destroyed (though the undeterred Dr. Herbert West would persist with his own experiments into the interwar period, which famously ended in disaster). However, it was the Second World War that would pave the way for zombism to become a more potent threat to humanity. Nazi Germany would begin research into Solanum as part of their broader Wunderwaffe efforts. Nazi research would ultimately lead to the creation of the original iteration of the compound known as Trioxin thanks to the efforts of Nazi scientist Edward Richtofen. Richtofen would ultimately have second thoughts about the bioweapon and would aid in destroying many of those infected with the prototype Trioxin alongside a trio of soldiers. However, samples were beyond Richtofen’s control, with a group of American soldiers participating in the D-Day landings having a vicious encounter with some Trioxin infectees during the invasion. This led to the compound being discovered by the Allies. Thanks to intelligence provided by defecting Nazi scientists Frederick Vought and Josef Merkwurdgliebe, the US would seize most samples of Trioxin in the closing days of the Second World War, taking them into American custody. A few were taken into Soviet custody or smuggled out by Hydra operatives.

In the era immediately following the end of the Second World War, it was an alien incursion that led to the first large-scale zombie outbreak. A race of aliens led by one Commander Eros attempted to raise the dead of the planet as part of a plan to prevent humanity from harnessing a universe-threatening element at some point in the future. To that end, the aliens made use of radiation to reanimate the dead to attack the living. The immediate aftermath of this saw the US government ramp up research into Trioxin, seeing the potential controlled reanimated corpses could have in warfare. However, the first containment breach on Trioxin occurred the same year, when a leak near the futurist town of Punchbowl, Pennsylvania reanimated a dead man in the graveyard, who triggered an outbreak that overran the town. Following a second containment breach not too far from the original site in Pennsylvania, President Esker Scott Anderson formally ordered an end to testing on Trioxin and that all samples of it in US custody be destroyed. This order, however, was not followed and several crates of the substance remained in secret warehouses until Richard Monckton assumed the presidency. Monckton, looking for a degree of plausible deniability, would decide to contract out research into zombism ot the private sector, settling on a company known as Umbrella Pharmaceuticals as the primary custodian of Trioxin research on behalf of the US government. Umbrella was already tasked with carrying out research into biowarfare, circumventing rules prohibiting such by also researching cures. Umbrella CEO Oswell Spencer was deeply interested in the potential bioweapon use of Trioxin.

One of the first breakthroughs Umbrella had was in removing the effect of Trioxin that rendered the host utterly unintelligent. After a number of experiments, a variant of Trioxin that allowed infectees to retain capacity for speech and strategy while maintaining a hunger for human brains was developed. It was this variant that was responsible for the Louisville zombie outbreak of 1983. Umbrella’s research would continue to develop a number of variants of Trioxin over the next several decades, each one varying significantly from baseline Solanum or earlier iterations of Trioxin. The most well-known version, the T-virus that overwhelmed Raccoon City in 1998. However, this was not the only outbreak caused by Umbrella’s meddling with Trioxin. The 2003 London outbreak, the 2006 Willamette outbreak and the 2011 Thousand Oaks and Banoi outbreaks just the confirmed outbreaks resulting from Umbrella’s actions. While never fully confirmed, it seems plausible a number of other undead outbreaks such as the 2009 Santiago outbreak, the 2011 Havana outbreak, the 2017 Little Haven outbreak and the 2019 Pleasant Valley outbreak were also the result of Umbrella’s action. The DC2 outbreak in rural Texas in 2007, while not caused by Umbrella directly, was also the result of research conducted by ex-Umbrella personnel on behalf of Biosyn. In the end, the 2021 fall of Las Vegas to a horde of zombies that escaped an Umbrella facility was the last straw and the US government forcefully dissolved the company the same year. However, the President’s Day Massacre and the assumption of power by David Jefferson Adams let key management officials off the hook for liability and allowed them to reconstitute themselves as the Randall Corporation. Only time will tell if the revamped company will continue on the path they already started upon.

While the path of Trioxin in Umbrella’s custody has led to the most notable zombie outbreaks and viruses, it is certainly not the only source of them over the decades. The most notable undead zombie strain not involving Solanum or Trioxin derived viruses in the modern era was the Kellis-Amberlee outbreak of 2014, sparked by an interaction between a cure developed for the common cold and a cure for the common cold mutating, though thankfully this outbreak was contained before it could get too widespread. Of note as well, however, is the existence of so-called ‘fast zombies.’ These are beings who possess a number of zombie traits (such as a loss of brain function and a tendency towards cannibalism and harm towards the uninfected) without becoming deceased. The Rage virus that breached containment in the United Kingdom in 2002 and hit Germany in 2010 is probably the most iconic example of this. Other similar viruses exist as well, however. In 2006, a variant of bird flu gave rise to a disease affecting prepubescent children, rendering them homicidally violent and cannibalistic. The bioweapon known as Trixie lacked the same age limits and ravaged the town of Evans City in 1973 and the town of Ogden Marsh in 2010. Variants of the rabies virus have also been documented that cause the general symptoms of zombism. Rabies variants are responsible for the 2008 Los Angeles apartment outbreak, among several others. Some zombies are the result of parasitic infection by alien races such as the Vodun or the ZQN. Other kinds of zombies are the result of demonic possession–the Deadites, the Stitched and Medeiros syndrome infectees all display the general behavior associated with zombism coupled with an explicit sort of malevolence owing to the source being demons.

The diverse array of zombie viruses out there naturally has stoked widespread fear of an apocalyptic zombie outbreak. While most outbreaks do not last long thanks to rapid governmental responses, some strains seem more likely to trigger apocalyptic consequences. The variant of the virus that hit South Korea for the first time in 2016 and again in 2019 showed the potential of a highly transmissible zombie virus, as it ravaged the country to the point it was forced to reunify with North Korea under the North’s authoritarian rule. Many have speculated that the virus was a bioweapon–perhaps engineered from the same parasitic worm that caused the Joseon outbreak–created specifically to make the Greater Korean Republic’s existence possible. A similar strain ravaged Japan in 2022, but eventually a cure was developed by Yuuko Sagami before it could wipe out civilization. The variant responsible for the Seattle outbreak-which rendered infected people hungry for human brains but retaining mental capacity so long as they could consume them-likewise was contained before it got too big. Another strain that very plausibly could threaten the world is the highly infectious Crossed virus, which couples many symptoms associated with Rage with an intense sense of sadism and a persistent ability to use tools. This virus, fortunately, is not native to our timeline and has only been encountered in extradimensional investigations (though the so-called ‘Taipei strain’ of the Alvin virus that broke out in 2021 has heavy overlap with the symptoms of the Crossed virus). Speaking of parallel timelines, others have been documented where Kellis-Amberlee or Trioxin largely overran the human race, reducing humanity to bands of survivors and petty warlords. There have even been documented worlds where Solanum pushed humanity towards the brink, though the limits of Solanum did allow humanity to overcome it after a long struggle. The specter of an actual, full-on zombie apocalypse remains dreaded, though it has been avoided.

References

Harry Potter, Generation Dead, Zombie Land Saga, Community (Epidemiology), The Zombie Survival Guide, Primal, The Reluctant Prometheus (David Dunwoody short story), The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Kingdom, Leviathan, Herbert West: Re-Animator, Night of the Living Dead, Call of Duty: Nazi Zombies, Overlord, The Boys, Dr. Strangelove, Marvel Comics, Plan 9 From Outer Space, Stubbs the Zombie, The Company, Resident Evil, Return of the Living Dead, Shaun of the Dead, Dead Rising, Dead Island, Zombies en la Moneda, Juan of the Dead, Anna and the Apocalypse, Little Monsters, Planet Terror, Jurassic Park, Army of the Dead, The Handmaid’s Tale, School Live!, Newsflesh, 28 Days Later, Siege of the Undead, Cooties, The Crazies (1973 and 2010), Quarantine, Roswell Conspiracies (Comic Book), I Am a Hero, Evil Dead, Stitched, [REC], Train to Busan, #Alive, High School of the Dead, Apocalypse no Toride, iZombie, Crossed, The Sadness, Day/Dawn/Land of the Dead, The Walking Dead, World War Z

Unwarranted Masterpost

I'm scrapping the original "Unwarranted" story for something lighter and still haven't come up with a replacement title. Both the future main and scrapped story are about some forest smallfolk (borrowers, but not) who get dragged into town and stranded in a convenience store. The scrapped story had them there for murder, the future main story will have them there for shenanigans. mostly this is the character set that shows up when my brain craves a new AU, everything should end up tagged with #unwarranted tag

Under the Counter(?) - original setting

Main story -

Misc

being hunted

Stargazing (for GT July 2023)

Pocket Guides to Zombie Survival (tag) (ao3)

Same setting, but now human civilization is collapsing under a zombie apocalypse and some townsfolk decide to seek shelter in the woods, where much smaller societies are already thriving.

One

Cyberfae AU

nothing (finished) written for this, but I have a tag for it so I'm listing it.

Cast

Kayla Prince (she/her)

Kayla is an alleged grad student 18 months into a gap year. She swears to her old circle of friends that getting away from the city is doing great things for her mental health and motivation. It's not exactly a lie, but it's also not pushing her back towards the life she put on pause.

Rei (she/they/doesn't care or totally get why it matters)

The good twin, by smallfolk standards. Rei is cautious, confident, and clever, if a little too curious for her own good. She takes after her father and is a borrower not just in name, but by trade, though borrowing opportunities in the forest are limited. She likes poking around the RV's and tents as they come, but would like to get a better look at what other things humanity has to offer.

Coop (she/her)

The bad twin, by smallfolk standards. Coop is a flashy little thrill-seeker. She's seen as a risk by most of the Rootstone warren and it's no secret some think she ought to be exiled, but so far she's been more than happy to help fend off whatever danger she happens attracts. Joining the guards as a sentinel has helped her temper her recklessness with a sense of duty, just not enough to get her to say no to a chance at playing vigilante.

Maggie Kaplan (she/her)

Kayla’s other roommate, the two have known each other since kindergarten. Electrician. Nerd. Kind of a recluse.

Simon (he/they)

if human aren't evil, then why simon? In his last year of high school, works at the same convenience store as Kayla, eager to start college. blood has been replaced with pure anxiety concentrate.

Benadryl of Talons ("Ben") (they/them)

Dart (he/him)

Her Odyssey: Character Creation

Welcome to Actual Tays, the blog where I (@taylorannnx) play solo games and write them down like I'm back in my teen days writing fanfiction. (Please note, none of this content is sponsored, I just miss writing fanfiction but also TTRPGs are my life now.)

Today we are starting Her Odyssey by S. Kaiya J, which is a solo journaling RPG powered by Caltrop Core (created by @titanomachyrpg).

Her Odyssey is a solo journaling RPG about a wanderer trying to return home - or find a new home. Built on Caltrop Core, this game allows you to build a rich world, create a character backstory, explore an ongoing adventure, or all three at once - with nothing more than a deck of standard playing cards and a handful of d4s.

As inspiration beyond the loose parameters of the game, I'm going to be using the Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks to help me with worldbuilding and inspiration for story elements. Will this game be cliché heavy? Probably, but you've been warned.

You can vote on which game variation I play with over on Twitter.

In Part 0 of this game, I will be creating my character by assigning stat points and answering the awesome "Who Is Your Wanderer?" prompt questions.

The Character: The Stats

In this game, you have 11 points to assign across three statistics: Vitality, Quickness, and Fortitude.

Vitality (fire; bodily strength and force of presence): 2

Quickness (air; cunning wit and dexterous body): 4

Fortitude (earth; steadfastness and self-belief): 5

The Character: Introduction

"My name is Alba Clarke, I use she/her pronouns, and I am looking for my husband, Peter Clarke. He is an officer in the tenth battalion of the fifty-first regiment. Have you seen him? I'm his next of kin and no one will tell me where he is."

The guard, in their dust-smeared tangerine uniform, pushed air disdainfully out from their nose but otherwise ignored the short woman standing in the ruined street before them.

"Please," Alba continued, clutching the grimy knit shawl around her shoulders as a gritty breeze began to pick up. "I've been walking for days. I left behind anyone who survived to find him. I need your help."

The guard shifted and raised a weathered hand to lift their neckerchief over their mouth. Their eyes seemed unfocused, resting on a disintegrating flyer clinging desperately to a downed telephone pole across the street.

Alba grumbled and kicked the deflated tire of a rusting green car as she turned away. The impact sent a shock up her leg, and she winced twice: once from the pain, and again from the embarrassment of the high-pitched squeak that surely did not escape the guards notice. Clutching the strap of the worryingly light satchel around her shoulder, Alba stalked off down the cracked pavements, careful not to trip on the weeds bursting up from the ground.

She thought of her husband, and of their home, a place of love and safety, now lost to intentional destruction and endless waves of the undead. The wooden stairs that had been lined with their wedding photos and post-it note reminders. The glass was all smashed now, scattered like caltrops on top of splintered steps that prevented anyone from reaching the top floor. The notes reduced to ash in an attempt to start a fire. She remembered the bedroom, bright and open with cream walls and large windows to curl up reading books. Now they were blackened with mould, and the windows had been taped up with cardboard, then taped up again to stop anything from seeing movement from within.

As the whistling of the wind swelled into a roar, the bang of a bin tumbling over startled Alba out of her thoughts for long enough to notice a shadow looming from behind her in the afternoon sun. She turned, and saw a familiar shambling shape turn into the road. Her chest tightened and her knees quaked as she heard the guard shout something into a walkie-talkie before retreating rapidly down an alley. Quickly averting her eyes, Alba quickened her pace away from the animated remains of her mother and on towards the next orange speck in the distance who might hopefully be a little kinder.

Reminder: You can vote on which game variation I play with over on Twitter.

im so scared of zombie media i love horror but watching everything collapse so rapidly and witnessing people tear each other apart as the virus spreads makes me so scared i dont like it

so my brother/s finally convince me to play terreria with them, and i'm pretty sure my brain melted halfway through

Part 5 of the Zombie Apocalypse Survival Guide!

#zombie #apocalypse #survival #guide #gg93

OH can I ask what Deku’s Declassified Zombie Survival Guide is?

Oh you absolutely can!

gosh i haven’t touched that one in a while outside of getting the concept down, but basically it’s a bnha canonverse zombie au, where zombies retain the quirks they had in life! It’s supposed to be pretty comedic with a side of angst, and the idea as of right now is to do it in an episodic style, with a theme of survival ‘tips’, all from deku’s pov ( just like Ned’s declassified school survival guide )