I feel like at this point it’s too late into the story to be expecting or asking for more military options. You say it wouldn’t require much editing but plenty of people comment on the MC’s background throughout the game. Hell Keith berates you for being a member of the U.S army in part 2. So adding another background would possibly require new interactions with group members and NPC’s and probably just delay the development of part 3 further.
11 Likes
True. I like the way the game is headed and i honestly want to get some praises here and pats there in game but in consideration we got more upcoming stories in the same universe so that’s a plus! Kudos to the awesome author JimD 
1 Like
The main issue with trying to revive a zombie in this Zombie Exodus setting is that Zeta, the virus, destroys higher brain functions as it kills and raises the victim. This fact is listed in the information the MC in Safe Haven can acquire from the World Health Organization or LEGIT in the Scientist and Hacker backgrounds, respectively. The victim’s brain is essentially gutted by the virus, which only maintains the function of the brain stem and motor nervous system to keep the zombie moving as a disease vector. Neurons; brain cells, don’t heal nearly as well as most human body cells do, past a certain point of brain damage, there is no recovery of prior function.
So even if you could safely store the zombie, safely operate on it, somehow revive all that dead body tissue, cleanse the virus from the body, and the body hadn’t suffered human-fatal damage at any point, the damage to the brain would make the revival endeavor futile. The person’s memories, personality, and skills would still be lost, just as if they were still undead. You would likely have essentially a lobotomy patient, if that, after so much effort and danger. And that doesn’t even concern the ethics or practicality of keeping a human body in an undead or barely alive state for an extended period of time in post-apocalyptic scarcity.
So, in my opinion, a Zeta-zombified individual is dead, and beyond all reasonable recovery. The person who that zombie used to be is gone outside of memory. Their brain was twisted, their mind is gone, their heart stopped, and their soul has gone on to whatever afterlife that person earned. The only vestige remaining is a dangerous, disease-carrying monster. Sad as it is, the best thing to do is to eliminate the threat the zombie poses to humans and all living creatures, no matter who it used to be.
If you believe that the dead person that zombie used to be has gone to a better place in the afterlife, then perhaps the only thing spoiling the bliss of the afterlife for that individual would be the knowledge their old body lives on as a monster. So, eliminating that monster would be a mercy for the departed soul, perhaps.
Of course, this only applies to full zombies. If someone had been bitten or scratched, and it were possible to save them thanks to a vaccine, or via an anti-viral drug or amputation of the infected area, I would do that. If it’s not possible to save the infected person, I would strive to follow their final wishes while remaining sane and humane.
8 Likes
Wouldn’t that one make more sense closer to the ocean or sea? The game is set in Colorado so…
5 Likes
I realize something with Jillian. 
she’s from the south yet she doesn’t have a southern accent. Woody does. Church does. Driver somewhat does. But Jillian doesn’t. Bit confusing but that’s just me
1 Like
@ThisNameIsTaken You can be from the south and not have a southern accent, I know someone from south Carolina and they don’t have a southern accent. Plus not every character should always sound the same or have the same way of speaking because that can make it hard to differentiate between characters. Unless said characters are from the same areas which I’m pretty isn’t the case with those characters.
7 Likes
Thats funny, I always thought Woody was black, based on the way he speaks. If thats a southern accent (I never knew, since I am Not American), so most people from the south would be black for me, cause I associate the accent that way. Interesting how language Work for foreigners
3 Likes
I assumed Jillian being a con artist meant she occasionally had to put on other accents and such?
In any case, it is possible she is from the south but doesn’t have a(n overt) Southern accent.
Also guys, would you rather have (assuming tailores/ well fitting) gambeson and plate armour or bullet resistant vest with the works-- side plate, neck protector, groin protector, deltoid protector, etc. In a zombie apocalypse.
Personally if I knew I was in a more secluded area, or far enough into the apocalypse that the threat of zombies is much bigger than the threat of any other survivors, I would pick the plate and gambeson, in anger other case pick the tactical vest.
But there is a certain cool factor to (well fitting) plate armour
1 Like
I understand your reasoning for having more armor in a secluded area due to the greater threat of zombies, but not your reasoning for this statement. Because in a large portion of zombie apocalypse fiction(if not the majority) the danger level goes from zombies being the most dangerous to humans becoming the most dangerous.
Usually prioritizing looking cool over practicality is what get’s people killed in these situations. Also could you please present a picture of the type of armor you’re talking about because when you say plate armor, I’m envisioning full on medieval knight armor. Which would just get you killed even if you’re against slow zombies.
1 Like
I would not choose any Armor at all. In my opinion being fast is the Key to survival. If you are slower than a zombie you get killed. You can’t sleep or rest in full armor. You would need ages to get out off your Gear. A full plate, I too have a medieval armor in mind, was not made to get dressed alone. While in armor every step is more exausting, you would need more water, more food and more Rest. So I do not see any Advantage, that would make myself canned food for a horde of Zombies
3 Likes
Perhaps.
However with the older armour you could don the gambeson alone-- won’t protect you from a gun or spear or strong thrust with a sword, but will be nigh impossible to cut through with your bare hands.
You could also remove some of the extra to the armour, depending on the situation.
Also whilst plate armour seems quite heavy, it’s 20kg well distributed around your body, and doesn’t massively restrict movement-- you can run, jump and cartwheel
Even a fully equipped IOTV with all its components (soft armor panel inserts, four ballistic plate inserts (front and back plates and two side plates), collar, and groin protectors) still weighs 30 pounds (14 kg)
- I’m not sure about the Zombie vs Human threat.
Originally I thought that the further into the apocalypse, the less people there’s be (for obvious reasons) and so the less chance there is of even meeting another person.
On the other hand, the ratio of zombies to humans will shift towards humans as some humans will kill more than 1 zombie (or enough that even if they do due they’ve reduced the zombie pop as a fraction more than they represent the human pop) - Whilst it would be wrong to say the armour is light, comparatively the army does 18 mile rucks with heavier packs and in 4.5 hours.
A vest is even lighter and has better distribution, so that could work well too.
As for the armour, I’m thinking of a gambeson underneath proper, actual, knight style plate armour.
I suppose it depends on your own strength and endurance as to whether this armour is a good fit, as well as what you judge to be a greater threat-- humans or zombies.
In the UK I would take the plate purely because guns are uncommon, and I would get more mileage out of the plate than the vest
I am pretty sure, that you can`t cartwheel with full armor, the jolts and joints do not allow that kind of movement. I mean the knights back in time were not able to climb their horse on their own. It is not lke in the movies, there where no epic battles normally one Hit wonders. It is true, that army soldiers or other trained people walk long marches with more weight, but that weight is just on the back, that is easier to take, than all around you. If you fall one time, how would you get up? even if you could roll on the front(thats possible) when zombies cling around you, you just couls not get up to your feet again. And even if they do not manage to ripp of smaller parts of the moveable armor oarts they might open the helmet and then reach your face easily.
btw. this is a nice and short review on the theme. It states that when you have the weight not just on your back, but on arms and legs too, it costs much morge energy to move, because you do not only have more weight to carry but every movement of the limbs is more exausting either. And, A part I did not know before, that ist was difficulet to breathe in full armor, that would make another obstacle, why I would not advise to take zombies on full armor. In special situations, where you only got to wear the stuff for a short mission it might be usefule, or en an even ground. In a forest I think it would be a deathtrap, you vision is limited, every root might take you down. A lighter armor might be useful. So I would leave that armor always^^ but its up to you, it is always good to have someone slower than you next to you in such a situation, so you are very welcome to travel next to me, for as long as it lasts. Oh to make it clear, all my assumations are just my opinion and are for the original slow zombies, when they are fast, only luck will help us. A Chainmail would be much more useful I think.
There also is a diving gear, that protects from sharkbites, that might be really cool, because it is made to protect you from the most common zombie attack. For that kind of discussion I recommend reading the Zombie survival guide, it is quite amusing to read. Based on america so several things would be different for Europe but funny nonetheless
2 Likes
For reference, some videos of people doing cartwheels in medieval plate armor: (Couldn’t believe it was that mobile either when I first heard about it, but it’s hard to argue when there’s people doing it.)
10 Likes
Most of my MCs aren’t phisically strong so I think the less extra weight for them the better. Also even those of my MCs who are more fit would prefer stealthy approach (or/and using ranged weapons) so I think full plate wouldn’t be a good option for them either.
1 Like
Yeah it is possible, but I thought about a full plate, because the Post I was replying to mentioned a Armor all around your Body to be save from Zombies. In their armor the Back of the legs and arms looks like leather. If I understood that wrong, my apologies. So lets Turn to another Point, If you do not own a full plate, where do you plan to get one? If you want to take one from a Museum, I hope you are small, cause most original medieval armor would not fit someone about 1,80 m. And to Open the question to everyone, where would you try to get your stuff, and what would be the First things you would want to get?
1 Like
Armor is a funny thing here in America and in Colorado where the story takes place. Outside of the big city museums, I’m not sure where you would be able to find traditional medieval style armor. There are local armorsmiths and groups ( like the SCA) that would access to such and in places there is a medieval themed restaurant chain that has “knights” … so you might be lucky and know where to score such easier than the average person.
With all that said, I’d personally look to a military armory or civilian police armory for available body armor (SWAT or Riot gear for example) … modern stuff that might be made of ceramic materials or man-made fiber like Kevlar … heck, even sports equipment like soccer/football pads are better protection than nothing…
ymmv
10 Likes
@fairlyfairfighter Even though your reasoning is sound, what about stealth and transportation ? What if you need to hide or sneak up on someone or just be discreet and not draw attention by wearing something that could be the equivalent of a bright colorful human’s with guns come shoot me sign. As for transportation, if you need to run away or abandon you’re safe haven because it’s no longer secure what are you going to do with you’re armor? Will you just leave it behind or do you have a plan to bring it with you in a quick manor? Also, what about the type of zombies that you’re facing ? Would you only seek out plate armor if you’re facing zombies from the walking dead or would you try to utilize it in against the infected from 28 Days later who have the speed of a track or marathon runner and why?
2 Likes
To be clear, I am not saying plate armour is amazing all the time for everything, the same way you wouldn’t always have all the non-core components attached to your bullet resistant vest.
I personally cannot do a cartwheel even out of armour, but I have seen people do it with armour donned. I have worn relatively historically accurate plate armour and not experienced significantly restricted mobility (for fighty stuff-- there may be problems elsewhere) or bad weight distribution.
In a stealth scenario you can simply just wear the gambeson. Or wear whatever you want. Akin to how using a gun is not also the best option, but a useful piece of equipment to have.
It is true you have to have a certain degree of strength of endurance, however the armour, on average, weighs significantly less than modern US army packs (20lbs lighter I think, is. Maybe that was just Marines), and should not be a massive hurdle unless traversing long distances in it (or doing hurdles!)
1 Like
For a more in depth armour analysis, assuming I had access to all the armour listed below, here is what I would wear
- Plate Armour:
-Pros:
Durable, well distributed weight, relatively flexible.
Hard to stab, cut or pierce.
Super cool
Can offer full body protection.
-Cons:
Can be quite heavy depending on specifics.
Can be conspicuous and loud
Not great against bludgeoning weapons (which will be quite common-- improvised weapons are easier to make heavy than sharp.
Not good against firearms
As I am in the UK, guns are less of an issue.
A thicker gambeson may offset some of the weakness to blunt weapons, but a significant dent in the armour can make it completely unusable even if I survive the blow.
The limited use (e.g. not good for stealth or scavenging) and limited protection (not good against bludgeoning weapons) does mean this is definitely a situational armour, and if could only pick one might not make the cut.
- Gambeson + Maille (riveted) + brigandine:
-Pros:
Arguably better flexibility,
Better torso protection.
Flexibility of maille allows to cover vulnerable places like groin and armpits better
Some of the brigadine armour could withstand (low caliber) bullets!
-Cons:
Less extremity protection
Can be bulky
Clinking sounds all the time
Might get hot
Hair can get caught in chains and hurt.
Overall alright. I might take this over 1) if the bridgandine can actually stop bullets. If fitted properly should offer more flexibility than 1)
- Bullet resistant vest.
-Pros:
Core component with attachments means more flexible in use-- the vest by itself may be useful when scavenging, the groin, side plates and neck protector for defense or guarding
Extremely good compared to 1 and 2 against firearms.
Modern IOTV can be doffed/ released with a single pull. You can immediately get out of the armour if the need arises (in water, trapped, etc.)
Also can protect against knives and explosives too in a pinch
-Cons:
Less cool
Arguably less defense against slashing or standby weapons
Without attachments leaves vulnerable areas exposed, either attachments can reduce flexibility
(Not really relevent but) Expensive
Also it’s weird to dre armour over time has just become plates. Metal plates vs ceramic plates, sure, but plates are just good as dispersing energy from.incoming objects safely with minimal damage to the wearer.
Also spiked plate armour would also be clue. Don’t know if it’s a really thing but would mean the zombies would kill themselves for you!
1 Like
I would advise against spiked Armor, as long as you are not sure if zombie blood can transmit the disease. And unless they cut their head of at the spikes, the damage would be neglectable.
I am for easy movement, since evading zombies sounds a lot easier than fighting them, so nö armor for me. I would take care of a good trekking Gear, so I can outwalk Zombies. No loose parts, so that grabbing attacks would be more difficult and good backpacks so I can Carey around my stuff easily. That might Not be cool, but since people will be less Common, I do not care about being cool. If I could lay my hands on a quality Katana, I would not complain.
2 Likes