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zombie rpg

Started by Cody1242, February 24, 2012, 01:31:37 PM

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Cody1242

February 24, 2012, 01:31:37 PM Last Edit: February 24, 2012, 01:34:11 PM by Cody1242
im thinking of starting a zombie rpg using the All Flesh Must Be Eaten rulebook, the starting i had though of was: there's a brodcast on the news of a deadly neuro toxin accidently released airborne over the city,some people had fled to underground bunkers and others were not so lucky. but a few months after the outbreak the food and water supply is running out and a group the suvivors (pcs) are sent out to go scavenge for supplies.

does it sound like it still needs work or would it be good?

Xathan

#1
February 24, 2012, 01:38:27 PM
It's a very solid basic premise but still needs to be... *takes off sunglasses* ...fleshed out (YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!).

Where did these bunkers come from? What was this neuro-toxin, and if it was a toxin, why = zombies? (Also, given the rate at which a neuro-toxin acts [freakin' fast], how did people have time to get to the bunkers if they were informed via news broadcast after the fact?) Is the game just going to be  a supply scavenge, or is there more to it? Is the zombie "toxin" spread across the globe yet? Is it just localized?

More questions when I have more to question. ;)
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Cody1242

#2
February 24, 2012, 01:49:34 PM
true very true pcs also could be immune to the airborne infection,the neuro toxin was in the works of being a bio weapon for the military, the bunkers were created by the military just incase something like this had happened. you have a very good point about the news brodcast and reaction time to getting to the bunkers.

Superfluous Crow

#3
February 24, 2012, 01:53:15 PM
As to the bunkers, maybe the story is set during the Cold War and people retreated due to a missile alert. But no nuke every struck. At first, confusion. Then garbled messages of violent assailants in the streets began to sound over the radio feed. Then it went silent.

Did the toxin affect animal life and can the zombies survive without food?
What keeps the players from raiding the first supermarket they find and call it a day? There needs to be something to drive them on besides that.
The classic approach is of course to follow rumors of a cure/a sanctuary. Or maybe they walk into a supermarket/shopping center just before nightfall only to realize that is when *they* come out.

and of course, the most important question of all...
Are they slow or fast zombies? :P
Currently...
Writing: Broken Verge v. 207
Reading: the Black Sea: a History by Charles King
Watching: Farscape and Arrested Development

O Senhor Leetz

#4
February 24, 2012, 01:59:39 PM
Personally, I would worry less about why there are zombies and more about what's going on right now. I imagine the characters - thinking from my own perspective - are much more busy with surviving than wondering why these zombies are here.

What's the setting like now? Classic zombie question: fast or slow? Smart or dumb?
Let's go teach these monkeys about evolution.
-Mark Wahlberg

Cody1242

#5
February 24, 2012, 02:34:13 PM
they are a mix of both

Cody1242

#6
February 24, 2012, 02:55:44 PM Last Edit: February 24, 2012, 03:06:58 PM by Cody1242
i like the cold war idea, people were lead into the bunkers before nukes had hit spreading a  neuro toxin into the air outside and animals are affected too

Superfluous Crow

#7
February 24, 2012, 03:11:05 PM
Plants?
If all animals can carry the toxin (okay, a disease would probably make more sense if it is contagious) then humanity is facing a complete break-down of the biome.
But maybe that is overthinking it.

Zombie pigeons. I shudder at the thought.

A credible threat to their hideout might also be a good way to get the game started. If zombies break in through the ventilation system (or whatever) and they are suddenly all scrambling for the exits, looking for their stash of weapons, protecting children and whoever else got into the bunker in time, I think it should quickly be clear to the players what kind of a mess they are in. 

Does the campaign have an "endgame" or are you just gonna let them stumble about until they kill themselves or die from starvation (be it their own or the zombies')?
Currently...
Writing: Broken Verge v. 207
Reading: the Black Sea: a History by Charles King
Watching: Farscape and Arrested Development

Stryker25B

#8
February 24, 2012, 03:25:31 PM
Quote from: Cody1242
true very true pcs also could be immune to the airborne infection,the neuro toxin was in the works of being a bio weapon for the military, the bunkers were created by the military just incase something like this had happened. you have a very good point about the news brodcast and reaction time to getting to the bunkers.

Why, when there's talk of the Zombie Apocalypse, does someone always blame the military! *posted from the basement of the Pentagon*
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Cody1242

#9
February 24, 2012, 03:36:51 PM
its going to continue till the characters die off one by one whether from the zombies or starvation

Superfluous Crow

#10
February 24, 2012, 03:50:06 PM
Then I'd consider really pushing the drama and tension. Keep the players on their toes. It should be apparent from the beginning that danger is everywhere and that the only thing they can hope for is to survive for another day.

What about the other people in the bunker? Why didn't they come with them? Or maybe they did. Always good to have some zombie fodder and a few roleplaying assets on hand. 
Currently...
Writing: Broken Verge v. 207
Reading: the Black Sea: a History by Charles King
Watching: Farscape and Arrested Development

Cody1242

#11
February 24, 2012, 03:52:10 PM Last Edit: February 24, 2012, 03:53:55 PM by Cody1242
i might have some people with them, i might also just have them get eatten by zombies when the bunker is attacked not sure lol. But i will have the pcs always keeping there guard up

Superfluous Crow

#12
February 24, 2012, 03:57:17 PM
So what opportunities will they have to scavenge the resources they so sorely need? Where are you sending them? There has to be a bit more structure than free-form wandering with the occasional zombie, I fear.
Currently...
Writing: Broken Verge v. 207
Reading: the Black Sea: a History by Charles King
Watching: Farscape and Arrested Development

Cody1242

#13
February 24, 2012, 03:57:37 PM
the bunker will be a small square bomb shelter sized room with a small side room for weapons

Cody1242

#14
February 24, 2012, 03:59:09 PM
the first place will be a  super market probably
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