| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4469 Posts |
 Posted - 04 Mar 2012 : 00:25:05
|
With the mainstreaming of zombies now-a-days, on TV (The Walking Dead), in movies (Zombieland, Resident Evil, & Romero's Classics), and even seemingly normal events such as the Zombie 5K course, it's pretty evident that our culture is taking the whole theroy of a zombie apocalypse in stride.
But with the coming of the dreaded Dec. 21st, 2012 date and all, talk around my circle of friends and work-place co-workers is "What would you do if it was zombies?" The debate at work made the day seem to fly and I got some very interesting ideas from it. So, I post the question here: "What would you do in the advent of a zombie apocalypse? More specifically, how would you arm yourself to stay alive? What sort of protection would you wear? What food/supplies would you deem necessary?
I'll go first since I started this whole thing-
Weapons: I like to stay light, and toting around lots of weapons can really weight you down, espically with ammo of varying calibers too. With an understanding that automatic weapons aren't readily available for average citizens and ammo for such weapons might be hard to come by, I'd be pretty practical. For a main weapon, something that would require two-hands, I'd go for a simple 12 ga. Shotgun, with the handle sawed off for quick grasping. Shells are pretty light and aren't hard to come by. It can also be used for hunting too. For a side-arm, good ol' 9mm Beretta or Glock works really well. It's accuracy is pretty decent for short range and has good piercing power. For melee weapons, I think nothing beats a Falcatta. It has tremendous cutting power, can stab, and has a nice pommel to bash people.
Armor: Leather is ideal. At first, I thought about my half-plate that I carry around in my trunk, but it's cumbersome, hot, and clanky. Espically when Leather can provide the same stopping power from teeth and nails of the undead. Leather also bends, moves, and breathes fairly well. It can be fashioned cheaply and it's easy to work with. I'd also say that a shield (Paulson's Riot shields) work well too.
Food/Supplies: One word: Preservatives. Really, processed food is generally considered bad for you.....not in a zombie apocalypse. It'll easily keep millions of people alive until they run out and have to start going back to the days of hunting and gathering. So Beef Jerky, canned food like fruit and veggies plus meals and hard-bread will mostly be packed along with the normal survivalists gear like first-aid kits, a light-source, and a compass.
Tactics: Hold up at the house until supplies are gone. Use the Zombie Survival Guide's ideas for keeping your house safe. Then, from there, find the closest vehicle and head for the hills. Preferrable Northeast (as I'm based out of Pittsburgh) and head into Cook's Forest. There, in the Allegheny National forests, there's a lot less people to come into contact with and a great chance for survival.
So....what's your plan?
NOTE: Sorry if this is the wrong scroll for this sort of topic. It's not really Realms in context but I figured this was better than the General Realms forum. If you feel it needs to go somewhere else, feel free to do so. Thanks Guys.
Mod Edit: Found this scroll floating in the ethers.
|
Diffan's NPG Generator: FR NPC Generator |
Edited by - Diffan on 04 Mar 2012 02:17:37
|
|
|
Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3746 Posts |
|
|
The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2012 : 01:16:40
|
quote:
Originally posted by Diffan
It's not really Realms in context ...
That's easy enough to rectify. Simply establish that you're asking about a Zombie Apocalypse in the Realms.  |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
 |
|
|
Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2012 : 01:20:46
|
Zombies, vampires, werewolves... I think I'd prefer an apocalypse caused by an airborne virus that kills in mere seconds. The shorter the suffering, the better. |
Every beginning has an end. |
|
|
|
Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4469 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2012 : 02:23:43
|
@ LK: Well that's definitly one way of handling it. For me, I'm not a quitter and that sort of option is one that is only taken when there is absolutley no chances left.
@ Sage: Since my weapon selection is about weapons of the 20th century as well as supplies, it's hard to justify just being in the Realms. But I'm all for hearing FR survival plans (espically with supplanting tech for magic).
@ Dennis: I'd like a fighting chance at least. That falls into the just give up because what's the point sort of mentality and it's something I don't personally adhere to. At least there is some hope in a zombie apocalypse, even if that hope is just basic survival. |
Diffan's NPG Generator: FR NPC Generator |
|
|
|
Drizztsmanchild
Learned Scribe
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2012 : 04:19:46
|
| Become a Zombie yourself.....ala Bill Murray. |
|
|
|
sfdragon
Great Reader
2285 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2012 : 04:45:51
|
| set off the aplha omega nuke...... and let Kelemvor sort out the mess |
why is being a wizard like being a drow? both are likely to find a dagger in the back from a rival or one looking to further his own goals, fame and power
My FR fan fiction
Magister's GAmbit
http://steelfiredragon.deviantart.com/gallery/33539234 |
|
|
|
_Jarlaxle_
Senior Scribe
Germany
584 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2012 : 10:30:23
|
Well I think a standard Brotherhood of Steel Paladin Outfit would suffice 
http://images.cosplay.com/photos/20/2097204.jpg
And Fallout teached us that there is absolutly no problem getting enough ammo for all your guns, at least if you live in the US |
Edited by - _Jarlaxle_ on 04 Mar 2012 10:31:38 |
|
|
|
Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2012 : 17:32:22
|
Are we talking RW apocalypse or fantasy/sci-fi? If it's the latter, well, there are countless options... First of mine is: I'd have any of the Shadovar teach me shadow magic without necessarily becoming a shade myself. |
Every beginning has an end. |
|
|
|
Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2012 : 17:32:41
|
I'd fight the zombie apocalypse at its source. I'd try to (help) find a cure or vaccine. A certain organic or artificial compound antibody should be able to combat the mental and physical state of zombification in some way.
If they can't be cured they might be controlled somehow, and I'd (ab)use that method to get my own limited body of zombie guardians for protection. A zombie would not be that fun to have lumbering around if they stank though, but I try my best to become a modern day voodoo necromancer. |
My campaign sketches
Druidic Groves
Creature Feature: Giant Spiders |
|
|
|
Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4469 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2012 : 17:40:42
|
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Are we talking RW apocalypse or fantasy/sci-fi? If it's the latter, well, there are countless options... First of mine is: I'd have any of the Shadovar teach me shadow magic without necessarily becoming a shade myself.
I was talking about a hypothetical zombie outbreak, the likes of which are similar to the Waling Dead show, one of Romero's movies, or Left 4 dead video games. How one might survive that and what sort of weapons/armor/supplies you'd use along with tactics for surviving (going to a mall, perhaps making a run to a island, or even surviving on a boat for an extended period.
I'd be also interested in what might happen or what might one do if such a thing happens on Faerūn. An unlikely event with how "hands-on" the deities might be and how easily magic migh tbe able to stop the virus (remove disease/miracle/wish, etc..) but still, interesting. |
Diffan's NPG Generator: FR NPC Generator |
|
|
|
Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4469 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2012 : 17:43:15
|
| @ Bladewind: Nice idea. It reminds me of the somewhat successful experiemnts that were done in the Day of the Dead film, where a scientist tries to 're-habilitate' zombies so they don't attack on sight. |
Diffan's NPG Generator: FR NPC Generator |
|
|
|
Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2012 : 18:00:47
|
I'm moderately versed in martial arts and bring weapons wherever I go. I have a 'fortress' plus a labyrinthine underground network and a decent number of assets. So I guess I'm relatively 'safe' from zombies. |
Every beginning has an end. |
|
|
|
Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2012 : 18:22:57
|
| In the Realms I'd make a run for the nearest and/or biggest temple of a deity of good. Having a bunch of clerics with ample uses of Turn Undead nearby is a sure way to make a solid dent in a zombie horde, thereby giving the populace breathing room to set up proper defences and summon any allies. Just hold on until the Kelemvorite and Lathanderite cavalry arrives! |
My campaign sketches
Druidic Groves
Creature Feature: Giant Spiders |
|
|
|
Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3746 Posts |
|
|
Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2012 : 19:00:32
|
Oh, and my real life weapons of choice would be:
Melee: a well balanced sabre: A lasercut cavalry sabre would do well in my hands - I have 10 years of experience in fencing of which 4 I actively duelled with a sabre. No zombie can match the speed with which one can attack with a sharp and balanced sabre.
Ranged: a crossbow: I'd prefer the modern crossbow over a gun because of its ease of use in both handling and maintenance is relatively great for its stopping power. I would have liked to be able to wield a bow but I have no experience at all with it, the complexity of that weapon would be too great a hindrance. I also doubt I would have enough strength to give any arrows fired with a bow enough stopping power.
Transportation: at first a bike, but getting a trusty horse would be preferable in the long run: its easier to keep a horse ridable than having to procure fuels for a car
Feed: Bread and noodle soup! It can have all the needed carbs and nutrients and it stays tasty and unspoiled for years. |
My campaign sketches
Druidic Groves
Creature Feature: Giant Spiders |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36906 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2012 : 03:06:24
|
quote:
Originally posted by _Jarlaxle_
Well I think a standard Brotherhood of Steel Paladin Outfit would suffice
http://images.cosplay.com/photos/20/2097204.jpg
And Fallout teached us that there is absolutly no problem getting enough ammo for all your guns, at least if you live in the US
That link is not accessible.
If I was in the Realms, and a zombie apocalypse broke out, I'd become Lathander's newest specialty priest.  |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
|
|
|
Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3746 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2012 : 03:30:44
|
| -Morninglords do kind of kick a lot of Undead ass. I played a Cleric of Lathander, once. I didn't specifically pick the character/class/PrC because I knew that the DM always went overboard with using Undead as enemies, but he did, so I knew I would benefit there. Ironically, we did not encounter a single Undead creature. We got Mindflayers instead, oh joy... |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36906 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2012 : 04:00:06
|
quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
-Morninglords do kind of kick a lot of Undead ass. I played a Cleric of Lathander, once. I didn't specifically pick the character/class/PrC because I knew that the DM always went overboard with using Undead as enemies, but he did, so I knew I would benefit there. Ironically, we did not encounter a single Undead creature. We got Mindflayers instead, oh joy...
I once played a Morninglord, mainly because Lathander is one of my fave Realms deities. That was the PC who was, personality-wise, based on Charles Emerson Winchester III from M*A*S*H. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
|
|
|
The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2012 : 05:59:45
|
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
If I was in the Realms, and a zombie apocalypse broke out, I'd become Lathander's newest specialty priest.
Eh. I'm not convinced that would be the best option.
It didn't work out so well for those Lathander-worshippers in RAVENLOFT.  |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36906 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2012 : 10:43:13
|
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
If I was in the Realms, and a zombie apocalypse broke out, I'd become Lathander's newest specialty priest.
Eh. I'm not convinced that would be the best option.
It didn't work out so well for those Lathander-worshippers in RAVENLOFT.
Nothing works out well, in Ravenloft. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
|
|
|
_Jarlaxle_
Senior Scribe
Germany
584 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2012 : 11:26:27
|
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by _Jarlaxle_
Well I think a standard Brotherhood of Steel Paladin Outfit would suffice
http://images.cosplay.com/photos/20/2097204.jpg
And Fallout teached us that there is absolutly no problem getting enough ammo for all your guns, at least if you live in the US
That link is not accessible.
Hmm maybe there was too much traffic after posting ithere
It was this one just from a better angle http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3682342530_f2166bb031_o.jpg |
Edited by - _Jarlaxle_ on 05 Mar 2012 11:26:44 |
|
|
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2012 : 15:25:23
|
Read The Hot Zone
The most frightening book ever read by both Clive Barker and Steven King (because its TRUE).
You'll rethink the absurdity of this scenario.
Anyhow, its a helluva a good read (and that says a lot coming from me, because non-fiction is not something I normally enjoy... except for history).
@LK - Don't you live in Manhattan? I figure you already know what this situation is like. I've been on the subway during rush hour.
|
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
|
|
|
Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3746 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2012 : 19:45:41
|
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I once played a Morninglord, mainly because Lathander is one of my fave Realms deities. That was the PC who was, personality-wise, based on Charles Emerson Winchester III from M*A*S*H.
-My character was also pretty haughty, I will say. Maybe that's endemic in Lathanderites.
-That was the only time that I was in a party that actually fractured and came to blows, and had PC on PC fighting, too. A party member was killed, and during the night, the Barbarian PC buried him and conducted funeral rights. Being both THE cleric and feeling that the character worshiped an inferior, uncivilized, savage deity, my character and another PC dug the dead character up and reburied him according to the rites of Lathander (the character worshiped a third party, so neither my nor her religion had primacy or anything). From there, it devolved.
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
@LK - Don't you live in Manhattan? I figure you already know what this situation is like. I've been on the subway during rush hour.
-Only school and work. Having been doing it all my life, I don't see why people get all crazy about rush hour. There's a lot of people. Ho hum, next. |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
Edited by - Lord Karsus on 05 Mar 2012 19:46:38 |
|
|
|
Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 06 Mar 2012 : 03:15:11
|
Sometimes it's nice to be a little bit flashy. So maybe I would also choose to be one nasty Evoker. |
Every beginning has an end. |
|
|
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 06 Mar 2012 : 03:28:51
|
I just want to be Dūd Onahorz
The Realms combination of the Lone Ranger and Blade. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
Edited by - Markustay on 06 Mar 2012 03:29:18 |
|
|
|
Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3746 Posts |
|
|
Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 07 Mar 2012 : 00:35:09
|
In the Realms, I think I'd become a cleric of Lathander or Kelemvor, as others suggested, or possibly arcane champion of Kossuth. either way, I'd have some "firepower" to help me survive. I'd also learn to use a hand-axe and/or scimitar REALLY quick. And wear studded leather armor- as others noted, it would stop zombie teeth and nails fairly well, and I don't want to be weighted down by heavy metal armor. Speed and mobility are paramount. Not to mention heavier armors tire you out FAST. And I'd choose a place like Undermountain or Mithril Hall as base- anywhere that could be easily sealed off for as long as needed.
If in RL, I'd pretty much stay indoors in the tallest building I can find- AFTER busting and/or blocking the stairs (zombies can't climb!) and hole up. Only going out for supplies, and only during the day (cause who wnats to run into zombies at night?). I'd probably want the safe-house to be close enough to a supply source to reduce danger in getting what I need (a Campbells or Del Monte factory? Canned good last forever!) but also in a somewhat open area, for good visual recon of the area. don't want to be in close quarters with multiple points of entry- need lots of room to run if necessary. |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
|
|
|
Varl
Learned Scribe
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - 07 Mar 2012 : 04:23:44
|
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Diffan
It's not really Realms in context ...
That's easy enough to rectify. Simply establish that you're asking about a Zombie Apocalypse in the Realms.
I haven't quite made an apocalypse out of my Realms quite yet, but I have decided that zombies in my Realms can transmit their condition to the living via bites and scratches.
If it was a real world apocalypse, I'd be more afraid of the survivors than the zombies. I'm not quite sure what I'd do. I'd probably hole up and fight off anyone or anything that tried to get in, and pray. |
I'm on a permanent vacation to the soul. -Tash Sultana |
Edited by - Varl on 07 Mar 2012 04:27:54 |
|
|
|
Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3746 Posts |
Posted - 07 Mar 2012 : 19:23:34
|
quote:
Originally posted by Varl
If it was a real world apocalypse, I'd be more afraid of the survivors than the zombies. I'm not quite sure what I'd do. I'd probably hole up and fight off anyone or anything that tried to get in, and pray.
-As we are seeing in The Walking Dead. |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
|
|
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 07 Mar 2012 : 22:54:33
|
Read Lucifer's Hammer.
Its a 'scify' classic now (although dated, but still excellent).
In a world with no readily-available food, the best-armed groups become the worst of a bad bunch. The National Gaurd become cannibals! Truly excellent (and scarey) vision of a global apocalypse.
If you're too young to remember the Cold War, you won't 'get' the most poignant moments (when the Soviet Astronauts help the American Astronauts make it back to Earth). When civilization collapses, all bets are off, and everything gets turned upside down. There are no zombies - there are worse; survivors. Probably where The Walking Dead pulls a lot of their ideas.
In hindsight, the novel is very un-PC, and probably would get the hell edited out of it to get published (which would be a shame, given how realistic the portrayal is). I also think the main character from the Kevin Costner film The Postman comes directly from the novel (there is a half-crazy mailman who insists on finishing his route... DURING the apocalypse!)
Good stuff - I highly recommend it. Its also great if you want to actually prepare for Armageddon (lots of great info and useful advice). Make sure you get yourself a complete set of How it Works books. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
Edited by - Markustay on 07 Mar 2012 22:56:24 |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
The Zombie Apocalypse: Arm Yourself!
