One of the things that tend to get people killed a great deal is they haven't got enough patience when it comes to dealing with the dead. These suckers have all the time in the world, but if you understand their basic behavior, you can get yourself out of some fairly ugly situations.
Zombies don't see very well, and if they needed glasses before they turned, they can't see any better when they're dead. If you are far enough away from a zombie that they can't smell you, you can pretty much walk away without too much trouble.
Zombies are typically weaker than you. The only time you might have trouble is with a recently turned big person. They will have some residual strength in the muscles and can make trouble if they grab you. Broken fingers can't grab.
While the basic laws of physiology went out the door with the Enillo Virus, the basics laws of physics must still be obeyed. Zombies can be tripped, their elbows and knees only go one way, and they will break their necks when they fall from high places.
On the down side, their strength is in numbers, and there are still lots of them out there. Don't be stupid, check your six, and make sure you have an exit. Always assume there's a zombie around every corner, and keep your weapons ready.
Don't rush out to meet them, unless that's the best tactical solution. Let them come to you, and make them work at it.
Later
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Charlie's Guide
I have been asked where John and I picked up our skills. Truth be known, we've got a lot of practice time in. Once the crops are planted and the animals tended, the perimeter's secure and the weapons are clean, there's not much to do.
John always said the best way to practice was to go at it like you mean it. That s to say, try your best to kick the crap out of your opponent. Why? Because you don't want to hesitate when it comes to the real thing, and you don't want to pull your punches when you need to go full bore.
When we started, John and I sparred a lot, but as we began to develop our styles, we found that we had natural inclinations to follow. I tend to go in fast and heavy, taking a hard stand and crushing my opponent. John is a lot more subtle, looking for weaknesses and exploiting them.
If you were to see us spar, you'd see me sending a lot of punches and strikes towards John, while he avoids and waits for an opening to punish me with. I tend to carpet bomb while John is more of a surgical strike kind of guy.
Whatever you are is waiting for you, but you have to practice, practice, practice. Even if you start out with no skills, you will pick some up and if you have half a brain, you will learn from your mistakes and get better.
Are we the best there is? No. Are we able to survive? Yes. And at the end of the day, would you rather be a live survivor or a dead expert?
Charlie Out.
John always said the best way to practice was to go at it like you mean it. That s to say, try your best to kick the crap out of your opponent. Why? Because you don't want to hesitate when it comes to the real thing, and you don't want to pull your punches when you need to go full bore.
When we started, John and I sparred a lot, but as we began to develop our styles, we found that we had natural inclinations to follow. I tend to go in fast and heavy, taking a hard stand and crushing my opponent. John is a lot more subtle, looking for weaknesses and exploiting them.
If you were to see us spar, you'd see me sending a lot of punches and strikes towards John, while he avoids and waits for an opening to punish me with. I tend to carpet bomb while John is more of a surgical strike kind of guy.
Whatever you are is waiting for you, but you have to practice, practice, practice. Even if you start out with no skills, you will pick some up and if you have half a brain, you will learn from your mistakes and get better.
Are we the best there is? No. Are we able to survive? Yes. And at the end of the day, would you rather be a live survivor or a dead expert?
Charlie Out.
Duncan's Diary
Okay, Plan B.
I moved down the divider and wouldn't you know it, one little bastard has to look over and see me moving my butt along the median. So much for my ninja skills. Before I could duck down, the Z barked out a groan, causing multiple head to turn. Even the ones trapped under the cars.
I decided to simply wait for them to come to me, since the median was about thigh-high. I told the other guys to spread out and make a little noise, to try and get the Z's to spread out a little. I don't like to hog all the action.
The first one reached the barrier and it bumped into the concrete, falling slightly forward. I jumped up and smacked it on the head, killing it and sending it back to the other side. The next one stepped on the dead one, hit the barrier and fell over onto my side.
Not good. I killed it, but just as I stepped back, another one fell over and landed at my feet. I jumped back and knocked its arms away as it reached for me from the ground. A quick look over to my right showed me my companions were having the same problem. We'd kill the first, but it just became a step for the others.
Now to plan C.
I moved down the divider and wouldn't you know it, one little bastard has to look over and see me moving my butt along the median. So much for my ninja skills. Before I could duck down, the Z barked out a groan, causing multiple head to turn. Even the ones trapped under the cars.
I decided to simply wait for them to come to me, since the median was about thigh-high. I told the other guys to spread out and make a little noise, to try and get the Z's to spread out a little. I don't like to hog all the action.
The first one reached the barrier and it bumped into the concrete, falling slightly forward. I jumped up and smacked it on the head, killing it and sending it back to the other side. The next one stepped on the dead one, hit the barrier and fell over onto my side.
Not good. I killed it, but just as I stepped back, another one fell over and landed at my feet. I jumped back and knocked its arms away as it reached for me from the ground. A quick look over to my right showed me my companions were having the same problem. We'd kill the first, but it just became a step for the others.
Now to plan C.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Duncan's Diary
The day started kind of weird, with John telling me that I needed to make a path for people to follow and get to safety. When he told me that, at first I was thinking "WTF?" How in the hell am I supposed to do that?
But John had trusted me to do this, and I kind of needed it after he had killed my girlfriend Pam. I don't blame John at all for that, she was shooting at him at the time. But that's water under the bridge and I had a job to do.
I knew John was going to set up in Leport, and he was wanting me to keep a route open that would be safe for people trying to get through the ZONES. That stands for Zombies Only, Noone Else Survived. I liked that little bit of invention, but Tommy always rolled his eyes. One day his face will stick like that and I'll get the last laugh.
I decided to start out by moving east towards a major road and then north towards the canal. I wanted to have an area the people could follow, but if it looked like they might get overwhelmed, they could beat it to the safety of the water. Swimming sucks, but it beats beaing eaten.
I took two guys and we headed up LaGrange Road, passing through the forest area. There weren't many cars on the road at all, but I figured we'd move faster than trying to get through the subdivisions. What I didn't expect was a zombie migration off the 294 expressway. There had to be dozens of the bastards and they were coming off the on-ramp to the highway.
I didn't really know what to do, but then I looked at a car and figured someone else can do the job for me. We pushed ten cars over to the top of the hill and let them loose, letting the big vehicles plow into masssive groups of zombies. I swear one car wiped out fifty zombies in one shot. The other cars did pretty well, too. One turned early and missed completely, but it was a good start. The upshot was the cars could be used as saftey points if chased or surrounded.
I headed down the center of the road, keeping the divider between me and the rest of the still-standing Z's. The other guys followed, unlimbering their weapons as they went. If we could spread them out along the divider, we could finish them off with little difficulty.
TBC
But John had trusted me to do this, and I kind of needed it after he had killed my girlfriend Pam. I don't blame John at all for that, she was shooting at him at the time. But that's water under the bridge and I had a job to do.
I knew John was going to set up in Leport, and he was wanting me to keep a route open that would be safe for people trying to get through the ZONES. That stands for Zombies Only, Noone Else Survived. I liked that little bit of invention, but Tommy always rolled his eyes. One day his face will stick like that and I'll get the last laugh.
I decided to start out by moving east towards a major road and then north towards the canal. I wanted to have an area the people could follow, but if it looked like they might get overwhelmed, they could beat it to the safety of the water. Swimming sucks, but it beats beaing eaten.
I took two guys and we headed up LaGrange Road, passing through the forest area. There weren't many cars on the road at all, but I figured we'd move faster than trying to get through the subdivisions. What I didn't expect was a zombie migration off the 294 expressway. There had to be dozens of the bastards and they were coming off the on-ramp to the highway.
I didn't really know what to do, but then I looked at a car and figured someone else can do the job for me. We pushed ten cars over to the top of the hill and let them loose, letting the big vehicles plow into masssive groups of zombies. I swear one car wiped out fifty zombies in one shot. The other cars did pretty well, too. One turned early and missed completely, but it was a good start. The upshot was the cars could be used as saftey points if chased or surrounded.
I headed down the center of the road, keeping the divider between me and the rest of the still-standing Z's. The other guys followed, unlimbering their weapons as they went. If we could spread them out along the divider, we could finish them off with little difficulty.
TBC
Friday, October 29, 2010
Charlie's Guide
Hey All,
One of the greatest fears that people have with the undead is they might get caught in a situation where they don't have their primary or secondary weapon with them. I know, it happens. This is where situational awareness goes to a new level.
Suppose you're caught in an alley and the Z is blocking your exit? You've got no weapon and its fresh enough to get hold of you if you try to get around it. What to do? Well, I like to think of the world as my weapon, that there are enough things out there to do enough damage to get yourself away to get your primary weapon if you need to finish the little nasty off.
When the zombie comes at you, stay focused and ready to explode into action. Zombies don't adapt well, they are typical plunge in and bite types. When the arms come up, (and they will) lean to either side and grab the zombie's wrist with your closest hand. Pull the ghoul forward, placing your other hand on the same arm, right above the elbow. DON'T grab because your fingers could get bit. Push with the elbow hand and pull with the wrist hand. The zombie will follow your lead, but only for a couple of seconds. Use those seconds to SMASH said zombie's head into the nearest wall.
Repeat as necessary. No weapon needed.
Reminder: This only works with really hard objects to slam Z heads into.
Charlie out.
One of the greatest fears that people have with the undead is they might get caught in a situation where they don't have their primary or secondary weapon with them. I know, it happens. This is where situational awareness goes to a new level.
Suppose you're caught in an alley and the Z is blocking your exit? You've got no weapon and its fresh enough to get hold of you if you try to get around it. What to do? Well, I like to think of the world as my weapon, that there are enough things out there to do enough damage to get yourself away to get your primary weapon if you need to finish the little nasty off.
When the zombie comes at you, stay focused and ready to explode into action. Zombies don't adapt well, they are typical plunge in and bite types. When the arms come up, (and they will) lean to either side and grab the zombie's wrist with your closest hand. Pull the ghoul forward, placing your other hand on the same arm, right above the elbow. DON'T grab because your fingers could get bit. Push with the elbow hand and pull with the wrist hand. The zombie will follow your lead, but only for a couple of seconds. Use those seconds to SMASH said zombie's head into the nearest wall.
Repeat as necessary. No weapon needed.
Reminder: This only works with really hard objects to slam Z heads into.
Charlie out.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Charlie's Guide
Hey All.
Most people think that the only way to take out a Z is to nail it in the head. While that's a good rule of thumb, zombies are actually more vulnerable than just head shots. Sure, if I have a chance to crush a zombie skull I'm going to go for it, but sometimes, that's not a good option or you don't have the room for a full blown swing of your weapon.
Sometimes, you're caught with only your knife and then you might have some problems if thats the only thing between you and your new unlife.
Human skulls are hard, and although zombie skulls are decaying, there are other options.
Shoving your knife into the base of head right above the neck will immobilize the zombie quite nicely. The head may still be alive, and therefore dangerous, but at least its not moving anymore.
If you're in a situation where you only can reach the back, go for it. Anyway you can put a zombie down is a good way. Penetrating trauma to the spine is always preferable to blunt trauma. You only get one chance to screw it up.
The weaker parts of the skull include the eyes, a favorite target of John's, and the temple. Make sure your knife can handle punching through a skull. I like a nice drop point on a long blade, while John favors the tanto style with a shorter, thicker blade.
Whatever works.
Charlie out.
Most people think that the only way to take out a Z is to nail it in the head. While that's a good rule of thumb, zombies are actually more vulnerable than just head shots. Sure, if I have a chance to crush a zombie skull I'm going to go for it, but sometimes, that's not a good option or you don't have the room for a full blown swing of your weapon.
Sometimes, you're caught with only your knife and then you might have some problems if thats the only thing between you and your new unlife.
Human skulls are hard, and although zombie skulls are decaying, there are other options.
Shoving your knife into the base of head right above the neck will immobilize the zombie quite nicely. The head may still be alive, and therefore dangerous, but at least its not moving anymore.
If you're in a situation where you only can reach the back, go for it. Anyway you can put a zombie down is a good way. Penetrating trauma to the spine is always preferable to blunt trauma. You only get one chance to screw it up.
The weaker parts of the skull include the eyes, a favorite target of John's, and the temple. Make sure your knife can handle punching through a skull. I like a nice drop point on a long blade, while John favors the tanto style with a shorter, thicker blade.
Whatever works.
Charlie out.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tommy's Tip
When contemplating entering a home you think might have zombies in it, a good rule of thumb is to knock on the windows and doors and see if you can stir up some activity. Ghouls tend to go dormant if they aren't chasing something or eating something, and nothing is around to distract them. Don't forget the second story windows, either. Toss rocks up there or something.
The important thing is to be patient. Wait for the zombies to come to the windows or doors, or see if you can see movement in the house. If there is a lot of activity, trust me, its not worth you life to go in there just because you feel like busting on some dead.
Houses have a lot of corners and angles and places for zombies to hide. Check the rooms thoroughly, and that means even looking under beds and couches. Who knows if a little one chased the cat under the bed for a snack?
When you have thoroughly cleared a room, move carefully towards the next one. Never leave an unchecked room behind you if you can help it.
As always, be aware of everything. If something is out of place or doesn't feel right, get out. Trust your instincts.
Last, don't look for supplies until you have cleared the house, and don't spend more than ten minutes in a house if you can help it. That's generally how long it takes for neighboring ghouls to surround you.
TC
The important thing is to be patient. Wait for the zombies to come to the windows or doors, or see if you can see movement in the house. If there is a lot of activity, trust me, its not worth you life to go in there just because you feel like busting on some dead.
Houses have a lot of corners and angles and places for zombies to hide. Check the rooms thoroughly, and that means even looking under beds and couches. Who knows if a little one chased the cat under the bed for a snack?
When you have thoroughly cleared a room, move carefully towards the next one. Never leave an unchecked room behind you if you can help it.
As always, be aware of everything. If something is out of place or doesn't feel right, get out. Trust your instincts.
Last, don't look for supplies until you have cleared the house, and don't spend more than ten minutes in a house if you can help it. That's generally how long it takes for neighboring ghouls to surround you.
TC
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Adding stuff!
I have decided to add new features to this Blog, dedicated to the Characters in White Flag of the Dead. There will be, in no particular order: Tommy's Tips, Duncan's Diary, and Charlie's Guide to Survival and Zombie Hand to Hand Combat. The tomahawk cookbook was a non-starter.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Caliber Debate
One of the things I have been asked in the past is why my main character seems to prefer the .40 S&W caliber over a 9mm or a .45ACP. My usual answer is "That's what he had on hand when the dead rose." which seems to satisfy the majority of the askers. But there are those who want to take the discussion a little further. I have heard things like "Doesn't S&W stand for Short and Weak?" While I don't really know about that in particular, I will say that anyone who has said that seems to disappear when I suggest they allow themselves to be shot with one.
I have nothing against the 9mm or the 45ACP, both do the job they are intended for and will take out a zombie as needed. The downside for a .45 is the capacity of the magazines. The upside for a 9mm is higher capacity. For me, the .40 seems to fill the hole in between and still gets the job done.
After all, when you're surrounded by the dead, you should be grateful you have a gun (of any caliber) and not a stick.
I have nothing against the 9mm or the 45ACP, both do the job they are intended for and will take out a zombie as needed. The downside for a .45 is the capacity of the magazines. The upside for a 9mm is higher capacity. For me, the .40 seems to fill the hole in between and still gets the job done.
After all, when you're surrounded by the dead, you should be grateful you have a gun (of any caliber) and not a stick.
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