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.

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.

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

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.

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.