The Withering Light - Zombie RP

[Aeroa121]

Currently... dead
Interest Check: http://roleplayerguild.com/showthread.php?t=169697
Roleplay: http://roleplayerguild.com/showthread.php?p=7417739

Have you ever been in a zombie roleplay but it has no resemblance to real life?
Have you ever wanted to be in a realistic zombie roleplay with skilled writers?
Are you able to provide a writing sample via personal message and (if approved by a picky writer) create a character sheet?
If you've thought no to any of the above, this roleplay might not be for you.

Of course things didn't start out as an apocalypse-type scenario, Hollywood and video games played a crucial part in preparing the human race for such an event. However by the time people realized what was happening the parasite-in-question had already escaped the research and testing lab, reproduced and spread. The Alzheimer's lab was attempting to breed a parasite that would be capable of infusing with a person's brain stem, repair dead tissue and learn for itself. Once the media got a hold of what was happening and made the public aware, Governments openly cooperated with one another in order to create vaccinations and search for a cure.

Unfortunately they were not quick enough.

People panicked, riots formed, some took matters into their own hands, robbery quadrupled and law enforcement could barely keep up with it. When the infected started getting taken over by their parasitic captors and began to mutate, feed and strike at random, the militia was called in for purification of entire towns where the monsters gathered. Mutation was the only definite sign that a person or an animal had become a Walker, they would grow anything from additional limbs and talons all the way to superhuman senses and abilities. Its full potential remained unknown for the following decade that hosted the gradual fall of civilization as we knew it.

World War III began between the parasites and humans. Refugee camps were set up, people fled from highly populated cities, humanity reverted to the fight or flight survival instinct, Governments started to fall and borders vanished, electric generators became priceless, ammo was few and far between and money became irrelevant. In the first-world countries alone, mankind was forced back almost a thousand years.

Several groups of survivors were obliterated due to ignorance. They failed to realize some of the infected were actually studying them, testing their defenses, reactions, tactics and way of life, then using what they learned against the humans.

The apocalypse wasn't an end to the human race as the Mayans supposedly predicted, but it certainly was an end to civilization. Prior to the outbreak it would have been insanity to murder someone over pink-eye, nosebleeds, lazy eyes, red hair or Bell's Palsy.

Welcome to The Withering Light.

I have decided that they will be a group of survivors that had lived in an active camp-like community with a few hundred people until it was destroyed by infected. This will force a struggle for dominance between characters right off the bat .

This is the OOC. I will now ask for character sheets from those of you that have been approved. Each person may have up to two characters.

Character Sheet Skeleton

[Name]

[Age]

[Gender]

[Appearance;NO anime] Link a picture here. Optional.

[Previous career] What were you prior to the outbreak?

[Skillsets] For every one skillset you must have an equal weakness. Keep it realistic.

[Weaknesses]

[Weapons] Select up to three weapons, you may not have any more than fifty rounds collectively. It's been ten years since the outbreak started so things aren't going to be mass produced anymore.

[Other items] You may choose up to four other belongings. This is optional.

[Biography] Make it interesting, but don't create an essay and reveal everything about them.

[Personality] Keep it in point form.


For Your Information

I've been messaged a few times as to the basic details of this parasite zombie. What I had in mind was that those infected with the parasite would have mutations, be more intelligent and powerful the older they are and would not be spread via fluid contact…

Their process of increasing their numbers is not a simple scratch or bite, they must first locate a living person or recently deceased then remove a part of itself and burrow into the new host - through the mouth is the fastest way. Once this happens, the parasite is severely weakened and must heal (since it split itself in half). This newly created "zombie" and its creator are back to square one in terms of strength, which is why they tend to have certain hosts dedicated to asexual reproduction that are known as queens.

Once a parasite is implanted it releases a virus into the bloodstream. This virus usually instills their hosts with unnatural strength, accelerated healing and contains potentially continuous mutagenic properties. These parasites are tiny arachnid-like life forms with two wide jaws and yellow eyes. Originally aquatic, mature parasites are powerful swimmers, with the ability to launch themselves from dying hosts and towards new ones. Once entering the brain, it takes control of the body, and gains some access to the host's memories. The brain stem is where the parasite likes to nest, so sometimes just headshots won't be final. Once shot in the head they will fall but if left there without a finishing blow to the back of the head or burning the corpses, they could rise again days later in a temporarily weakened state.

With what little research the humans were able to conduct after the outbreak, they were able to find that the virus these parasites release tend to target certain chromosomes within their host, particularly chromosome 1, 2 and 16. The origin of this virus is still unknown but with each of the chromosomes that are accelerated comes certain characteristics.

Chromosome one, gene IRF6 and ASPM specifically, are responsible for connective tissue formation and brain size development. Not only does this mean that the hosts become more intelligent and in-turn making the parasite that much more dangerous since they abduct a body (ASPM), but skeletal abnormalities (IFR6) are often seen in the infected. Along with these skeletal growths comes excess storage of energy, protection of organs and alterations in the structural framework of the body. Meaning after some time of allowed mutation this typically results in awkward postures, unnatural bending capabilities and accelerated healing.

Chromosome two, gene BMPR2 and jumping to BMP4 specifically, are responsible for binding bone morphogenetic proteins and formation of teeth, limbs and bone. It also plays a role in fracture repair. This further aids in the skeletal mutations (BMPR2) and healing abilities (BMP4) found in the infected individuals. Complimenting the accelerated ASPM gene, modern studies suggest that some genes on chromosome two may play an important role in intelligence.

Chromosome sixteen, related to autism and schizophrenia, is also a major factor in the production of red hair. As seen in every host after a short period of time, red hair growth replaces the host's previous hair colour. Red hair varies from a deep burgundy through burnt orange to bright copper. It is associated with fair skin tone, lighter eye colours and sensitivity to ultraviolet light. This may play a role in their preference to move among the stars as opposed to under the sun.

The process of mutation seems to be in reverse chronological order meaning they'd first grow red hair, gain intelligence then begin developing (visible) physical mutations.

[Apocrypha]

Do you still want a PM from interested writers to approve before they send you a character sheet?

[Draku69]

I would send it to him if you havent already. It would make sense lol I'm his co-GM and I still sent one to him XD

[Apocrypha]

Yeah, I went ahead and sent him something since I'd presume he's gone to bed. Might as well knock it out now.

[Draku69]

Very true.

[Apocrypha]

By the by, is it actually twenty years post-apocalypse as it says in the character sheet? I don't know how anybody else feels, but that doesn't leave a lot of room for any kind of pre-epidemic career, unless your character is in their late fifties or early sixties. I actually had an excellent idea for my character - but his required age would leave him roughly nine before the apocalypse, which doesn't leave a lot of room for careers, 'eh?

[Draku69]

[Name] Draku Rodriguez

[Age] 35

[Gender] Male

[Appearance]

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 300 lbs.

Skin Tone: Olive

Body Type: Bodybuilder Physique

Hair: A Black and Green Streaked Mohawk; That He Typically Wears In A Ponytail, w/ Long Green Tipped Bangs That Cover His Right Eye and A Series of Intricate Tribal Designs Shaved Into the Sides of His Head

Facial Hair: An All Black Goatee w/ Green Highlights

Piercings: A Zero Gauge Anodized Black Titanium Dragon Wing Hanger Plug; Pierced Through His Left Ear, A Fourteen Gauge Anodized Black Titanium Long Spike Barbell; Pierced Through His Left Eyebrow, and An Anodized Black Titanium Spiked Labret Piercing

Eyes/Face: Emerald Green/ Starts Off Wearing His Customary Black and Green Face Paint and Has A Small Scar Over His Right Eyebrow

Attire:

Acessories: Always wears a green stainless steel Hatchetman charm, a pair of all black wrap around sun shades, an all silver stainless steel vampire fanged grill, and a pair of fingerless black leather gloves w/ several semi-sharp metal studs embedded into them

Upper body: Wears an all black fishnet muscle shirt that reveals a gruesome scar across his muscular chest and an all black half harness shoulder holster for his Magnum

Lower body: Wears a pair of loose fitting, green stitched, black leather pants, a customized black leather holster belt designed to carry his dual hatchets, and a pair of all black leather hightops

[Previous career]

An up and coming J-U-Double G-A-L-O underground/horrorcore rap artist and former gang-leader of one of the biggest and most violent gangs in the state of Texas, known simply as The Faceless Souljas; infamous for the inability to pinpoint each member’s true identity through their painted faces and military esque technique.

[Skillsets]

- Close Quarters Combatant

- Brute Strength

- High Endurance

- Unusually High Tolerence to Pain

- Tactical Shotgunner

- Extensive knowledge on growing the hemp plant known as Cannabis Sativa

[Weaknesses]

- Despite his brute strength, he seems to lack the speed and agility of most fighters

- Without the calming effects of Marijuana in his system, his state of mind reverts back to the cold and distant mindset of his schizophrenic personality; becoming a threat to himself and others

[Weapons]

Primary Weapon- MPS AA-12 (Sledgehammer) Assault Combat Shotgun w/ 32 Round Ammunition Drums:

Attachments- Pistol Grip/Shoulder Stock/2X Zoom Optical Scope/Shoulder Strap

Ammo- 20 Frag-12 Rds./20 Standard Slug Rds.

Secondary/Melee Weapon- Mark XIX Desert Eagle w/ 8 and 7 Round Clips/ Dual 16″ Custom Made Hatchets:

Ammo- 5 .440 Cor-bon Caliber Rds./ 5 .44 Magnum Rds.

[Other items]

Carries A Large Satchel Type Bag w/ His Name Spray Painted Across the Front of It; Used to Store His Ammunition and these Other Items:

• Multiple Pyrex Jars of Hydroponic Marijuana; Each Jar Containing A Different Strain of ‘Dro’
  
• A Carton of Mentholated Cigarettes; Containing Half the Original Number of Cigarette Packs
  
• A Pack of Foil Wrapped Cigarillos; Containing Three Quarters of the Original Number of Short Narrow Cigars
  
• Two Packs of Rolling Paper; One Pack Containing Half the Original Number of Leaves
  
• A Green Flamed Refillable Butane Lighter w/ A 16 oz. Butane Refill Canister

[Biography]

- Once a humble man, who had lived his days with his love, enjoying a peaceful life and spending most of his days working or hanging out with the few friends he once had, lost everything he held dear to him in a wave of misfortune that struck his very world.

Losing the one and only thing that had true meaning to him caused the mental breakdown that defines the man to this day, turning to a life of crime and fame in an attempt to drown out the sorrows of his pain; becoming the most feared and respected person in The Lone Star state by the age of twenty five.

It was at the peak of his careers when the outbreak occurred, again losing everything to the hands of fate, he chose to take his own path and embrace his brutal ways; taking many a flesh eating soul down with the life he once lived.

[Personality]

- Possesses dual personalities:

A schizophrenic personality that typically only occurs when he isn’t partaking in his favorite pastime.

• Incrediby Ruthless at times
• Cold; feels neither compassion nor remorse for others
• Lives by the creed, 'Fuck the World and Everybody in it'
• Prefers to be a Lone Wolf

And a kinder more lighthearted side of himself.

• Fun loving jokester
• Level Headed
• Crafty Minded
• Expresses his emotions with lyrics from various underground artists.

[Gilgas]

I don't want to come off as aggressive but that text is burning my brain right now with all words beginning with uppercase letters.

[Draku69]

@Gilgas, Sorry Its an OCD thing I have with my C/s's

By the by, is it actually twenty years post-apocalypse as it says in the character sheet? I don't know how anybody else feels, but that doesn't leave a lot of room for any kind of pre-epidemic career, unless your character is in their late fifties or early sixties. I actually had an excellent idea for my character - but his required age would leave him roughly nine before the apocalypse, which doesn't leave a lot of room for careers, 'eh?

What did you have in mind.

And Aeroa, I'm hoping you can help me out with a couple things in the c.s. specifixally the portion with equal strengths and weaknesses

Edit:

And I'm also hoping you allow me to possess the lighter and its fuel seeing as how I kinda need it lol

[Aeroa121]

In response to Apocrypha's question, I would like a writing sample prior to your character sheet. No need to make a character sheet if you may not get approved.

I edited the time which the outbreak occurred, I came to realize twenty years was a bit much. It has been reduced to ten.
I also ask that you have a twist in mind when creating a character, ie) A pacifist redneck, a cannibalizing monk, a loud-spoken fighter that snaps when someone's tone of voice becomes potentially rude, a lazy genius. Those four are just examples that I came up with on the spot. Use your imagination.

Thanks Draku69. As for your character sheet I only ask that you edit the following:
Close Quarters Combatant would probably also cover hand to hand combat and blade usage due to how general it is.
Brute Strength is fine as is.
High Endurance and high stamina are very similar.

I'd also like to confirm Draku69's earlier statement that he is a co-GM of this roleplay, seeing that I failed to mention it before.