Post by Ekurian on Jun 23, 2009 8:43:32 GMT
Infection
The Dust Virus, once airborne, can now only be passed on when uninfected individual comes into contact with blood, or other bodily fluids from zombies and this fluid enters the mouth, eyes, or other open wounds or orifices.
The virus will then spread rapidly through the body of the host, inducing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, violent shaking, loss of sight and eventually lucidity. This also results in the death of the host within one minute after infection, although the infection period may vary due to the severity of initial infection or proximity to a major artery/the heart.
The body of the host will then reanimate into one of the known manifestations of the virus, depending on the person's genetics. Why or how this happens is unknown, only that certain manifestations are more common than others.
Animals can be infected, however they will not change into any sort of manifestation; only attack and potentially eat any uninfected. Consuming infected flesh- dead or undead- will result in immediate infection.
Manifestations
The most effective way to kill an infected is to deliver massive trauma to the brain or to destroy it. Other ways are to burn the body completely, sever the head, or to simply blow the zombie up.
Please take note that this list is far from complete, as there have been some reports of other kinds of undead out in the Wasteland, although these are yet to be confirmed. You have been warned.
The Dust Virus, once airborne, can now only be passed on when uninfected individual comes into contact with blood, or other bodily fluids from zombies and this fluid enters the mouth, eyes, or other open wounds or orifices.
The virus will then spread rapidly through the body of the host, inducing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, violent shaking, loss of sight and eventually lucidity. This also results in the death of the host within one minute after infection, although the infection period may vary due to the severity of initial infection or proximity to a major artery/the heart.
The body of the host will then reanimate into one of the known manifestations of the virus, depending on the person's genetics. Why or how this happens is unknown, only that certain manifestations are more common than others.
Animals can be infected, however they will not change into any sort of manifestation; only attack and potentially eat any uninfected. Consuming infected flesh- dead or undead- will result in immediate infection.
Manifestations
>Shufflers
The least dangerous and most common type of undead when alone; Shufflers are reknowned for being the slowest, and most lacking in intelligence. When in groups, however, Shufflers can overpower uninfected by sheer numbers.
They travel at a walking speed, sometimes slower depending on injury, wandering aimlessly in search of flesh to eat. They can be anywhere and everywhere; from the ruins to the Wasteland. If an unfortunate uninfected happens to attract the attention of a Shuffler, they will tirelessly pursue them, often joined by more of their kind.
Although they may appear to be mostly harmless, if a Shuffler can get withing arm's reach of a potential meal, they will lunge or lash out to grab or knock down their prey. Other zombie types have been known to travel in hordes of Shufflers, using the crowd in order to conceal themselves.
Other names: Shamblers, Crawlers, Walkers.
>Stalkers
Stalkers are probably the most elusive type of undead. They hunt their prey so secretively that the victim doesn't know they're there until they're being bitten to death.
Appearing no different from other forms of undead, the only way to identify Stalkers is when they move. Unlike Shufflers and other undead, Stalkers are very fast and acrobatic, often seen darting across the ruins or through the Wasteland. Stalkers adopt stealth tacticts when hunting and have been known to pursue prey for weeks.
Stalkers mostly keep to the shadows, or in places difficult to spot; most often hiding in the ruins or climbing up the buildings that are still standing. They tend to avoid open areas and large groups, preffering to work alone, although it is not uncommon that they work in small packs to bring prey down.
Other names: Hunters, Shadows, Runners.
>Spitters
Arguably the most dangerous zombie type at a distance, Spitters can harm, kill and even turn an uninfected without even having to touch them.
They move and act like Shufflers; the only difference is that Spitters- as the name suggests- can spit acidic, virus filled bile almost as far as the length of a tennis court. The acid is a fast acting variation of hydrochloric acid, enabling the Spitters to potentially immobilise their prey to make catching it a lot easier. The acid is also highly corrosive, almost pre-digesting the victim. This also enables the virus within the bile to enter through the burns, effectively turning the victim into a zombie as well. If a victim is unlucky enough to be close to a Spitter, the zombie often vomits on them.
Spitters most often travel with Shufflers, but can be picked out easily by their gagging and retching sounds, rather than the characteristis grunts and moans of other zombies.
Other names: Pukers.
>Berserkers
Possibly the most dangerous and rare of the recorded undead classes, Berserkers are sadistic creatures, seemingly taking pleasure in inflcting pain on their victims. Rather than attempting to bite their prey, Berserkers brutally beat and torture them until they are unable to respond. Only then do they begin to feed; almost like cats playing with their food. If the victims are rescued before being bitten, there is still little chance of survival as the torture can be so severe and crippling. It is often kinder to kill a victim, rather than to let them live.
Berserkers have been known to reach a running speed of almost 25mph, relentlessly pursuing their prey as they never have to stop for breath. When they spot a potential victim, Berserkers run at them head on and attempt to tackle them to the ground. Being rare, Berserkers are often alone, although there have been some sightings of them travelling in small maurauding groups.
Compared to the other undead types, Berserkers are the easiest to identify. They have a permanent death grin upon their face, can scream and almost emit an eerie rattle in a mockery of a laugh. They have also been known to exhibit minor intelligence, such as using clubs in their beatings or opening doors.
Other names: 'Zerkers, Ragers.
The most effective way to kill an infected is to deliver massive trauma to the brain or to destroy it. Other ways are to burn the body completely, sever the head, or to simply blow the zombie up.
Please take note that this list is far from complete, as there have been some reports of other kinds of undead out in the Wasteland, although these are yet to be confirmed. You have been warned.