Going to be overlooking applications for the final time and decisions in a few hours! If you have last minute changes or want to update your characters, or heaven's betsy submit one before that time comes, please do so!

I think digging into Rachel's backstory and motivations is what really gives her character depth. I It's intriguing to see how her faith shapes her worldview and guides her actions, especially in the midst of all this post-apocalyptic craziness. To me, Rachel's like this beacon of resilience and compassion, which I find pretty inspiring. Her unwavering commitment to her faith and her cushy upbringing are worlds away from my own experiences. I mean, I've never been the religious type, and I certainly haven't lived a life of luxury, so it's like exploring uncharted territory for me. The exploring of perspectives and diversity is a catalyst for me and a driver when it comes to my RPG experiences. That's what makes it so cool. I'm super interested to see how Rachel's character develops when her faith gets put to the test, you know? Like, how does she deal with the harsh realities of this messed-up world and still hold onto her beliefs? Or doesn’t she? It's a journey of growth and self-discovery for both Rachel and me. I don’t have all the answers, and that's ok. I'm just rolling with it, letting Rachel's character evolve naturally as the game unfolds. I can't wait to see how she tackles the challenges ahead, how she deals with doubt and uncertainty, will she come out stronger than ever or will she crumble. Who knows, maybe I'll learn a thing or two about myself along the way. Rachel's faith isn't just for show; it's a big part of who she is. She's all about understanding and compassion, even with folks who don't share her beliefs. She identifies as Christian, part of a specific Protestant denomination, but she's pretty open-minded about it all. She's not one to preach fire and brimstone; she's more about love and forgiveness. At least up until now… Her time in seminary was a wild ride, full of doubt, temptation, and self-discovery. But she came out of it with a deeper understanding of herself and her faith. It could be easy to add some dark issues here, but with Rachel I want to go another way. The life on Easy Street way. I find it intriguing to explore her naivete in contrast to the grim setting and where it will take her. What the world does to people from all walks of life. When Rachel first saw those reanimated dead, you can bet she was freaked out. But her faith gave her the strength to keep going, to survive in this messed-up world. She leaned on her beliefs and her community to get through the tough times, in the beginning finding refuge in Safe Zones when things got too hairy. But I guess those Safe Zones are no more? Watching members of her congregation bite the dust was tough, though. She saw friends and loved ones taken out by those things, and it hit her hard. But she didn't give up. She held onto her faith, found solace in prayer, and kept on fighting. It's a reminder that even in the darkest times, there's still hope. It’s possible she sees this a challenge. She will probably try to explain all events from a “it was meant to be” perspective orchestrated from the Lord above with a purpose higher than all of us. I hope you see where I want to go with Rachel and that it is a compelling character arc. :-)

Scavenged Item roll.. Packages of instant noodles and water bottles (two rations)

Done, i wrote a lot about the idea your provided. Can she have a sword, michon style? I removed the leadership part and built her melee combat instead. Thanks.

Equipments Basic medical gear Medications and drugs Spear (Scalpel taped to a stick) Car Diary Pistol Scavenging 1. Toy soldier

Mechanically everything looks good, though don't forget you get a free scavenged item in addition to your three archetype items (which is decided by a 3d6)! Got a few applicants already that are very Empathy focused, I wonder how group dynamics would go with a whole swathe of people with strong personalities and mannerisms. Perhaps everyone can inspire everyone else to work together and solve the apocalypse by talking about our feelings and good bedside medical mannerisms, or maybe even find a cure?! 🤣 More seriously though, Hyori seems to define herself largely based on who she was, or I guess she'd probably argue still is, that being a physician and trauma surgeon. She's portrayed in her backstory as a very compassionate and generous doctor, sacrificing a lot of time and patience for her patients and fulfilling the eidoform of what a doctor should be to their patients... but she has the Doctor/Patient Hierarchy talent. So clearly, sometime or frequently during her career, she used patients for own ends and agendas regardless if the means to do so were ethical or not, hinting some moral complexity for her character on whether or not she would partake in unethical means to get what she wants. Could you explain more on to her backstory as to how she qualifies for this talent and expand more on how Hyori used the Doctor/Patient power imbalance to get things from her patients? How did Hyori's upbringing and cultural heritage influence her approach to medicine and ultimately pursuing a career in patient care? Did she always want to be a physician or is that more a result of familial pressure and expectation while she had other goals for her future in mind, but ultimately gave up on them? Did she have any hobbies or other talents outside of medicine and spending time with her family? Did she have any siblings, close relatives or a spouse? Does she miss her family greatly since the apocalypse or is she simply trying to focus on surviving one day at a time? It's likely that, since she was devoted to her job and working in a hospital continuously, that Hyori was 'requested' to help the Army and National Guard as one of their physicians near one of the Safe Zones, correct? What was her opinion on how the military conducted themselves and handled the outbreak during those first initial weeks if she was ultimately conscripted to serve in a makeshift hospital inside a Safe Zone? What theories or ideas does Hyori have on the overall nature of the dead, how corpses reanimate and go into feeding frenzies on living beings? How did she survive the Sunset Protocol, when the Air Force bombed major cities like Denver and the Marines were in the streets executing everything that moved, liquidating the Safe Zones in the process?

For Shepherd, it was just as surreal as it was for everyone else. He never hoped for an apocalypse, just revolution. So when he began seeing societal breakdown, he used his dream of dismantling society for a better world as a coping mechanism to handle something that did not fall within his imagination. His jaded, fuck-it approach to moving about in life was the most accessible skill at a time where millions were resorting to denial. The first week of the outbreak Shepherd and his buddies were oblivious to the news coming from larger cities, as they lay low near the CSU Fort Collins campus, in the final stage of carrying out their infiltration of the animal testing lab. Their plan to free primates within went horribly awry just as the first cases started showing up in town. They managed to make it out of the city as all hell was breaking loose, but with only one rhesus macaques in the back of his veggie oil converted 1986 Ford E 350 Turbo Diesel Econoline 4x4. He named her Eve. The second week of the outbreak, they were tracking down a buddy's contact: an off the grid, back-to-the-land homestead in the foothills. Since the homestead lacked a phone, it took a few frantic days in the woods of searching among gun-toting property owners who shot first and asked questions later. Upon arrival, they quickly set up shop with storing supplies and establishing protocol among the half dozen survivors. Shepherd decided to ration his veggie fuel, occasionally starting the van to recharge the battery. This was his only time to check the radio and after hearing 10 minutes of bewildering news, with just a brief mention of Denver, through corporate outlets he never trusted to begin with, he had to turn it off. Since then it has been dead silence. While docked in Seattle, still in his fishing days, Shepherd began to rub elbows with the alternative scene there: grunge music and earth defenders. He seemed to fit in easily among a group of other fuck-ups with their own fucked up childhoods. As an outcast, it didn't take much convincing to see how these folks, who quickly became friends, displayed much more compassion than modern society ever could. They introduced him to literature like Ishmael and engaged him in critical thinking, philosophical discussion. This became the best education he'd ever received. Plus the girlfriend. He worked for nearly two decades as a deckhand aboard environmental sea vessels - ones engaged in direct action against poaching operations and fossil fuel polluters. But yes, before this, in his teens, his first found family was among the seasonal salmon fishing industry along the Pacific coast. If anything, it radicalized him more. If he had dreams of an eco-utopia before, that dream became even more narrow and concentrated - like a magnified beam of light among a sea of destruction. There were plenty of dilemmas at the homestead, decisions about security, power structures, etc. But he and his group were used to that from a lifestyle of non-hierarchical political organizing. Let me know if you want this info to be reintegrated into the main Detailed Background above.

Shepherd certainly appears like a pretty distinctive and noteworthy character to keep tabs on even if he were alive, though I imagine he's maintained a lot of efforts to conceal himself from those who'd certainly like to silence or apprehend him to prevent further intrusion. So both as a doomsday prepper and activist, Shepherd definitely was better off than most during the fall. Mechanically he looks good, though I do have some questions on his background. Despite seeing the opportunity for his ideals, what were his opinions on how the end of the world started - did it fall in line with how he believed the apocalypse would come about, as I imagine that almost everyone in this universe would laugh at your face if you told them that the dead would rise back and eat the living? Did he keep up to date on what was happening in Denver from word of mouth or radio? How did Shepherd's upbringing and early experiences shape his perspective on environmental issues and activism? Were there specific events or influences in his childhood that sparked his interest in environmentalism? What finally catalyzed him to act with environmental activism and, perhaps, terrorism? You mentioned in the physical description that he was a deckhand, was it for a commercial fishing line or something more organized like oil hauling for companies partaking in offshore fracking? How did his ideals and vision of an ideal society evolve or adapt in response to the harsh realities of post-apocalyptic life? Did he face any internal conflicts or moral dilemmas along the way?

Faith-oriented characters have always interested me in post-apocalyptic settings, and in most media I never see it really done much justice or explored in depth aside from some novels or popular movie media like The Book of Eli or otherwise. Just based off your background, it sounds like Rachel is just a peach of a lady - living a pretty privileged life and devoting herself to being a figurehead for a higher power. From reading it as well, you'd think that she's the immaculate conception all over again as most everything is pretty positive 🤣 so in a group setting I could see her filling in as an anchor or moral compass for the group itself, if a bit sanctimonious intentionally or not. With her Drive, her belief and strength overall in her faith with God isn't something that would say is a sham or that she tries to use as leverage over other people, getting the impression that she's a true believer, but I'd like to know more about her relationship with Him and how that faith has influenced her life socially? What's her reaction to people who don't believe in what she does? Is she judgmental on them or try to guide and convert others? Based on some of the virtues displayed in the backstory and her equipment and overall demeanour, I wouldn't be wrong to say that Rachel is Christian, correct? Does she practice and preach within the bounds of a specific protestant denomination, or does she belong to a more 'generalized' universal Christian church? Does she take more fundamentalist views on the infallibility of the bible or is she more of a contextualist, and does that view conflict with the practices and common beliefs of her parishioners / denomination? What were her years in seminary like, and was she tempted by anything during that time majorly or elsewhere in her life that particularly stick out to her? I moreso definitely want to hear more about these highs and lows, twists and turns that you mentioned regarding her journey and transformation as a leader within a church. What was her initial reaction upon witnessing the reanimated dead, only to assault and begin consuming the living, and how has she survived these initial first few weeks? How does she feel about the fact that the world around her and the existence she lives in is marked and tainted with continuous violence and death? Did her and her congregation go to the Safe Zones? What did happen to her Congregation, and did she bear witness to a few member's eventual death and demise? How does the dead challenge her faith and her belief on the afterlife?

- While James would never wish poverty and scarcity on anyone, he does take a certain amount of pride in coming from nothing to a position in Denver's city government. Before the Outbreak he had never really given much thought to his legacy - more concerned as he was with city politics and the like - but since the Outbreak thoughts of just what he'll end up leaving behind for people is coming more and more into focus. In that his sense of 'Justice' is rather classically Platonic; in other words, a just person is someone who contributes to society according to their unique abilities and receives what is proportionate to their contribution, irrespective of things like race, creed, gender, or politics. They are in the right place, always striving to do their best, and reciprocating what they receive in a fair and equitable manner. - Life amongst the lower classes taught James that the harder things are, the more people need each other to get by... and the more likely it seems they are to disagree. James knows how to get people together, to settle disputes, to find compromises, and to generally grease the rusty wheels of conflicting agendas so they turn in unison once more. Couple that with a knack for making good first impressions, and the network followed suite. This opened a lot of doors for James that helped him get his initial position with the Office of the Clerk and Recorder, and also helped him facilitate a lot of the duties required of his position (a little quid pro quo helped there to, especially with regards to deeds and property foreclosure). - He never married, or even seriously considered a relationship at this juncture - a few flings here and there, but James is very career-focused and confident in his people skills. He was only ever a member of staff before the Outbreak, wanting to bide his time and make sure he was ready for the position before putting his name forward. Truthfully though, James simply wanted to bide his time and make sure he was ready before putting his name forward for Clerk and Recorder. That's why becoming Mayor was so far down the line in his life's plan; he wanted to familiarize himself as best he could with Denver's government before making a go at becoming the Mayor, a plan that would've seen him through to at least the mid 2010's. - Thanks to his connections James was one of the first people admitted into Safe Zone Hotel after it opened. Quick to offer his aid to military officials he began liaising between civilians and military leadership in the Safe Zone, a job that only got harder and harder as the Army and National Guard started coming to blows. Even still James couldn't deny sharing many sentiments with the National Guard troops, finding the Army command at Hotel more interested in ending the crisis rather than saving lives. The Sunset Protocol all but confirmed that, and James holds Major General Hayes personally responsible for the deaths of so many civilians. It may come to pass that Lieutenant Colonel Ramirez can count on James, should they cross paths... - I'd say James is very much "I will lead them." He's willing to stand up, take responsibility and make decisions, get things done and live with the outcomes. He's devoted to those under his protection and to his own principles - and convinced of his ability to persuade others towards those principles - but he confuses this vision with absolute truth sometimes, which can lead him to offer it where it's not welcome or to try and eliminate other visions he sees as false or competition. He wants to lead and do right by fellow survivors, but is often too my-way-or-the-highway about it.

Dr. Hyori Lee Archetype: Doctor PC Anchor: Drive: Higher Purpose NPC Anchor: Issues: Sworn to help Strength Agility Wits Empathy 4 2 2 5 Close Combat 2 Mobility 1 Scout 0 Medicine 3 Endure 2 Ranged Combat 0 Survival 0 Manipulation 2 Force 0 Stealth 1 Tech 1 Leadership 0 TALENTS HEALTH 3. Unharmed Doctor/Patient Hierarchy 2. Bruised [ ] 1. Battered [ ] 0. Broken [ ] Critical Injuries Stress Experience Encumbrance Weapons Bonus Damage Rounds Range Pistol Armour Protection Penalty No matter how hard it's Not matter how hopeless it will get We are going to survive together Dr. Hyori Lee possesses a striking physical presence that commands attention wherever she goes. Standing at an elegant height, she carries herself with poise and confidence, her posture reflecting the grace and strength that define her character. Her most captivating feature is her luxurious mane of silky hair crowning her head. Hyori's large, expressive eyes are often likened to pools of liquid amber, their warm hue reflecting both intelligence and warmth. They hold a depth of emotion that belies her stoic exterior, revealing glimpses of the compassion and empathy that define her as both a physician and a person. Complementing her captivating gaze are her voluptuous curves, which seem to effortlessly accentuate her feminine silhouette. Her figure is a testament to both genetics and dedication to her physical well-being, a balance of softness and strength that exudes confidence. GEAR ITEM QUALITY SLOTS AMOUNT BONUS Basic medical gear x2 Pistol Spear (Scalpel taped to a stick) Toy soldier Stored Items Location OTHER ITEMS Vehicle Maneuverability Damage Hull Armour BACKGROUND BEFORE APOCALYPSE Dr. Hyori Lee, a Korean-American trauma surgeon, had dedicated her career to saving lives in the bustling city of Denver. Born in Korea, she immigrated with her parents who instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep sense of compassion, Hyori pursued her dream of becoming a physician with unwavering determination. After completing her medical education and residency training, Hyori joined one of Denver's busiest hospitals, where she quickly earned a reputation as a skilled and dedicated trauma surgeon. Her calm demeanor and quick thinking under pressure made her a valuable asset in the fast-paced environment of the emergency room, where every second counted in saving lives. As a trauma surgeon, Hyori faced the daily challenges of treating patients with life-threatening injuries, ranging from gunshot wounds and car accidents to industrial accidents and natural disasters. She worked tirelessly alongside her colleagues, often putting in long hours to ensure that every patient received the care they needed to survive. Despite the demanding nature of her work, Hyori found fulfillment in knowing that she was making a difference in the lives of her patients and their families. Whether it was performing emergency surgeries in the middle of the night or comforting loved ones in their darkest hours, she approached each day with compassion and empathy, striving to ease the suffering of those in need. Outside of the hospital, Hyori cherished the moments spent with her family and friends, finding solace in the simple joys of life amidst the chaos of her demanding career. She took pride in her Korean heritage, embracing both her cultural roots and her identity as an American, and found strength in the love and support of her tight-knit community. A KOREAN LADY IN AMERICA As a first-generation Korean-American, Hyori Lee's upbringing was a blend of two rich cultures, each offering its own unique challenges and opportunities. Growing up in the United States as the child of Korean immigrants, Hyori experienced a world where tradition and modernity often collided, shaping her identity in profound ways. One of the greatest challenges Hyori faced was navigating the delicate balance between her Korean heritage and American upbringing. From a young age, she was taught to honor and respect her Korean roots, learning the language, customs, martial arts, and traditions passed down through generations. Yet, as she immersed herself in American society, she grappled with the pressures of assimilation and the desire to fit in with her peers. However, her journey was not without its hardships. As a woman of Asian descent, Hyori often faced discrimination and objectification, with some individuals reducing her identity to harmful stereotypes. She encountered instances of sexual harassment and unwanted advances, which served as painful reminders of the challenges faced by women of color in a society that often fetishizes and exoticizes them. Yet, despite these hardships, Hyori found strength in her heritage and resilience in the face of adversity. She drew upon the values instilled in her by her parents—hard work, perseverance, and determination—to overcome obstacles and carve out her own path in the world. Overall, Hyori's experience as a Korean-American was a complex tapestry of joys and challenges, triumphs, some failures, and tribulations. IMMORAL BEST INTENTIONS Despite her extensive medical training and professional demeanor, Dr. Lee couldn't help but form emotional attachments to her patients. Each life she saved became more than just a medical success story; they became a part of her journey, a testament to her dedication and compassion as a healer. It started innocently enough, with patients expressing their gratitude through small tokens of appreciation—a bouquet of flowers here, a box of chocolates there. Hyori accepted these gifts with a warm smile, grateful for the recognition of her efforts. But as time passed and her reputation as a gifted surgeon grew, the gifts became more extravagant. Before long, patients were offering her lavish gifts like travel packages and even a car, all in gratitude for the lives she had saved. Hyori was touched by their generosity and found herself unable to refuse, rationalizing that she was merely accepting tokens of appreciation for her hard work and dedication. However, as the lines between professional boundaries and personal relationships began to blur, Hyori found herself slipping deeper into a dangerous pattern. She began to form inappropriate relationships with some of her patients, crossing ethical boundaries in her quest for emotional connection and love for people. Despite knowing the risks and consequences of her actions, Hyori couldn't resist the allure of the affection and admiration she received from those she had saved. And while some may have questioned her behavior, her status as a beloved and respected physician shielded her from any serious repercussions. Those who might have spoken out against her were silenced by fear of the consequences or the potential backlash from Hyori's loyal supporters. In a world where survival often depended on alliances and favors, few were willing to risk alienating someone as influential and well-loved as a star surgeon like Hyori. But when the apocalypse struck and society collapsed, the rules that Hyori navigated like an orchestra conductor no longer applied. NATIONAL GUARD Amidst the chaos of the zombie outbreak, Dr. Hyori Lee's skills as a surgeon caught the attention of military officials desperate for medical expertise in their fight against the undead horde. Recognizing her unwavering dedication and invaluable talents, she was swiftly recruited into the ranks of the military and stationed at a base in the vicinity of Denver. As part of the military medical team, Hyori faced the grim reality of the outbreak head-on, working tirelessly to treat the wounded and provide critical care in the midst of the apocalypse. Each day brought new challenges as the base struggled to fend off relentless attacks from the undead, with Hyori and her fellow soldiers risking their lives to defend their fortress. Despite the constant threat of danger, Hyori remained steadfast in her commitment to saving lives, drawing upon her training and expertise to keep hope alive amidst the chaos and despair. Her abilities proved indispensable in treating both military personnel and civilians alike, earning her the respect and admiration of her comrades-in-arms. However, as the outbreak escalated and resources dwindled, the military base became increasingly vulnerable to the relentless onslaught of the undead. In a devastating turn of events, the army collapsed and the base was overrun, forcing Hyori and the remaining survivors to flee for their lives in a desperate bid for survival. FINDING A CURE, HOPELESS? Hyori understood that many infectious diseases, such as cancers, HIV, had taken decades to fully understand and even longer to develop effective treatments or vaccines. Some diseases, tragically, remained uncured despite the brightest minds dedicating years of research and resources to combatting them. With this grim reality in mind, Hyori harbored doubts about the possibility of finding a cure for the zombie virus, no matter how many brilliant scientists worked tirelessly in labs across the globe. She feared that humanity might never unlock the secrets of this virulent plague in time, condemning future generations to a world plagued by the undead as long there's a supply of human for creating new zombies. Accepting this harsh truth, Hyori resolved to focus on what she could control: saving lives one at a time. WANDERER Now, as she navigates the treacherous wilderness of the post-apocalyptic world, Hyori carries with her the memories of those she was unable to save and the weight of her experiences on the battlefield. Yet, amidst the ruins of civilization, she remains resilient, her brain simply wired to never gave up as long as she lives. Determined to continue her mission of healing and compassion in a world consumed by darkness she is searching for a safe haven. MARTIAL ARTIST Hyori's journey as a survivor began long before the outbreak, rooted in her early years spent training in both traditional Korean martial arts and Japanese combat techniques. From a young age, her parents instilled in her the value of discipline and self-defense, enrolling her in martial arts classes to hone her skills and build her confidence. In Korea, Hyori immersed herself in the rigorous training of taekwondo, mastering the art of swift and powerful kicks that became her trademark in combat. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, she developed lightning-fast reflexes and unparalleled agility, transforming her petite frame into a lethal weapon capable of felling opponents many times her size. But Hyori's martial arts journey didn't end there. Intrigued by the fluid movements and strategic precision of other martial arts, she ventured into the world of judo and jiu-jitsu, seeking to expand her repertoire of combat techniques. She embraced the principles of leverage and control, learning how to use an opponent's strength against them and emerge victorious even in the face of overwhelming odds. Combining the best of both Korean and Japanese martial arts, Hyori became a true fighting machine hidden within the unassuming guise of a small girl. Her opponents often underestimated her at their peril, only to be swiftly defeated by her lightning-quick strikes and deftly executed maneuvers. With each training session and sparring match, she honed her skills to perfection, transforming herself into a force to be reckoned with in the unforgiving world of the apocalypse. A younger Hyori in Korea

Sent you a DM! Let's talk

can i be a co-gm? im good at the random encounters, like mad survivalists, and hobos with rat congregations

Thanks for the feedback; great questions! I'll dig in a bit more, without overdoing it, because I really do like some backstory to come out during inter-party conversations and, if my app makes it through, I already have the intention of posting further diary entries as Emms reflects on the events of the campaign as it progresses. The Haven I agree that the way Emms is most likely to fit into a group is as a scavenger and runner. I also see her being willing to help out however she can in the general day-to-day life tasks in a community. It's a little ironic because she feels like she's escaped this group dynamic of using and being used, but it isn't unlike the current situation. She helps out and is rewarded with the safety of a community with more defence and comfort. They're rewarded with another set of helping hands and someone willing to risk venturing out to gather. People are still using each other, just in more amiable ways. Whether or not loyalty, friendship, and true connections start to form... only time will tell! I do think being helpful and present in this community does feel uncomfortable and strange for her, but it's pushing her towards who she thinks she should be. The fears of being useless and a failure again are definitely still there, at least from time to time. Even though Emms writes in her diary that she isn't running anymore, I don't think that she's not a flight risk. Obviously she's not going to peace out and screw over the party in the campaign, but I do think there is room to explore that conflict and how she responds to events and danger during the game. And that's the thing, right? As the authour, Emms is an unreliable narrator. She speaks of leaving her gang as a positive and makes it sound like everyone was just benefitting from each other without any true connection, but is that true or is she trying to convince herself that running and leaving them to die wasn't as terrible a thing as it might actually have been? She spent a couple years with these people, so I think the latter, and you're right to ask about that. The Gang The gang dynamics would definitely see a central leader, the inner circle, and then everyone else, which is where Emms would be. She entered the gang through a romantic relationship with its leader. It was short-lived; Emms was just the arm candy at the time. When she was dumped for the next girl in line, she stuck around because of the safety that the gang offered. That was more when she had to start earning her keep and when she began to get involved with petty crimes and other unsavory acts. She was a bottom rung; sent out to take care of business that higher ranking members of the gang wouldn't stoop to do themselves lest they get caught or incriminated. She stole, she sabotaged rival gangs, she carried out some beatings on gang members who stepped out of line. There were some real connections in there, sure, but this is where Emms' current feelings on having left the gang stem from. She wasn't a good person for a good bit there. She regrets it, but she also acknowledges that it kept her fed, sheltered, and safe during a time in her life when she would have otherwise been homeless. And it wasn't all bad. Like you mentioned, she learned things from the gang. She learned how to fight (if you can call it that), she learned how to shoot a gun, how to ride and perform basic maintenance on a bike, how to interact with other people, particularly those that come across as intimidating. A lot of those skills are going to be coming in handy now! In the end, though, she ran. She assumes everyone else in the room with her when she did died, though really she only saw one person get bitten and another get attacked when they tried to help. I'm sure she'll definitely never encounter someone from the gang again in the future, though 😅 A bad memory My fist connects with her jaw and she staggers backwards. Her legs give out and she crumples to the ground. My hand stings. It's covered in blood. Her face is worse though. Someone- I don't know who- hands me a pipe. I don't really register it, but then I'm pushed forward. I raise the pipe; she looks up. Her eyes tell me everything. She's me. Me three years ago. Alone. Scared. Nothing to her name. She messed up and now she risks losing everything. All that separates her life from mine is a metal pipe and a hard bitch. The pipe clatters to the ground. "She gets the message," I say, turning and walking away. Oh babe, I'll pay for that later. A good memory Martin's hand guides my own. "Now," he begins. "Like I taught you. Deep breathe and-" The gunshot rings out and a hole punches through the target, straight through the bullseye. We both start laughing, I'm jumping up and down, I throw my arms around the big man and give him a hug. "Well Miles, you're a real patch now." Martin's the only one who calls me Miles and he's talking about the gang patch. Sewn onto your jacket once you become a full member. "I'll tell Daniel you're ready." I smile and tell him that I'll see Daniel before he does; I was invited over to his place for dinner to celebrate. Martin's smile dies and he tells me, "I'll talk to Daniel about that too. You find somewhere else to celebrate tonight." At first I just feel hurt and confused, then I get the implication. I nod. Martin's always looked out for me more than everyone else, but I didn't know how deep that streak went. I do now. Her Family This one's easier and shorter to cover. Emms never lived up to her parents' expectations of her and when things between her parents got bad and they divorced, some of that anger was directed towards Emms and she ran away and ended up in Denver. Their judgements followed her and haunted her, though. Her fear of failure; that's where it all stemmed from. When it turned out that Emms couldn't handle the real world on her own- couldn't finish her education, couldn't find a job, ended up in the gang- it was her parents' voices that she heard and that pushed her further down that path. Part of Emms' "awakening" with the onset of the dead rising is because she no longer knows if her parents are alive and that helps lay those voices that doubt her to rest, at least partially. If she ran into them again, would she be able to look them in the eye? I honestly don't know, but she's trying to change herself into someone who doesn't live under their shadow anymore, for sure. Specific words that haunt her, spoken by her father after Emms received a single failing grade on a highschool report card: "If this is your best, Emily, then you might as well not try at all."

👍 I'll check other archetypes then and see which one would fit, I know I already saw few just have to go over archetypes again.

Not that it doesn't fit, but that it mechanically will not see any use in this game because there's no 'action economy' per se when it comes to violence and combat. Actions like blocking or dodging aren't mechanically outlined, being assumed as actions you would have already taken when you make your Close Combat or Ranged Combat rolls. Human on human violence tends to be an opposed roll with damage correlating to base damage from weapon + extra successes over their opponent (- number of successes the opponent makes on their armor roll). For walkers, even if you fail the roll there's still a good chance you'll kill the walker anyways, but you'll just suffer a complication ranging from just taking damage, to even worse fates like getting bitten or just instantly dying. Dice bonuses for TWD Talents, when corresponding to skills, are always situational. Certain conditions have to be met in order for you to receive that bonus. I'm more than happy to help out with what kind of Talent you'd like for your character, just shoot me what ideas you have!

The blurb at the beginning is a bit vague since I do tend to write long backgrounds and I struggle to push it into several short sentences, it's a personal failing. I know this is a separate book and SRD is just a basis but repeating my impeccable "pick and choose" technique again as I did with the equipment would be lazy so I chose one talent out of three from the SRD and others copied from other archetypes. if you think it doesn't fit I'll remove it. As for my failings at math I suck at it I was too concentrated to have enough points in total so it slipped me by, I'll fix it. I'll see to finish everything soon.

While some of the elements in the Year Zero SRD are worth looking for to get inspiration, the SRD covers a generalized engine which applies to a wide range of games with various different systems and styles of how to handle combat. For example, Mutant: Year Zero and Twilight: 2000 handle combat a bit differently from one another despite sharing the same engine. The Walking Dead is very different from those former games as it abstracts combats with a Duel and Brawl system as I outline in the Violence thread, consisting of just one opposed roll most of the time; there aren't any minutiae details on combat like fast actions, blocking, or an action economy. Talents like Flyweight or Hard Hitter wouldn't work in the Walking Dead system as intended or written, and would likely need to be modified further to make it work, which I'm happy to help with! Regarding equipment, I'm fine with the current list as it is now since you're essentially just taking bits and pieces from other Archetypes' gear list. Overall I'm fine with it as long as it conforms to a generalized theme of your Archetype. Speaking of, I like your excerpt on the Nomad... but, truth be told, all that it really told me about the narrator is that they're an athlete hoping to escape with football as their ticket out of their hometown. I think everything gets explained a bit more in an indirect manner in the last few sentences of the monologue, but it's pretty vague - which I appreciate and the subtlety if that's what you were going for! I know you said you aren't done, but I did notice some things already mechanically and for your issues. Your Empathy is 1, and no stat should be below 2 at character creation or above 4 EXCEPT for your Key Attribute, which can be 5. Dealt a bad hand... doesn't really tell me much in regards to how it can be an Issue that affects other people in your group or would cause complications or gives me good hooks in game to present mechanical challenges, unlike your first one - since there's gonna be plenty of times where killing living people will probably be in your best interests. Bad hand because he had a pretty crappy life before the outbreak and that affects his behaviours or mannerisms? Just want a bit more explanation on how that applies to Rand in particular. I'll likely have more questions once the backstory and rest of the mechanics are fleshed out, but so far decent start!

Hi, I think I added my character but please let me know if I am missing anything

Shepherd Sierra Archetype: Outdoorsman PC Anchor: Drive: Out with the old NPC Anchor: Issues: Pessimist Strength Agility Wits Empathy 5 4 2 2 Close Combat 0 Mobility 1 Scout 1 Medicine 0 Endure 2 Ranged Combat 0 Survival 2 Manipulation 0 Force 3 Stealth 1 Tech 1 Leadership 0 TALENTS HEALTH Tough as Nails 3. Unharmed 2. Bruised [ ] 1. Battered [ ] 0. Broken [ ] Critical Injuries Stress Experience Encumbrance X/7 Weapons Bonus Damage Rounds Range Shotgun Armour Protection Penalty "Only after disaster can we be resurrected." Shepherd can be a simultaneously alluring and imposing presence, with colorful hair and a don't give a shit look on his face. His body has seen decades of hard labor as a deckhand and seasoned rock climber. His skin is weathered and his hands calloused from ropes. He's missing a few teeth and his breath often carries the flavor of hard liquor. His voice is soft, but still makes sure to keep others in check with the occasional jaded wisecrack. Often wearing simple, all-weather clothing, he's equipped to go out in any conditions. Never without his backpack and tools, he's learned to be prepared for any situation. QUALITY SLOTS AMOUNT BONUS Stored Items Location Toolbox OTHER ITEMS Vehicle Maneuverability Damage Hull Armour Jeep DETAILED BACKGROUND A child of broken homes, Shepherd gave up on humanity long ago and has since been looking forward to its collapse. He has a long history of environmental activism: aboard the sea vessels engaged in direct action against poaching operations and fossil fuel polluters, among the clandestine forest defenders infiltrating and sabotaging sites across North America, and within cities to deface corporate targets and resupply for the next operation. When society began to crumble, Shepherd was one of the few who saw it as an opportunity for another chance: rebirth for a better society, one in which the greed would be cleansed. His found-family of misfits and survivalists handled the collapse better than most, retreating to a safe house in the outskirts of Rocky Mountain National Park after an animal liberation operation in Fort Collins went awry. They gathered food, built defenses, and took in survivors from the movement. It began to feel like a kind of Eden until a caravan arrived on the third week with a wounded passenger. That was all it took for everything to fall apart. Shepherd was one of the few to make it out of there alive. Now, fleeing yet another broken home, he's set on returning to the sea a as last resort, in hopes he'll find a part of the world that has avoided the infection... somewhere to finally start a new society.

Hello everyone! 👋

Rachel Thompson Archetype: Preacher PC Anchor:TBD Drive: I walk with the Lord NPC Anchor:TBD Issues:Afraid of conflict Strength Agility Wits Empathy 2 3 3 5 Close Combat 0 Mobility 2 Scout 1 Medicine 1 Endure 0 Ranged Combat 0 Survival 1 Manipulation 2 Force 0 Stealth 2 Tech 0 Leadership 3 TALENTS HEALTH Preacher, gain +2 to Leadership when trying to sway a group of people. 3. Unharmed 2. Bruised [ ] 1. Battered [ ] 0. Broken [ ] Critical Injuries Stress Experience Encumbrance Weapons Bonus Damage Rounds Range Armour Protection Penalty "Family isn't just about blood. It's about the connections we forge, the love we share, and the sacrifices we make for one another." In her mid-60s, with vibrant red hair framing a face adorned with wrinkles, each marking a chapter of her life's journey. Her brown eyes brim with warmth and wisdom, reflecting her solid dedication to her beliefs and community. As she stands with a gentle but confident posture, her resilience and determination shine through, tempered by a sense of grace and humility born from years of serving others. When she speaks, her voice carries a soothing tone that draws people in, conveying both authority and empathy. GEAR ITEM QUALITY SLOTS AMOUNT BONUS Stored Items Location OTHER ITEMS Bible, guitar, iron cross Vehicle Maneuverability Damage Hull Armour DETAILED BACKGROUND Well, now, Rachel Thompson's story, it's a bit like knitting a patchwork quilt, isn't it? Born into a cozy little family in the heart of the American Midwest, she was, surrounded by love and faith from the get-go. Like a seed planted in fertile soil, she grew up strong and true, with a fiery spirit that could rival even the brightest flame. Rachel, she always had a knack for helping others, you see. From the moment she could walk, she was lending a hand to those in need, whether it was helping a neighbor with their chores or comforting a friend in distress. It's like she had this innate sense of compassion, a deep well of kindness that seemed to flow endlessly from her heart. Now, when it came time for Rachel to spread her wings and find her path in the world, she felt a calling deep within her soul. A calling to ministry, to serve her community in a deeper, more meaningful way. So off she went, to seminary, to learn and grow in her faith, to become the shepherd that her flock so desperately needed. And oh, the places she's been, the lives she's touched along the way. Rachel's journey as a pastor, it's been a bit like navigating a stormy sea, full of highs and lows, twists and turns. But through it all, she's remained steadfast, anchored by her unwavering faith and her deep love for those under her care. Now, as the world around her descends into chaos, Rachel finds herself drawing on that faith more than ever before.

James strikes me as a person with a strong sense of purpose and an energy that definitely gives off 'self-made', or, well, 'self-made' in the making, being no stranger to hard work or time management. He comes from humble roots and has been a victim of the injustice of poverty for a significant part of his life, but resentment and emotional turmoil aside - does he possess a strong sense of 'justice' because of his family's experiences; or, really, is it a ideology of 'just us', and he's focused primarily on himself / those around him and getting them a better life or one step ahead of the game, the world be damned? Is his past a point of shame for him, in how he wants to separate himself from his father and family as much as he could for his own individual status, or is a point of pride for him - telling himself how far he's gotten and using that as a basis to build some sort of legacy in the future? Does he even care or thought about a generational legacy? How has James' networking skills and influence earned him significant advantages as he was building his career or even at the start when he was graduating college. Were any of these advantages gained through borderline (or just straight up) unethical means - and if so, does James care? If he had aspirations to run for office or any sort of bureaucratic position, does (or did) he have a spouse given how much of a 'social' requirement it is in the government sphere, or was he confident that his own 'character' and charisma could get him those seats? Has he ever been the Clerk and Recorder by election, or was he always a member of staff? Why did he decide to take a more 'comptroller' route in breaking into government bureaucracy compared to other ways of getting into county legislature or executive positions? During the first few weeks of the outbreak, how did James' networking majorly assist and help him regarding his survival. Did he have access and were placed into the Safe Zones in the Denver area? What happened in his point of view, if so? What were his opinions on the National Guard or key figures / commissioned officers and their leadership during that time? Mechanically, things look pretty good! Only question I have is for his Drive, and it relates earlier to James' sense of Justice. Is it more of a 'I will lead them' in trying to make a society again, feeling like he's a good arbiter to handle disputes and to rebuild? Or is it more of a 'I will lead them', wanting to be top-dog in a world where dogs eat each other (and eaten also... well, by the dead)? Perhaps it's a bit of both, but I wanna get more of a sense of direction on James' ego in that aspect.

Nope, was very well written

Yeah, I probably went overboard..