Alejandra Márquez-García "I won't let anything happen to you, Leja. Absolutely nothing." Alejandra is the youngest of the Márquez-García siblings, a bright-eyed girl that remains the light of the Márquez-García family, somehow maintaining her childlike innocence and indirectly serving as the moral compass and primary motivation for both her mother and her older brother. She is the glue keeping together what remains of the family, especially now more than ever since Juliana's passing. Despite her relatively kind exterior and somewhat naive demeanour, a perceptive glare always permeates her eyes; always watching and noticing her surroundings and absorbing what she sees, hinting to a maturity beyond her years. Despite her young age, being almost fourteen years old, Alejandra possesses a surprising level of emotional intelligence. She has an innate ability to empathize and connect with others, making friends relatively easily as seen with the Márquez-García family's last group. In her private time, however, she enjoys quieter activities to the pass the time - sketching landmarks that she's seen or collecting small trinkets and treasures as they pass from town to town. She, like most others within the Márquez-García family in the past, possesses a strong relationship with her kin; yet her bond with her older brother, Raphael, is unbreakable. Moreso than she does with her mother or her late father, she looks up to Raphael as a sort of idol figure, providing purpose and in-a-sense serving as a confidant to him for certain things. But deep down, something swells within Alejandra. She smiles less, and tries her best to get involved and 'contribute' more in order to take the load off her brother's and mother's plate. SKILLS AND TALENTS TRAINED Endure, Scout, Mobility EXPERT Stealth MASTER - TALENTS A Child of This WorldAlejandra does not take Stress when she see's someone get infected., SensitiveAlejandra can use Scout to learn what other people feel and intend to do, and even their Issues. ISSUES Feels Like a Burden

Diana García "You're colder than how you used to be, a lot more scared too - but maybe you were always this scared. I... I wouldn't blame you. Somedays I wish this was a horrible nightmare. But we need to keep it together. We'll make our way through this, just hang on a little bit longer..." You could say that Diana was the heart and soul of the Márquez-García family, her presence radiating warmth and love in equal measure. But now, with the advent of the rising dead feasting on the living, she's nothing but a shell of her former self. Once a beacon of strength and compassion, Diana now bears the weight of the world on her shoulders on top of the grief that she carries following the death of her first daughter, Juliana - a burden that her son Raphael is attempting to alleviate, but her form is beginning to crack. Diana is a Cuban-American woman in her early forties, serving now as the matriarch for the Márquez-García family as they wander the western Kentucky wetlands. In a previous life, Diana dedicated herself to caring for others as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Whether it was tending to the sick and injured in her professional life or providing comfort and support to her loved ones at home, either in cooking her family's favorite meals, offering a listening ear, or simply being a shoulder to lean on in times of need, despite the demands of her career. Now, the grace and love that Diana possesses dwindles by the week. Her once bright eyes now seem dull and hollow, haunted by the tragedies she has witnessed and the losses she has endured. She speaks less, with bags and shadows forming under her eyes - her smiles fading faster and becoming more forced. Regardless, she perseveres, if only now out of obligation to ensure that her children are safe and sound. MECHANICAL INFORMATION TRAINED Endure, Stealth EXPERT Medicine MASTER TALENTS Emergency MedicineDiana gets a +2 to Medicine when she stabilizes a critical injury that needs basic medical gear., Seen It AllDiana does not take stress from seeing someone get wounded, tormented, or even Broken., Tough As NailsDiana gains +2 to Endure when she starves or works hard. ISSUES Emotionally Shut Off, Depressed

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Dominic Márquez "I could really use your strength right now papá, some days it feels like the whole world is coming down on me..." Dominic was a pillar of strength and resilience, his presence commanding respect and admiration wherever he went. He exhibited a steadfast determination and a tireless work ethic that set him apart from his peers. With his unwavering dedication to providing for his family, Dominic was the epitome example and role-model for his children. As a father, Dominic exuded a quiet strength and a deep sense of responsibility, his love for his children shining through in every action and every word. He took great pride in instilling in his son, Raphael, the value of hard work and perseverance, imparting to him the skills and knowledge that would serve him well in the years to come. He loved and adored his daughters, Juliana and Alejandra, protecting them and nearly spoiling them with the fruits of his labor. Despite the demands of his profession, Dominic always made time for his family, cherishing the moments spent together and creating lasting memories that would be treasured for a lifetime. Whether it was teaching Raphael the intricacies of mechanics or simply sharing a meal around the dinner table, Dominic reveled in the simple joys of family life, his presence bringing warmth and comfort to those around him.

Juliana Márquez-García "I miss you Julie... I'll try to remember the best of you, rather than what you became..." Juliana was a whirlwind of energy, passion, and vitality that sometimes could be way too much for some people. From a young age, she exuded a fiery independence and an irrepressible spirit that set her apart from her peers. With her vibrant personality and magnetic charm, she effortlessly drew people to her, forging friendships that spanned across her many social circles. Overall, she was a pretty typical and ordinary teenage girl. She reveled in the freedom of self-expression, unapologetically embracing different phases and trends as she sought to carve out her own identity in the world. Beyond her vivacious personality and mischievous antics, Juliana possessed a hidden talent that set her apart from the crowd. As a skilled artist, she found solace and expression in the vibrant world of graffiti, transforming dull city walls into colorful masterpieces that spoke volumes about her creative vision and rebellious spirit. While her artistic pursuits sometimes landed her in hot water with school authorities, Juliana refused to be caged by societal norms. Academically, Juliana was average, her interests lying more in the realm of creativity and self-expression rather than traditional scholarly pursuits. Despite this, she found an outlet for her artistic talents in the school's theater program, where she dazzled audiences with her performances in various plays and productions. It was on the stage that Juliana truly came alive, channeling her boundless energy and charisma into unforgettable performances that left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of witnessing her talent firsthand. Despite her rebellious streaks and penchant for getting into mischief, her love and devotion to her parents and siblings knew no bounds; the loyalty she possessed for her family was unquestioned.

RAPHAEL MÁRQUEZ-GARCÍA Archetype: The Seeker Anchors: Diana Márquez Drive: Duty to My Family Alejandra Márquez-García Issues: Haunted by the Past Strength Agility Wits Empathy 3 4 4 3 Close Combat 2 Mobility 2 Scout 1 Medicine 0 Endure 2 Ranged Combat 1 Survival 1 Manipulation 1 Force 0 Stealth 2 Tech 2 Leadership 2 TALENTS HEALTH Eye on the Ball"I can't give up, I won't give up." Relieve one Stress every time a threat or an enemy is defeated or overcome. 3. Unharmed Handy"Everything is understandable, given enough time." With a little time and some tools, you can repair most things – even if you don’t have the right parts. You also get +2 to Tech when you repair things as a project. 2. Bruised [ ] Stubborn"Nothing will get in my way. Nothing." Your Drive gives you a +3 bonus instead of +2. 1. Battered [ ] 0. Broken [ ] Critical Injuries Stress Experience Encumbrance 0 0 5 Weapons Bonus Damage Rounds Range Silenced Pistol +2 2 - Short Hunting Knife +2 1 - Short Armour Protection Penalty Hardened Leather Jacket 3 0 "We will make it through this, I promise." Striking the appearance as a disheveled and rugged survivor, Raphael possesses a unique blend of features that immediately draw the eye. His youthful vigor is evident in the subtle lines that mark his face below the dirt that cakes it; possessing an agile yet athletic build, standing at a rather average height at five feet and eleven inches. His olive skin carries a hint of sun-kissed warmth, contrasting with the deep, captivating hue of his tightly curled hair. His piercing green eyes, however, are the most notable; their intensity a stark contrast to the worn fatigue that sometimes clouds his expression. GEAR Item Quality Slots Amount Bonus Binoculars Okay 1/2 1 +2 Scout Compass Bad - 1 +2 Survival Crowbar Bad 1 1 +2 Force Flashlight Bad - 1 +1 Scout Rations - 1/2 2 - Stored Items Location TINY ITEMS Journal Vehicle Maneuverability Damage Hull Armour DETAILED BACKGROUND A NORMAL LIFE Raphael Márquez-García was born and raised in Akron, Ohio - an ever expanding city known for its industrial heritage and tight-knit communities. Raphael was the eldest of three children belonging to Diana Márquez, a Cuban-American woman who was a Licensed Practical Nurse, and Dominic García, a Dominican-American man who was a blue-collar worker as an automotive mechanic. Growing up in a multicultural household, Raphael was deeply influenced by the vibrant blend of Cuban and Dominican cultures that his parents brought into their home, and benefitted immensely from the strong familial bonds that both his maternal and paternal sides of the family offered. From a young age, Raphael displayed a keen intellect and a natural curiosity about how things worked. His father saw potential in his son and eagerly passed on his knowledge, spending weekends tinkering on cars and teaching Raphael the intricacies of engines and machinery. Despite the expectation that Raphael might one day join the family business, his parents always emphasized the importance of education and encouraged him to pursue his passions. Throughout his childhood, Raphael shared a close bond with his two sisters, Juliana, who was three years younger than him, and Alejandra, six years younger. Their home was always filled with the typical trappings of an average American nuclear family household: laughter, fights, yelling, warmth, but above all else - the Márquez-García family possessed a strong internal and familial community. Despite the challenges of growing up in a reality where money was sometimes tight, Raphael's parents worked tirelessly to provide for their children, instilling in them a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. As Raphael progressed through the American education system, it became evident that he possessed a remarkable aptitude for academics, particularly in the fields of math and engineering. He performed very well in his studies, earning top marks and getting recognition from his peers and teachers alike. While he enjoyed participating in sports like cross-country and baseball, it was his passion for learning and his desire to make a difference in the world that truly set him apart. Despite the minor expectation that he'd stay at home post-graduation and help his father start his business, Raphael had his sights set on a different path. With the support of most of his family, he applied to Carnegie Mellon's prestigious Engineering Program and was thrilled to be accepted. Just as he did in High School, Raphael also excelled in his undergraduate studies while also working part-time on campus. Raphael's future seemed bright, filled with endless possibilities as he was close to finishing his degree program - entering his Senior year in undergraduate with an internship lined up with the expectation to turn into a full-time job. THE TRIALS Campus closed abruptly a week after the fall semester, bringing Raphael's senior year to an unexpected halt. Returning home to Akron, Ohio, he found himself thrust into a world descending into chaos as the outbreak unfolded with alarming speed. On August 26th, the World Health Organization's memorandum signaled the severity of the situation of a worldwide pandemic, with Raphael's mother, Diana, inundated at work with cases of the mysterious illness. The once-familiar routines of daily life were swiftly replaced by a sense of foreboding as the specter of the outbreak loomed ever larger. Two days later, on August 28th, the Governor of Ohio's executive order painted a grim picture of the escalating crisis, outlining the devastating impact of the outbreak across multiple states. With the activation of the Ohio National Guard, the full scale of the catastrophe became apparent. Amidst the chaos, safe zones offered a glimmer of hope, but their promise quickly crumbled under the weight of military intervention and the relentless onslaught of the undead. Tragically, Raphael's father, Dominic, fell victim to the violence unleashed by the Sunset Protocol, but they had no time to grieve as they needed to escape Columbus as Napalm fell upon the metropolis. Seeking refuge with a group of survivors in the outskirts of Lancaster, the Márquez-García family clung to the hope of safety and security amidst the turmoil. The group stayed together fairly strong, managing to stick together and survive throughout the winter, but tensions simmered and personalities clashed and drama unfolded; their fragile sanctuary being shattered both on the inside with a violent schism and by an attack from a horde of undead, leaving them once again on the run. In the wake of the chaos, tragedy struck as Juliana, bitten during the attack, succumbed to fever and reanimated as one of the undead two days later. Raphael was forced to confront the horrifying reality of putting down his own sister in order to protect Alejandra. Nothing else happened that day, as the Márquez-García spent the remaining week grieving. Two months had passed since Juliana's tragic demise, yet the pain of her loss still felt raw and agonizing. Each day brought new challenges and fresh horrors, eroding what little hope remained in their hearts. Their journey through the Kentucky wetlands was fraught with danger at every turn. The once lush and vibrant landscape had been transformed into a haunting tableau of decay and despair. Town after town lay deserted and decaying, their streets echoing with the eerie silence of abandonment. Despite the desolation, Raphael refuses to give up. Somewhere, someday, they'll find a safe place - a sanctuary that he and his family can make their own.