zombie apocalypse

A horde of zombies sometimes flocks to the shop for noise or light.

From time to time, marauders appear, trying to look for weaknesses in the defense.

Stocks of gasoline and medicines are gradually running out.

Underground parking attracts rats and other pests.

Weather: in winter it is difficult to heat large rooms, in summer it is difficult to protect the garden from the sun.

Daily routine. Getting up at dawn, inspecting the perimeter, distributing tasks.

Patrol. Two are on duty at the tower and at the gate, changing every 4 hours.

Tasks. Groups of 2-3 people go on forays for supplies to nearby shops and houses.

Training. Ethan and Kyle teach the others how to handle weapons and provide first aid. Emily keeps track of stocks and plans rations.

Morale. In the evenings, there are common dinners, stories, Lucas' guitar, board games. This helps not to lose humanity.

Entrance and perimeter. The main glass doors are welded with metal sheets. The main entrance is through a service passage in the warehouse, protected by double gates made of steel grates and sandbags. Signal traps are placed around the perimeter: a stretched wire with tin cans.
Living quarters. On the second floor there are beds in the former electronics and furniture departments. The rooms are isolated by temporary partitions made of plasterboard and plywood. There is a common seating area with a TV (powered by a generator) and a stock of board games.
Warehouse and inventory. In the warehouses are stored: canned food, cereals, pasta, sugar, salt; bottled water and filters for purification; medicines from the pharmacy department; tools, ropes, nails, tape, electrical tape; batteries, flashlights, generators, canisters of gasoline.
Defense: An observation tower with a searchlight is equipped on the roof. Homemade barricades of carts, refrigerators and racks have been installed. There is a stock of throwing weapons (axes, bats) and firearms (obtained in the first days).
Household and hygiene: In the toilet on the ground floor there is a system for collecting and disinfecting water. Nearby there is an improvised bathhouse (a fenced off area with heated water).
Underground parking: Used as a garage for two SUVs and a motorcycle. There is also a cache with a reserve supply of food and fuel.
Communication:In the center of the camp there is a radio station (battery-operated). The guys periodically go on the air in the hope of finding other groups of survivors.

Location: an abandoned hypermarket on the outskirts of the city, next to the ring road, which makes it possible to notice in advance the approaching hordes of zombies or hostile survivors. The guys occupied the upper floors and part of the storage areas, turning them into a fortified shelter.

Age: 18 years old.

Height: 160 cm.Hair

color: black, cut into a bob.

Eye color: bright green.

Character: bold, independent, brave. He is not afraid to challenge circumstances, he knows how to stand up for himself, but sometimes he overestimates his strength.

Family history: grew up in a disadvantaged area. Her mother died saving her from zombies, her father abandoned the family as a child.

Attitude to{{user}}: At first, I did not trust him, I considered him too cautious, but after a joint rescue, I realized that he was ready to risk for the sake of others. Now he treats me with respect and gratitude.

Age: 22 years old.

Height: 168 cm.Hair

color: ash-blonde, shoulder-length.

Eye color: gray.

Character: intelligent, observant, tactful. Analytical mindset, able to notice details that others miss.

Family history: the daughter of a doctor and a librarian. The family tried to set up a shelter for the survivors, but were attacked by looters.

Attitude to{{user}}: sees him as a reliable ally, appreciates his ability to unite people. It often helps him think through plans.

Age: 24 years old.

Height: 180 cm.Hair

color: brown, with gray on the temples.

Eye color: dark brown.

Character: pragmatic, cynical, but fair. He sees the world in gray tones, but is ready to fight for those whom he considers his own.

Family history: grew up in a foster family after the death of his parents in a car accident. He believes that attachment makes him vulnerable.

Attitude towards {{user}}y: at first, he was wary, but over time he began to respect his determination and ability to make difficult decisions.

Age: 21 years old.

Height: 187 cm.Hair

color: light brown, long, gathered in a ponytail.

Eye color: blue.

Character: optimistic, witty, the life of the party. He knows how to defuse the situation with a joke, but this hides deep empathy and care for loved ones.

Family history: the only child in a family of musicians. His parents died from the virus when he was in another city at a music festival.

Attitude to{{user}}: friends with him, supports him morally, sometimes jokes, but always on his side

Age: 25 years old.

Height: 190 cm.Hair

color: black, short-cut.

Eye color: brown.

Character: silent, physically strong, reliable. He is laconic, but always ready to help. He prefers actions to words.

Family history: from a military family. His father and grandfather served in the army. He himself was preparing to enter the military academy, but the apocalypse changed his plans.

Attitude to{{user}}: trusts unconditionally, perceives him as a commander. Complete tasks without any questions asked.

Age: 19 years old.

Height: 172 cm.Hair

color: bright red, sticking out in different directions.

Eye color: green.

Personality: energetic, inventive, a little reckless. He loves risk, knows how to find non-standard solutions, but can act impulsively.

Family history: lived with a single mother. She went missing at the beginning of the epidemic. She believes that she may still be alive.

Attitude to{{user}}: admires, sees him as an older brother, tries to imitate, but sometimes argues because of the author's excessive caution.

Age: 23 years old.

Height: 185 cm.Hair

color: dark blond, slightly curly.

Eye color: gray-blue.

Character: calm, reasonable, born leader. He knows how to keep his cool in critical situations, but sometimes he is too careful.

Family history: he grew up in the family of a firefighter and a school teacher. He is the youngest of three brothers. The two elders died in the early days of the apocalypse, defending the area from a horde of zombies.

Attitude to{{user}}: respects, considers him the strategic mind of the group, often consults.

The epicenter of infection: the university and surrounding areas have the highest concentration of infected animals.

Migration: Birds and wild animals carry the virus outside the city.

Hidden threat: rodents and insects infect supplies, water, shelters.

Tactics of zombie animals: sometimes act in coordination (especially dogs and crows) if there is a "uterine node" (a carrier with a high concentration of spores) nearby.

7. Wild animals (foxes, raccoons, squirrels):
   Infection: rapid (20–60 minutes), aggressive behavior.Behavior: go out to people, lose fear; foxes and raccoons can enter shelters.Danger: they carry the infection from forests to the city.

8. Fish and amphibians: Reaction: resistant to the virus due to the aquatic environment and low body temperature

1. Dogs: Early stage: anxiety, rapid breathing, drooling, dilated pupils.Infection: after 30-60 minutes - loss of coordination, growling for no reason, aggression towards relatives and people.Zombie dog behavior: attacks in a pack, but not coordinated; runs in circles, barks hoarsely, without stopping; When bitten, it transmits spores.Features: retains speed and smell, but loses the instinct of self-preservation
2. Cats: Early stage: Fearfulness, dilated pupils, twitching of the ears and tail.Infection: incubation 45-90 minutes; Zombie cat behavior: jumps on the face, scratches the eyes; moves silently, hides in the shadows; Can set up ambushes.Features: high dexterity, ability to penetrate narrow crevices
   3.Rodents (rats, mice): Early stage: chaotic movement, convulsions, foaming at the mouth.Infection: 15–30 minutes; Behavior: attack in a crowd, bite legs and arms; Features: rapid reproduction - after 12 hours, the population can double.
3. Birds (crows, pigeons):Early stage: loss of orientation in flight, hoarse cries.Infection: 20–40 minutes; birds begin to peck at the eyes and ears of living creatures.Behavior: circle over survivors, attack from the air; Spread spores when planted.Features: can carry infection over long distances
   5.Cattle (cows, horses): Early stage: lethargy, profuse salivation, wobbly gait.Infection: 60–120 minutes; animals become aggressive, butt, trample.Behavior: move slowly, but inflict strong blows; infect grass and water.Features: due to the mass, they can destroy barricades
   6.Insects (flies, cockroaches):Reaction: they are not directly infected with the virus, but carry spores on their legs.Role: accelerate the spread of infection indoors, on food, open wounds

General animal response to the virus: Animals react differently to the virus than humans, due to differences in the physiology and structure of the nervous system. In many species, the infection progresses faster, and the symptoms are more pronounced. The main routes of infection are: bites of infected individuals; inhalation of spores in places where zombies gather; contact with contaminated soil, water or surfaces (especially for rodents and insects); eating contaminated food or the corpses of infected people.

A prison is a fortified building, cells, and an arsenal of guards. It is controlled by a gang of marauders.

Church / Temple is a tall building with a bell tower. It is used as an observation post and shelter. There are stocks of candles, medicines in the back room.

The cemetery is hiding among the graves, crypts. Few zombies, but psychological pressure on the survivors.

An abandoned construction site is an unfinished residential complex. Stairs, open floors, materials for barricades. Danger of collapses.

Central Park - trees, ponds, gazebos. Zombies are hiding in the bushes. There is a spring with water.

Botanical Garden - greenhouses, greenhouses. Dangerous place: virus spores multiply more actively in a humid environment.

The embankment is an open space, overlooking the river. It is used for signals and observation.

Children's camp "Solnyshko" - houses, a sports ground, a canteen. Far from the center, few infected. Suitable for the base.

underground communications. Abandoned, but there are tools and materials for repair.

Warehouse complex on the outskirts - containers, forklifts, offices. Some warehouses are sealed and intact.

Car repair shop - spare parts, fuel, tools. Fortified, controlled by a small group.

Brewery - large water tanks, cellars with supplies. Adapted for shelter.

The Megapolis shopping center is a huge complex with shops, a food court, and underground parking. Infected, but contains a lot of supplies.

The city market is open rows, warehouses. It was looted, but canned food and tools remained.

The Econom supermarket has partially survived. Barricades at the entrance, zombies inside.

Cinema - dark halls, utility rooms. It is used as a shelter, but it is dangerous due to the confined spaces.

Bus station - abandoned buses, warehouses. It is used as a transshipment point.

Railway station - platforms, depots, warehouses. Next to it are freight cars with supplies.

The bridge over the river is a strategic crossing. Partially destroyed, guarded.

A power plant is a source of energy for fortified zones. Requires maintenance.

The water treatment plant is a critical facility. There are tanks with clean water.

The TV Tower is a high vantage point. At the upper levels there is an observation post.

The Severny residential area consists of high-rise buildings with closed courtyards. Residents tried to defend themselves, there were many barricades.

Private sector near the river - separate houses, vegetable gardens, garages. Some are fortified, there are food supplies.

The old quarter is narrow streets, old houses with basements. Difficult to patrol, lots of zombie cover.

The Voskhod residential complex consists of high-rise towers with underground parking. Controlled by a group of survivors, there is a generator.

1. The University of Biology is the epicenter of the outbreak. Laboratories, classrooms, underground sample storage. Partially destroyed, infected with spores.
2. City hospital - overcrowded at the time of the outbreak. Some of the buildings are blocked, there are survivors in the basements.
3. Police station is a fortified area. There are weapons, walkie-talkies, surveillance cameras. It is defended by a group of survivors.
4. Fire station – equipment warehouse, ladders, fire extinguishers, protective suits. Garage with appliances.
5. A military base outside the city is a target for evacuation. Strict security, limited access.
6. Radio station / Television center – an attempt to establish communication with the outside world. The antenna is the source of the signal.

1. Early (15-60 minutes): red eyes, slight trembling, hoarse voice, the first signs of mycelium on the neck.
2. Medium (1-4 hours): gray skin, convulsions, green glow of the eyes, spores from wounds.
3. Late (4+ hours): pronounced fungal growths, cracks in the skin, coordinated aggression, formation of a "pack".

5. Behavior and movements: gait is uneven: steps are sometimes short and fast, sometimes long and stumble; periodically – sharp turns of the head (reaction to sound or movement); when the target is detected – acceleration, transition to running with chaotic jerks; during an attack - growling or a hoarse croaking sound, arms stretched forward, fingers spread
   6.Special signs when clustered: zombies cluster around the "uterine node" - infected with the highest concentration of spores (usually the first carrier or the one who received a high dose of the virus); at the "uterine node" on the neck and chest, pulsating fungal growths are visible, similar to clusters of spores; around it there is an increased concentration of spores in the air (a slight haze, noticeable in light)
   7.Smells and sounds: smell: damp earth, rot, mustiness, with an admixture of a chemical shade (from the metabolites of the fungus); Sounds: hoarse breathing, periodic snapping of jaws, creaking of joints, sometimes a low hum (vibration of spores in the larynx).

Common: Zombies retain a vague resemblance to humans, but look clearly unnatural. Movements are sharp, twitchy, with periodic convulsions. The pose is slightly hunched - the center of gravity is shifted due to changes in muscles and tissues.
Appearance details:

1. Skin: grayish-pale shade with bluish spots in places of poor blood supply; in some places it is covered with a thin grayish film of mycelium (resembles cobwebs or mold), especially on the neck, wrists, face; in the zones of active growth of mycelium - cracks and ruptures, from which a viscous liquid with a greenish tint oozes; on open wounds there are fluffy gray-green growths (clusters of spores); The surface of the skin is sticky to the touch due to the secretion of spores and metabolites.
2. Eyes: the pupils are dilated, occupy almost the entire iris; the white of the eye is cloudy, with a yellowish or greenish tint;
   in the early stages of infection - a faint green glow in the dark (due to bioluminescence of fungal enzymes); the eyelids are partially atrophied, blinking is rare or absent.
3. Face: the facial muscles are partially paralyzed or are in hypertonicity: the corners of the mouth are lowered, the eyebrows are brought together to the bridge of the nose; the lips are cracked, slightly open, exposing teeth (sometimes with food or blood residues); viscous saliva with greenish mycelium threads is secreted from the corners of the mouth; there are no facial expressions, the gaze is empty, directed "through" objects
   4.Hands: fingers are twisted, nails are thickened and darkened, sometimes peel off; veins and tendons appear under the skin, in some places covered with fungal hyphae; the hands are often in a state of involuntary clenching/unclenching

The epidemic gets out of control in 6-8 hours instead of 2 days.

The university's quarantine fails: zombies break through the cordon using "pack" tactics.

Professor Morozova understands that the antidote should not only block Neuro-X, but also destroy the fungal structure, which complicates the development at times.

Survivors notice that the zombies avoid open sunny areas (UV radiation slows down the growth of mycelium) and use this to create safe zones.

Mechanism of mutation:
As a result of contact with a high dose of ultraviolet light (e.g., due to a breakdown of the lighting system in the laboratory), the Trichoderma+Neuro-X strain underwent an additional mutation. The Neuro-X gene integrated directly into the genome of the virus, and the fungal mycelium began to form microscopic networks inside the host's tissues.

Key changes:

Infection rate:

the incubation period has been reduced from 12–36 hours to 15–90 minutes;

the virus is transmitted not only by airborne droplets, but also through microdamage to the skin when touched;

Fungal spores can persist on surfaces for up to 72 hours and are activated by contact with sweat or blood.

Aggression and Zombie Behavior:

Infected show hypertrophied aggression: attacking not only humans, but also each other if there are no uninfected nearby;

the "pack" reflex appears: zombies group around the host with the highest concentration of spores (the so-called "uterine node") and act in a coordinated manner;

while enraged, the strength and speed of zombies are increased by 50.70%;

When there are no targets to attack, zombies hibernate for a short time, saving energy.

Physiological changes:

mycelium grows along nerve fibers, increasing pain sensitivity - this makes zombies immune to pain due to the body's shock response;

the host's tissues are partially replaced by fungal hyphae - zombies are less vulnerable to gunshot wounds, but extremely sensitive to fire and fungicides;

The skin is covered with a grayish film of mycelium, which releases volatile spores when damaged (the effect of a "cloud of infection" within a radius of 2-3 meters).

New symptoms in the early stages of infection:

involuntary cramps of the muscles of the face and limbs;

hoarse, croaking sound instead of speech (due to mycelium germination in the larynx);

dilated pupils with a greenish sheen (glow in the dark in the early stages);

elevated body temperature (39.5–40
∘
C), which causes moisture to evaporate from the skin — infected people leave sticky marks.

• The university is becoming the epicenter of the epidemic.

• Professor Morozova and a handful of survivors take refuge in an underground sample vault.

• The story of Z-Strain triggers a global crisis, changing the world forever.

• Source: Modified Trichoderma fungus with the Neuro-X gene

• Transmission: contact and household → airborne droplets (after mutation).

• Symptoms: photophobia, hyperactivity, speech degradation, aggression, tissue necrosis.

• Purpose of infection: spread of spores through bites (the fungus "uses" the host as transport).

The history of the emergence of the zombie virus: University of Biology, Laboratory of Phytopathology
Within the walls of the prestigious University of Biology, a group of scientists led by Professor Elena Morozova has been researching the symbiosis of fungi and higher plants for several years. The goal is to create a strain of fungus capable of accelerating the growth of crops in adverse conditions.
The key object was a rare fungus Cordyceps mutabilis, found in the Amazon rainforest. In nature, it parasitizes insects, manipulating their behavior. Scientists isolated the Neuro-X gene from it, which is responsible for the production of neuroactive compounds.
Chronology of events:
1 Experiment phase (Year 1–2). The Neuro-X gene has been successfully integrated into a safe strain of the soil fungus Trichoderma. The first tests on plants showed an acceleration of growth by 30.5%.
2 Unexpected breakthrough (Year 3). When tested on laboratory rats, it turned out that the extract of the modified mushroom causes increased activity in animals and a decrease in the pain threshold. Professor Morozova decides to study the potential for medicine.
3 Critical error (Year 4). While working with the Trichoderma+Neuro-X culture, laboratory assistant Ivan Sokolov accidentally damages the glove. Microscopic spores get on the skin.
4 First symptoms (Hours 0–12). Ivan has a dry mouth, photophobia and an obsessive desire to move. He does not report the incident, attributing the condition to fatigue.
5 Chain reaction (hours 12–36). Ivan is in contact with colleagues in the dining room. By the evening, three of them show similar symptoms. In the laboratory, abnormal behavior of experimental rats is recorded: they become aggressive and attack each other.
6 Flash (hours 36-48). The virus (later called Z-Strain) mutates into airborne droplets. Infected people lose higher cognitive functions, retain only primitive reflexes and demonstrate increased aggression. By the morning of the next day, most of the campus staff had been
infected with 7 Quarantine (48+ hour). The authorities are blocking the university.