Zombies
Recall Range: 2
Zombie Physiology & Behavior: These zombies are infected humans who have died but continue to move through reanimated nervous systems. Their bodies decay slowly but remain functional enough for basic movement and hunting instincts. The infection spreads air and liquid, way before death, but showing no symptoms or illness until death occurs. Then the virus takes over the host's brain core and uses it's body as a vessel. Consuming of flesh slows the decaying progress, but never stops or heals an infected zombie. Physical State: Zombies retain their physical form but show varying degrees of decay depending on time since infection. Fresh zombies may still appear relatively human, while older specimens become more decomposed. Injuries sustained during death or hunting persist and often worsen over time. Missing teeth, broken limbs, and other damage are common, affecting their hunting capabilities. Mental State: Zombies operate purely on primal instinct - hunger, movement toward prey, and basic survival drives. They cannot form complex thoughts or emotions beyond these base impulses. Communication is limited to grunts, moans, and occasionally single words that may be remnants of their former consciousness. No recognition of past life or ability to reason beyond immediate need to feed. Hunting Behavior: Zombies employ various hunting strategies based on their physical condition. Fresh, mobile zombies may use speed and surprise. Injured or disabled zombies use persistence hunting, following prey relentlessly over time. Attacks involve grasping hands and biting, though effectiveness varies with dental condition. All zombies show determined pursuit behavior and won't easily give up potential prey. Social Behavior: Although zombies can appear in hordes, they gather to those groups more out of coincidence and not out of tactical or social purposes. Driven completely by instincts, they may be attracted commonly by stimuli like sound, smell or sight, but also spread after a successful hunt or because of different levels of mobility. Immobile and hurt zombies often are left behind, simply because of their inability to follow their prey as quickly as others.
