Introduction to the zombie - level 0
Brooks
author' section since it relies far too much on previous knowledge
that I haven't written yet. So I'm skipping directly to the part where
I write about the 8 different types of zombies. In case anybody is
confused as to why I am beginning with zero, it is due to my computer
geek background. In programming almost everything begins with the
number zero. For a long time I've thought that magic should be like
programming. A mage would write a spell in the base language of magic
(machine code), and then would apply that to a scroll or artifact so
that it can be cast (compiling and linking into an executable).
Anyways, the format of each type of zombie includes a short
description of the level of zombie, sections that give tips on
attacking with, defending with, attacking and defending against, and
working with the zombies.
This is all rough, I plan to later expand upon each of these sections
and include an example within each of them. If any of you are
interested in more information please let me know if I can add
anything specific.
Thanks,
Brooks
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Level 0
Description: The first level of zombie is the weakest, but also the
easiest to summon. This class of zombie best iconifies the zombie that
is thought of throughout all of the lands. A rotting corpse, with most
if not all of the muscle and skin in tatters around the body. Most of
these zombies come from old bodies that have been decomposing for
months if not years. The eyes never blink, nor do they turn within the
socket. It moves with stiff muscles that barely function, giving it a
hobbling appearance. And the attack is only truly dangerous to the
very young and old. However the diseases that may be carried by this
summon can be extreemely dangerous. Generally a necromancer will purge
these parasites using energy, but if she neglects to do so then just
one zombie can become a package of death for an entire world. Besides
health, the only true danger from this level of zombie is
psychological. The fear that comes when seeing a corpse ambling down a
street is usually enough to send battle hardened warriors crying for
help.
Defense With: Most young necromancers feel that it is impossible to
defend successfully using nothing but level 0 zombies. However in 439
P.S.C., the necromancer Joan was faced with the task of guarding
thirty four children in a hospital. She chose to bring back the bodies
of the recently killed from the morgue, some of them being children.
She then positioned them throughout the hospital, using them both as
early detection and as psycological warfare against her attackers.
Since the attackers were intent on capturing the children as slaves to
be sold, they approached the children zombies hoping to take them.
Instead the young ones attacked, ambling towards the slavers and
flinging their arms as an attack. The slavers panicked and ran blindly
through the corridoors, and within one hour, were completely
surrounded by the undead. None of the zombies even needed to make a
kill since they all surrendered. Begging Joan to spare their lives and
not turn them into zombies.
Attack With: While defending with level 0 zombies can be a viable
strategy, attacking with only level 0s is almost useless. The only
time that this strategy has worked is when the necromancer attacks a
small village that has no trained warriors, no missile weapons, and a
population below fifty. After that the villagers can form a mob and
destroy the undead with the courage that comes with being in a large
group. The best way to use a level 0 in an attack is as a distraction.
Sending in fifty level 0s in a tight formation while the rest of the
army flanks will usually catch the enemy by supprise.
Defense Against: The most important thing to remember is that this
class of zombie is the weakest. One hit to their torsoe is enough to
crush the bone and break the spell that is holding them together.
Bullets and arrows are generally too small, and will more often than
not miss the bones and pass directly through the zombie. If an ally is
behind ti, then this method spells disaster for the defenders. The
best weapon is a shovel, staff, or shield; used to crush the bodies so
that they can no longer function. The point is not to kill the zombie,
but rather to incapacitate them so that they can no longer do harm. If
no weapon is procurable, a good solid punch or kick to the spine will
do the trick.
Attack Against: Remember that necromancers usually use level 0s as
early warning detecters. This means they will most likely be
positioned in such a way as to be invisible, like in dark shadows, or
attached to the ceiling. They rarely attack in these situations, but
the second the zombie sees or hears an intruder it alerts the
necromancer. Avoid contact if at all possible. If it is not possible,
then destroy ti and leave the are immediately, since the necromancer
will no doubt investigate the sudden loss of one of her zombies.
Working With: Level 0s are often used to monitor and patrol areas.
They act like a remote camera that relies information to ti's master.
When working in an area where a level 0 is present, avoid touching or
obstructing the view of the zombie. If you find a zombie that is not
functional, or is in some way incompacitated then by all means call
for help. A team of necromancers can help repair the zombie. Please
don't try to repair the body yourself, level 0s are already frail, a
single mistake can destroy the body permanently.