[center][h2][i][b][color=008000]“Apocalypse has come and gone. We're just grubbing in the ashes” ~Samuel Delany[/color][/b][/i][/h2][/center]
[hr]

[h3][i][b][color=808080]The Beginning of the End[/color][/b][/i][/h3]

	Talk of “life as we know it” coming to a halt.  We’ve heard it all of our lives, through generations far before our own.  At the first sign of hardship, one can always find those who claim judgement day has come forth.  Like the boy who cried wolf, we merely brush it off, time and time again.  What happens when the shouts quit becoming lies?  When we can’t brush off the rumors any longer or deny the facts?
 
	It didn’t come like the stories Hollywood always painted; it didn't slap us in the face.  To those on the outside, common civilians, it was nothing more than another odd virus, making itself known where it was not wanted.  We were as oblivious as if it were just another strain of the H1N1, or perhaps the Covid-19, coming to claim immune systems with its advanced infection.  The virus acted like other flus; it was airborne (seemingly passed through droplets), and you either caught it or not, unless the bodily fluids came into direct contact, therefore obviously catching it.  There seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary with the symptoms:  there was nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, a sore throat, and watery eyes.  Hundreds flocked to the hospital in search for a cure, but when doctors examined the patients, they learned the virus had adapted, evolved.  By molding it’s RNA to that of its host cell, there was nothing to be done, attacking the immune system, making the body all the more susceptible to its needs.  Essentially, it could not be cured.  

	When it first happened, everything and everyone was surrounded with chaos.  No one knew what was going on, they only saw people leaving the hospitals covered in blood, biting someone, and then moving onto another target.  Of course onlookers chose not to stay around to find out what exactly was happening, figuring it was a crazy outbreak and that they needed to get home, lock all of the doors, and wait it out until the CDC came.  They wouldn’t get infected.  They were somehow above all of the madness and could simply ignore it until another handled the dirty business.  An excellent plan right?

	This wasn't something the CDC had any prior knowledge with though. The virus, while not killing its host, rather took over completely, swiping clean any emotions or compassion they once had and making them, for a better word, a zombie, without the part of being dead and rigor mortis setting in. To those not in this stage yet, but were still infected, a simple bite took 30 seconds to 3 minutes for this zombie-like state to set in. To those not infected, a bite could take anywhere from hours to days. Seeing as these hosts aren't official zombies, they still have basic needs, such as eating. While the main goal of the virus is to simply bite and move on, if it senses its host is wearing down, the virus will have the host eat parts of it victims, making the transition for that victim happen much quicker.  They will likely scavenge on real food as well, in order to obtain the appropriate nutrients, though the action itself will be much like a starved animal.  Where this extra subsistence comes from is irrelevant. 

	These Hosts are not completely idiotic though. As stated before, the virus adapts, learns, and evolves. Instead of shuffling after victims, they travel in nomadic packs. If a victim is traveling in a two-way ally and a group of Hosts will break off into two, one half staying and charging the host, the other going around and blocking the escape route for the victim. Instead of clawing at glass to break in, they will find pipes, large rocks, and other things to break the glass. However, they do have their faults. The Hosts have bad hearing, therefore they go after anything they see that moves. Of course once the Hosts sees that it isn't prey it will stop in its course of action, but if someone throws a can in its line of sight or, say, has a laser pointer, it will temporarily confuse and distract the Host long enough for the prey to have a chance to escape.

	As you probably guessed, the town was put on lockdown and quarantined. Instead of trying to fight the Hosts and save the few non-infected civilians, military placed themselves around the town so no one, or nothing, could escape, leaving the few "alive' civilians to defend themselves. Of course there are those few soldiers who felt sorry for the civilians and disobeyed orders, going to help them.  Many stayed by their posts, waiting it out unit they were given orders to go in and kill anything that moved before blocking off the city completely.  The other half began working on the Barrier, a large, steel fence with a concrete bottom and barbwire at the top, surrounding the entire city, a feeble hope of containing the virus.  When the Barrier was complete word finally came through that major cities throughout the world were having large breakouts; hope for containment was shattered.  Thus the military called off their efforts.

[h3][color=808080][b]The Ashes left Behind:[/b][/color][/h3]

	The walls meant to contain inevitably became a fortress overtime as the remaining humans fought back and reclaimed the area for a illusion of a sanctuary.  Only stories past down through generations remain.  Raised in the shadow of the wall, leaving the sanctity of the hold is forbidden for those under the age of 21.  Nonetheless, many find themselves sneaking out for various reasons: food, to seek those who are lost, or simply for the adrenaline rush.  Rules are often forgotten in the sting of a hungered stomach, and the meager rations provided by the small city council is not enough.  No longer under the protection of governmental forces, the wall, homes, and way of life was left to be up-kept by the remaining survivors.  Electricity is not readily available during the day, though their are exceptions.  During some nights, rolling blackouts will occur if suspicious activity seems to be occurring on the other side of the wall.  Not all seeking entrance are so kind.  The wall itself is weaker in some places, though those running the small town would like its citizens to believe it is impenetrable.  For this reason, groups of the infected sometimes find their way inside.  One must always be on their guard as not to fall victim.  "Safety" is a facade.  
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[center][h2][i][b][color=008000]Welcome to Paradise Falls[/color][/b][/i][/h2][/center]
[hr]

[hider=Society Positions]
[b][color=008000]The Council[/color][/b]
The Council consists of the leader of each of the main roles: Military, Wakers, Keepers, Reapers, and a member voted by the entirety of the population.  There are five members in total to prevent deadlocks during voting on policies or for the expansion/well being of the city.  Any curfews, shortages, or management of resources is first passed through the Council.  They potentially have access to all the information in each division.  These members may respect each other outwardly but every closet has its share of skeletons.  

[b][color=008000]Local Militia[/color][/b]
The local militia consist of ex-military members who abandoned their posts during the fallout.  They then proceeded to help establish a militia and train the decedents of the leaders of it today.  The militia has the benefit of authority.  They are permitted to carry forbidden weapons and have access to every location within the Core.  This role tends to attract two types of people: those dedicated to the patriotism, balance, and well being of all [b]or[/b] those who lead by power and know this is survival of the fittest.  

[b][color=008000]Wakers[/color] [/b]
The Wakers are the workman class who maintain the water filtration factory.  They also maintain the irrigation system for the Fields.  They receive the benefits of not being limited by water shortages.  They also maintain the food supply and frequently reap the higher quality produce.  Their position in power over a major resource proves with a weightier respect for opinions on policies by the council.  

[b][color=008000]Keepers[/color][/b]
The Keepers are the humble worker’s class who maintain the day-to-day activities of the city.  They maintain the library, plaza grounds, and provide education to the upcoming generations.  The benefit to this class is knowledge.  The Keepers have more accessibility to the council headquarters and several members have accessibility to documents/books that otherwise are only known to the council.  They have the benefit of being a needle in a needle stack.  Many government and facial informants come from this class. [/hider]

[hider=Factions]

[b][color=008000]Reapers[/color][/b]
The Reapers are the officially recognized group of scouts who adventure new areas and go for supply runs while mapping out safe routes and notating any areas nomadic zombies are found.  Anyone in this group must be at least 21 years of age, no exceptions are made.  They are safer than the group below and meticulously plan between raids.  The cargo is obtained by honor code and anything of meaningful value is to be shared between the group (such as ammo, medications, supplies); nevertheless, any weapons or sentimental items found along the way belong to the person who found them.  Smuggling restricted goods (explosives, military equipment, medications for purpose of inebriation) is handled within the ranks but will be disposed of.  Though Reapers are suspicious of conspiracy within the local government they tend to stick to their own and not outwardly show resistance.  

[b][color=008000]Rogues[/color][/b]
The Rouges are is another group of scouts, on the Council’s radar but members maintain anonymity.  This results from them being willing to trade or be paid for raids specifically to dangerous areas or for items including those of restricted goods.  The leader of the Rouges mutually respects that of the Reapers, but their values differ.  Rouges believe spoils go to the person who finds them or is strong enough to take them.  This results in minor spats between members.  Severe injury of a member is forbidden, and expulsion or repercussions will occur if caught.  They age limit is reduced 16 permitted you aren't a dumb-ass.  Members do not care for the Council or government and focus on the results of the faction. 

When outside of the city walls it is always possible to run into stray humans or zombies.  It is best to remember who you want to trust.  There are no laws beyond the walls.  [/hider]

[hider=Locations of interest]

[hider=The Grid]
After the fallout and initial pushback of the city outwards, an electricity system needed to be established to maintain society.  Many of the previous newbuild suburban development areas have been stripped of the solar panels that were once upon the rooftops.  The functional panels are now located along the rooftops of the inner-city extending outwards, stopping at the edge of the Core.  Electricity is more available in the Core during the day.  Beyond this area electricity is only available at night with rolling blackouts depending on the reserves from the day or if nomadic swarms of Zombies come through.  Weather does not affect production much; however, in the winter snow or leaves must be removed which falls under the Keepers.  These areas are heavily guarded by the local militia; getting caught climbing solar panel rooftops or attempting to cause harm to them in any way is punishable by expulsion. [/hider]

[hider=Water System, Irrigation to the Northern Fields]
The original cities water filtration plant is still running, via the grid, and is up-kept by the Wakers.  The original city was a groundwater city with available underground river systems.  Nonetheless, due to the fear of limited resources water is also filtered from the Core to the Lanes.  The remainder of the water is redirected to the Northern Fields where food is grown.  Water use is determined by the seasons and rainwater is often stored for later use at the fields.  If there is a drought the water pressure and availability is limited by hours announced via local radio/posted locally by the Council.  Recreational use of water is not permitted; however, it is permitted for use on rooftop crops/food production for personal use.[/hider]

[hider=The Core]
[color=808080]Central Plaza[/color]
The center-most location within the walls; the heart of the city.  This area is where most of the homes are located.  The city council building stands at the exact center and is where important matters are discussed by the Council, the local government.  Due to being a populace main center and prime area of militant prevalence (due to locations of the panels, city library, and the church) it is also kept clean and well maintained by the Keepers.  

[color=808080]City Library[/color]
A large building with a collection of fiction and nonfiction books.  Initially given little value, the information contained within proved invaluable during the early years.  The nonfiction section of the library remains staffed, to protect the information within and keep track of the books that people take home, ensuring they are returned.  The fiction sections are still well populated but there is no enforcement to return books checked out from that location.  Classes are held within the old study hall areas.  Though small, they have been growing since stability has become a comfort in Paradise Falls.

[color=808080]Church[/color]
While there were once numerous churches of various denominations within the city in the past, once the walls went up and the population centralized the oldest cathedral northeast saw particular use.  Now most Christians, as well as a few scattered religions, use the church as their place of worship, which rotates throughout the week.  The other churches have largely fallen to ruin, as most fell in the outskirts, though several remain standing.  The city ultimately decided to continue to use this one due to its safety in the Core. [/hider]

[hider=The Lanes]
The Lanes is the immediate area outside of the central plaza.  This area is less frequented by military forces and is a frequent place of socialization.  Factions typically relieve stress at Deadman’s Respite, the local bar where alcohol ranges from cheap brew to whatever has been scavenged from the outer raids.  Information can be always be accessed for the right price.  There is also Rotten Goods, a pawnshop of sorts run by the local gunsmith along with his trained mechanics, a family shop, where if it can’t be fixed it can surely be upcycled.  More common ammo can be manufactured and returned casing for ammo such as 9mm will result in a discount. Scattered food stands and miscellaneous shops extend outward along the lanes.  The factions that go beyond the walls find their headquarters in this area.  They prefer it to the Core as militia has less meaning here and an honor code serves higher importance.
[/hider]

[hider=The Outskirts/Ruins]
The further from the center of the city and the closer to the walls you go, the more dilapidated and damaged the infrastructure becomes.  Most buildings near the walls are completely collapsed and after years of living in the city there are no further goods to be found in these areas.  These were the primary sites of military intervention years ago.  Nobody makes their homes out here, but youths often explore out of boredom.  Occasionally, people attempt to find weaknesses in the walls to explore.  This is seen as taboo and dangerous though due to increased risk of zombies penetrating the civilization within.  [/hider][/hider]

[b][color=008000]Rules:[/color][/b]
As the GM I expect you to respect both myself and any others who join this rp.  No characters will be god-modded without permission.  Any character can injure another HOWEVER the death of a character is based on the person who created it or determined by the gm.  Be mindful this is an apocalyptic RP and your actions have consequences.  Dismissive behavior to a dangerous situation could lead to your character being bitten, injured, or killed.  If someone quits replying or is busy for several days then their character can be modded in the sake of keeping someone else from being stuck.  All else is fair in love and war.

[hider=Character Sheet]
[hr][hr]
[center][i][h2][color=008000]Name of Character[/color][/h2][/i][/center]
[center][b][color=008000]Nickname[/color][/b][/center]
[center]Photo of Character with Brief Description underneath[/center]
[center][i][h3][color=008000]|Age|Gender|[/color][/h3][/i][/center]
[hr][hr]
[center][i][h2][color=008000]Personality[/color][/h2][/i][/center]
[center][i][b][color=39b54a]|Positive Quality|[/color] [color=ed1c24]|Negative Quality|[/color] [color=39b54a]|Positive Quality|[/color] [color=ed1c24]|Negative Quality|[/color] [color=39b54a]|Positive Quality|[/color] [color=ed1c24]|Negative Quality|[/color][/b][/i][/center]
[center]Description of Characters Basic Personality[/center]
[hr]
[center][i][h3][color=008000]|Motivations|[/color][/h3][/i][/center]
[b][list]
[*] Item A
[*] Item B
[*] Item C
[/list][/b]
[hr][hr]
[center][i][h2][color=008000]History[/color][/h2][/i][/center]
[center]Be as PTSD as you want.  Those without trauma are weird.[/center]
[hr]
[center][i][h3][color=008000]|Society Role/Faction|[/color][/h3][/i][/center]
[center]Brief Description of your place here.  No lolligaggin[/center]
[hr][hr]
[center][i][h2][color=008000]Inventory[/color][/h2][/i][/center]
[center]Keep in mind you are not a body builder, armory, and you only have two hands.  This is not some magical bag of everything and realistically you cannot carry an abundance of weapons or ammo.  You will likely need rations, misc items (such as a flashlight, or items that can be used for decoys), and I would also recommend considering a non ammo weapon to carry as well.  Bullets are limited supply.  Consider if you have an ultra rare gun finding ammo will be harder.[/center]
[b][list]
[*] Item A
[*] Item B
[*] Item C
[/list][/b]
[center][i][h2][color=008000]Other:[/color][/h2][/i][/center]
[center]Anything else important you want to add.[/center]
[hr][hr]
[/hider]

[hider=Coded Character Sheet]
[Noparse][hr][hr]
[center][i][h2][color=008000]Name of Character[/color][/h2][/i][/center]
[center][b][color=008000]Nickname[/color][/b][/center]
[center]Photo of Character with Brief Description underneath[/center]
[center][i][h3][color=008000]|Age|Gender|[/color][/h3][/i][/center]
[hr][hr]
[center][i][h2][color=008000]Personality[/color][/h2][/i][/center]
[center][i][b][color=39b54a]|Positive Quality|[/color] [color=ed1c24]|Negative Quality|[/color] [color=39b54a]|Positive Quality|[/color] [color=ed1c24]|Negative Quality|[/color] [color=39b54a]|Positive Quality|[/color] [color=ed1c24]|Negative Quality|[/color][/b][/i][/center]
[center]Description of Characters Basic Personality[/center]
[hr]
[center][i][h3][color=008000]|Motivations|[/color][/h3][/i][/center]
[b][list]
[*] Item A
[*] Item B
[*] Item C
[/list][/b]
[hr][hr]
[center][i][h2][color=008000]History[/color][/h2][/i][/center]
[center]Be as PTSD as you want.  Those without trauma are weird.[/center]
[hr]
[center][i][h3][color=008000]|Society Role/Faction|[/color][/h3][/i][/center]
[center]Brief Description of your place here.  No lolligaggin[/center]
[hr][hr]
[center][i][h2][color=008000]Inventory[/color][/h2][/i][/center]
[center]Keep in mind you are not a body builder, armory, and you only have two hands.  This is not some magical bag of everything and realistically you cannot carry an abundance of weapons or ammo.  You will likely need rations, misc items (such as a flashlight, or items that can be used for decoys), and I would also recommend considering a non ammo weapon to carry as well.  Bullets are limited supply.  Consider if you have an ultra rare gun finding ammo will be harder.[/center]
[b][list]
[*] Item A
[*] Item B
[*] Item C
[/list][/b]
[center][i][h2][color=008000]Other:[/color][/h2][/i][/center]
[center]Anything else important you want to add.[/center]
[hr][hr][/noparse]
[/hider]