Post by FangedSmile on Sept 11, 2007 18:36:16 GMT -6
Outfitting your Zombie Hunter.
When the zombies are running amok who is there to handle the undead infestation? That's right, the zombie hunter. This fearless man, or woman, is the average citizen's first line of defense against the massive hoards of ravenous creatures.
As a horror writer you are faced with making your stories realistic. Not only from a monster point of view, but the defenders as well. You want your hero to be knowledgeable, or at least willing to learn, fearless, and above all, able to handle themselves in an all-out fight. You want someone who knows a thing or two about weapons.
This is most true when writing a zombie story. While they aren't that hard to dispatch, their sheer number makes destroying them all the more difficult.
But what does your zombie hunter need to survive? Well, I'll tell you.Smile
First rule of thumb is travel lite. I know in the movies the zombie hunter always has a bunch of big guns and supplies. While this sounds good, it will slow your hero down. Zombies aren't a compound that needs to be infiltrated. They are a never-ending eating machine. Your hero might need to move quickly to avoid becoming one of them. Outfit him with the kinds of weapons that will help, not hinder, him in his quest to survive.
Common Items
Almost every home has things your hero can use to dispatch zombies. Hammers, crowbars, and axes are all things your hero can get a hold of in his own home.
Less Common:
These would be things like chainsaws, sledgehammers, and machetes, which aren't normally found in homes.
Guns
Handguns are a good, lightweight weapon for your hero to carry. Many homes have handguns, but rarely have much ammo. Which means your hero will need to find a gun shop or store that sells ammo to either buy, or steal, depending on how bad the zombie infestation is.
Shotguns are another good choice; they do a lot of damage with one shot. They are a good backup weapon, but they aren't as good for longer distances.
Rifles are great for sniping, but your hero might not have a chance to do that. Again, guns are only useful if your hero has ammo.
Remember, the larger the weapon, the heavier it is...and the more it will slow your hero down.Wink
Silent Weapons
Slings, slingshots throwing knives, bows and crossbows are examples of silent weapons. If you plan on your hero using any of these kinds of weapons make sure you set up that he knows how to use them. Slings and bows are difficult to use, and can take years to get good enough to hit a moving target. The same can be said about throwing knives and shurikens. A crossbow can be shot somewhat accurately by someone who knows how to shoot a gun, though it is hard to reload quickly. It's a good long distance weapon, but not for up close fighting. Slingshots are not a good choice for your hero, since they don't pack enough punch to take down a zombie.Smile
Fire
While this would seem to be a good weapon for your hero to use, it doesn't do much to zombies. They have no nervous system, so they can't feel anything, pain or otherwise. Also, it takes a while to burn a zombie, so this isn't a quick defense, but a long term one.
Armor
A note on armor. Unless your hero has trained his fighting skills in armor it isn't wise to have him to use armor. Most armor is heavy, which can slow your hero down. Also, most armor can have a risk of dehydration due to excessive sweating. Remember that if you plan on having your hero use armor.
Your zombie hunter needs to be equipped well. The right weapons, ability to use them, and the desire to stay alive. Otherwise, the undead will win.
Thank you for taking the time to read. Happy Writing!
www.writing.com/main/view_item/user_id/darkin
When the zombies are running amok who is there to handle the undead infestation? That's right, the zombie hunter. This fearless man, or woman, is the average citizen's first line of defense against the massive hoards of ravenous creatures.
As a horror writer you are faced with making your stories realistic. Not only from a monster point of view, but the defenders as well. You want your hero to be knowledgeable, or at least willing to learn, fearless, and above all, able to handle themselves in an all-out fight. You want someone who knows a thing or two about weapons.
This is most true when writing a zombie story. While they aren't that hard to dispatch, their sheer number makes destroying them all the more difficult.
But what does your zombie hunter need to survive? Well, I'll tell you.Smile
First rule of thumb is travel lite. I know in the movies the zombie hunter always has a bunch of big guns and supplies. While this sounds good, it will slow your hero down. Zombies aren't a compound that needs to be infiltrated. They are a never-ending eating machine. Your hero might need to move quickly to avoid becoming one of them. Outfit him with the kinds of weapons that will help, not hinder, him in his quest to survive.
Common Items
Almost every home has things your hero can use to dispatch zombies. Hammers, crowbars, and axes are all things your hero can get a hold of in his own home.
Less Common:
These would be things like chainsaws, sledgehammers, and machetes, which aren't normally found in homes.
Guns
Handguns are a good, lightweight weapon for your hero to carry. Many homes have handguns, but rarely have much ammo. Which means your hero will need to find a gun shop or store that sells ammo to either buy, or steal, depending on how bad the zombie infestation is.
Shotguns are another good choice; they do a lot of damage with one shot. They are a good backup weapon, but they aren't as good for longer distances.
Rifles are great for sniping, but your hero might not have a chance to do that. Again, guns are only useful if your hero has ammo.
Remember, the larger the weapon, the heavier it is...and the more it will slow your hero down.Wink
Silent Weapons
Slings, slingshots throwing knives, bows and crossbows are examples of silent weapons. If you plan on your hero using any of these kinds of weapons make sure you set up that he knows how to use them. Slings and bows are difficult to use, and can take years to get good enough to hit a moving target. The same can be said about throwing knives and shurikens. A crossbow can be shot somewhat accurately by someone who knows how to shoot a gun, though it is hard to reload quickly. It's a good long distance weapon, but not for up close fighting. Slingshots are not a good choice for your hero, since they don't pack enough punch to take down a zombie.Smile
Fire
While this would seem to be a good weapon for your hero to use, it doesn't do much to zombies. They have no nervous system, so they can't feel anything, pain or otherwise. Also, it takes a while to burn a zombie, so this isn't a quick defense, but a long term one.
Armor
A note on armor. Unless your hero has trained his fighting skills in armor it isn't wise to have him to use armor. Most armor is heavy, which can slow your hero down. Also, most armor can have a risk of dehydration due to excessive sweating. Remember that if you plan on having your hero use armor.
Your zombie hunter needs to be equipped well. The right weapons, ability to use them, and the desire to stay alive. Otherwise, the undead will win.
Thank you for taking the time to read. Happy Writing!
www.writing.com/main/view_item/user_id/darkin