The Lore Book
Jan 8, 2014 14:41:09 GMT -7
Post by Administrator on Jan 8, 2014 14:41:09 GMT -7
THE LORE BOOK
This lore book will give the members (and guests) of Among the Living a more clearer idea of what's going on and how things work in this fictional world. I just want to start out with a disclaimer that everything on this site is purely fictional. That includes places, people, canines, etc. If there are any similarities, it is coincidental. I do take credit for the idea of Royal Oaks, Tupelo National Forest, Verde Vista Canyon and the packs, however I do not take credit for the idea of the walkers (see The Walking Dead) or any information regarding medicine, plants, etc. Please know that this information is to be used here on Among the Living ONLY and please do not share, redistribute, add on, plagiarize, etc. If you think something should be added, please message me and I will do my best to fit your requests. If you have a question about anything, just message me or post it on the FAQ board. The town does take place in the United States, specifically the southeast, but not in any particular state.
Thanks!
- Luna
Settled 1898
Founded By William Oaks and Clarence Goodwill
Area 30.9 sq mi (80 km2)
Population est. 5,500
Elevation 4,970 ft (1,515 m)
Founded in 1898 by a group of settlers looking to start a new life, Royal Oaks grew up very modestly. Technology in the town was scarce, and the people lived with very few belongings. Royal Oaks was never a big tourist town, and was rather a small farming community. Cotton and wheat were the major products, however the residents didn't like the idea of large factories running the town so the farms were deduced to small, family-run mills. Visitors were few, so when people did come to visit the town it was almost like a celebration. Holidays were big in Royal Oaks, and everyone got into them. Parades, parties and festivals weren't uncommon here, and the town became a small, quiet place for folks who loved the small town life. The closest city was hours away so commuting wasn't common. The town ran on small businesses and farming, and that was how the residents liked it.
The town is considered a woodland, but with the National Forest almost completely surrounding it, many call it a valley. The town gets quite a bit of rain and is usually humid throughout the spring and summer. However, the winters are extremely dry and frost appears more than snow.
When the economy declined, the residents were hit hard. Few people were able to buy things within the town so a lot of the businesses closed. Majority of the residents moved out of Royal Oaks to find jobs elsewhere, and soon the place became quite a ghost town. Those who stayed were primarily farmers, so in-town became desolate. The population of feral dogs almost tripled, and since the town didn't have an animal shelter, the dogs practically ran the place. With the lack of cleaning on the streets, diseases spread quickly and the hospital became very busy for those that stayed. When the infamous virus hit the town, it practically wiped out every human there.
All of the crazy people preaching about the world ending in 2012 should've been taken more seriously. In October of 2012 a deadly unknown virus started sprouting in various small towns across the country. It spread slowly and created little awareness, as many people in larger towns were unaware of the horrors happening in the small towns farther away. It wasn't until the virus was carried to a large metropolitan city that the virus finally became known.
The CDC named the virus ANIV-1, or Ackmann's Neurotic Incapacitation Virus, or Ackmann's Virus for short. It was unlike anything they've ever seen. From the short studies they conducted, they discovered that it attacked most of the parts of the brain that made one human, specifically the frontal and temporal lobes. The other parts of the brain functioned, but were so badly damaged that the infected humans became, essentially, zombies. Their movements were slow and hunger was their main drive. They no longer felt pain, love, empathy or even remembered who they were. The CDC had absolutely no idea where to start for a cure, but the virus was so contagious that the facility eventually fell under as well. With no cure, panic ensued across the globe.
Without any formal handbook on how the disease worked, the living humans quickly began to decline. With no idea how to fight them, they were easy targets for the zombies. Over the course of a few months after the outbreak, people began to realize a few things about the zombies, or walkers as most called them.
It is recommended that canines flee from walkers instead of fight them, because it is unlikely that they will do enough damage to the head like a human could.
It is rare to see a normal human being, but they are still around. Since Royal Oaks is a small town, it is usually a refuge from the larger, more populated cities where walkers are more prevalent. However, human beings are living creatures and canines often look for them for food. Because of this, humans will usually shoot/kill any canine they see and use them for food, so it's recommended for canines to stay away.
VERDE VISTA CANYON - About 10 miles outside of Royal Oaks to the south lies Verde Vista Canyon. It is a rather small canyon that extends east to west for about 50 miles and is only 2 miles wide and a couple hundred feet deep. A river runs through most of the canyon, and is quite calm except for a few rapids sprinkled here and there. The top is dry and dusty, while the bottom is rather lush and green. The river attracts many different types of wildlife and is home to a lot of desert animals. The canyon was once a popular hiking spot and many human-made trails can be found weaving around the place. Since the canyon is mostly desert, temperatures can get quite high, ranging from 90-110 degrees in the summer and as low as 30-50 degrees in the winter. Although the town of Royal Oaks can get humid, the canyon has a very dry climate with little rainfall. The water from the river is actually snow runoff from the mountains of the Tupelo National Forest.
TUPELO NATIONAL FOREST - The Tupelo National Forest wasn't registered a national forest until the early 1900s when President Theodore Roosevelt was in office. As a man who loved conserving the nation's monuments and forests, Tupelo National Forest was on the list for conservation. The forest was named after the man who actually brought up the idea of conserving the forest to Congress. John H. Tupelo was a man who lived in Royal Oaks and frequently camped in the forest. He loved it so much that he didn't want to see the place hunted out or trashed. Roosevelt actually visited the forest and eventually registered it in 1907. Tupelo was actually the first park ranger in the forest and established the Ranger Station that is still there today. The forest expands approximately 300,000 acres and ranges from 5,000 ft. to 10,000 ft. in elevation, depending on if you're in a low valley or high on one of the scattered mountains. Temperatures vary within the forest, but rarely get above 80 degrees.
Borage leaves are blue and have pink star shaped flowers with hairy leaves. They are chewed and eaten. Borage increases milk in pregnant and nursing females and brings down fevers. It is commonly found in forests where temperatures are cool.
Burdock Root is a tall-stemmed, sharp-smelling thistle with dark leaves. It is applied to bites and cures infection. It normally grows like a weed and is common throughout most terrains.
Catmint is a delicious-smelling, leafy plant, mostly found in human gardens but can also be found in dry climate areas. It is eaten and is a remedy for pneumonia.
Chervil is a sweet-smelling plant with large fern-like leaves and small white flowers. Its leaves can be applied to wounds. The roots are generally chewed and eaten. The leaves cure infection and roots helps bellyache. It is found in cool and moist locations, such as caves and crevices.
Cobweb are well, cobwebs. You wrap them around a injury to stop the bleeding.
Coltsfoot is a flowering plant that looks like a dandelion with yellow or white flowers. It is chewed into pulp and eaten. It helps shortness of breath. It can be found anywhere as it is considered an invasive weed.
Comfrey are large leaves and small bell-shaped flowers, which can be pink, white, or purple. The roots are chewed into poultice which soothes wounds or mends broken bones. It is often found in damp, grassy places, as well as near a river bank or ditch.
Dock is similar to sorrel. The leaves are chewed up and applied. It soothes scratches. It is also very common, and can be found in clusters.
Dried Oak leaves are collected in the fall. They are brown with five points and are applied to wounds to stop infections.
Feverfew is a small bush with flowers like daisies. The leaves are eaten. It cools down body temperatures for canines with a fever or chills. It is commonly seen as a weed and can survive in extremely cold temperatures.
Goldenrod is a tall plant with yellow flowers. It is chewed into poultice and applied to wounds to heal them. It is commonly found in grassy areas such as meadows or pastures.
Honey is a sweet, golden liquid. It is swallowed. It is used for soothing the throats of canines who have breathed in smoke.
Horsetail is a tall plant with bristly stems. It is chewed and applied to wounds as a poultice. It is used for treating infected wounds. It can be found in marshy areas or small river beds where the soil is damp.
Juniper Berries are purple-blue berries that grow on bushes with spiky dark green leaves. They are eaten and soothes bellyache and helps those who are having trouble breathing.
Lavender are small purple flowering plants. When eaten they cure fevers. They are primarily found in forest areas where the climate is cool.
Marigold is a bright orange or yellow flower that grows low to the ground and in moist areas. Its petals or leaves are chewed into pulp and applied to wounds to stop infection.
Poppy Seeds are small black seeds shaken from the head of a dried poppy flower. They are eaten to soothe shock and distress and eases pain. Poppy flowers often grow in large fields.
Stinging Nettle are spiny green seeds that are eaten or applied to wounds. They are eaten to dispel poison and applied to bring down swelling. They are often grown in fields and along abandoned buildings.
Tansy is a strong-smelling plant with round yellow flowers. It is eaten in small doses and cures cough.
Thyme are small dusky green leaves on a brittle stem. They are eaten to calm anxiety and frayed nerves. They are commonly found in hot, sunny areas as well as freezing climates.
Watermint is a leafy green plant found in watery places. It is chewed into pulp and eaten. It helps bellyache.
All images are from flickr.com and are used with creative commons. Most zombie related ideas are taken from the walkers from The Walking Dead. Herbal medicinal remedies are taken from a post by Kayla1097 that can be found here. Human medicine descriptions are taken from here.
Thanks!
- Luna
ROYAL OAKS
Settled 1898
Founded By William Oaks and Clarence Goodwill
Area 30.9 sq mi (80 km2)
Population est. 5,500
Elevation 4,970 ft (1,515 m)
Founded in 1898 by a group of settlers looking to start a new life, Royal Oaks grew up very modestly. Technology in the town was scarce, and the people lived with very few belongings. Royal Oaks was never a big tourist town, and was rather a small farming community. Cotton and wheat were the major products, however the residents didn't like the idea of large factories running the town so the farms were deduced to small, family-run mills. Visitors were few, so when people did come to visit the town it was almost like a celebration. Holidays were big in Royal Oaks, and everyone got into them. Parades, parties and festivals weren't uncommon here, and the town became a small, quiet place for folks who loved the small town life. The closest city was hours away so commuting wasn't common. The town ran on small businesses and farming, and that was how the residents liked it.
The town is considered a woodland, but with the National Forest almost completely surrounding it, many call it a valley. The town gets quite a bit of rain and is usually humid throughout the spring and summer. However, the winters are extremely dry and frost appears more than snow.
When the economy declined, the residents were hit hard. Few people were able to buy things within the town so a lot of the businesses closed. Majority of the residents moved out of Royal Oaks to find jobs elsewhere, and soon the place became quite a ghost town. Those who stayed were primarily farmers, so in-town became desolate. The population of feral dogs almost tripled, and since the town didn't have an animal shelter, the dogs practically ran the place. With the lack of cleaning on the streets, diseases spread quickly and the hospital became very busy for those that stayed. When the infamous virus hit the town, it practically wiped out every human there.
THE VIRUS
All of the crazy people preaching about the world ending in 2012 should've been taken more seriously. In October of 2012 a deadly unknown virus started sprouting in various small towns across the country. It spread slowly and created little awareness, as many people in larger towns were unaware of the horrors happening in the small towns farther away. It wasn't until the virus was carried to a large metropolitan city that the virus finally became known.
The CDC named the virus ANIV-1, or Ackmann's Neurotic Incapacitation Virus, or Ackmann's Virus for short. It was unlike anything they've ever seen. From the short studies they conducted, they discovered that it attacked most of the parts of the brain that made one human, specifically the frontal and temporal lobes. The other parts of the brain functioned, but were so badly damaged that the infected humans became, essentially, zombies. Their movements were slow and hunger was their main drive. They no longer felt pain, love, empathy or even remembered who they were. The CDC had absolutely no idea where to start for a cure, but the virus was so contagious that the facility eventually fell under as well. With no cure, panic ensued across the globe.
Without any formal handbook on how the disease worked, the living humans quickly began to decline. With no idea how to fight them, they were easy targets for the zombies. Over the course of a few months after the outbreak, people began to realize a few things about the zombies, or walkers as most called them.
- While their heart is beating, damage to the head is what kills them.
- Burning them completely will also kill them, but if their head is not damaged they can still survive.
- Their movements are slow but they will never give up.
- They cannot swim or climb.
- They cannot drown.
- A simple bite will infect you, however severing the limb that was bitten will save you. If you were bit elsewhere, your fate is sealed.
- There's not a set "turn" time, as it varies between people. It can be as fast as 3 seconds or as slow as an hour. It's better to not wait at all and kill the victim before you become the victim.
- Loud noises, bright lights and quick movements will attract them. It is better to move slowly when around them if they do not know you are there.
- They are less of a threat at night because they have extremely poor vision. During the day, however, they become more aware and dangerous.
- Their sense of smell is almost on par with a canine, so it is most likely that they will smell your body heat if you are close by.
- They are not aware of each other and do not have hierarchies or packs. The groups can range from 1 to 100+, depending on the population of the area.
- Canines and all other animals are unable to contract the virus, so they can be eaten. However, they most likely have other diseases as well so it is not highly advised.
- Covering your scent in rotten flesh and blood will mask it and make you almost invisible.
- The cold and heat does affect them, as they can become sick as well. Since they do not feel pain, they have no realization that they are sick and will continue to hunt. However, they will be slower. Basic instincts keep the walkers away from extremely cold and dry areas.
- They cannot reproduce.
- There is no cure.
It is recommended that canines flee from walkers instead of fight them, because it is unlikely that they will do enough damage to the head like a human could.
It is rare to see a normal human being, but they are still around. Since Royal Oaks is a small town, it is usually a refuge from the larger, more populated cities where walkers are more prevalent. However, human beings are living creatures and canines often look for them for food. Because of this, humans will usually shoot/kill any canine they see and use them for food, so it's recommended for canines to stay away.
OTHER TERRITORIES
VERDE VISTA CANYON - About 10 miles outside of Royal Oaks to the south lies Verde Vista Canyon. It is a rather small canyon that extends east to west for about 50 miles and is only 2 miles wide and a couple hundred feet deep. A river runs through most of the canyon, and is quite calm except for a few rapids sprinkled here and there. The top is dry and dusty, while the bottom is rather lush and green. The river attracts many different types of wildlife and is home to a lot of desert animals. The canyon was once a popular hiking spot and many human-made trails can be found weaving around the place. Since the canyon is mostly desert, temperatures can get quite high, ranging from 90-110 degrees in the summer and as low as 30-50 degrees in the winter. Although the town of Royal Oaks can get humid, the canyon has a very dry climate with little rainfall. The water from the river is actually snow runoff from the mountains of the Tupelo National Forest.
TUPELO NATIONAL FOREST - The Tupelo National Forest wasn't registered a national forest until the early 1900s when President Theodore Roosevelt was in office. As a man who loved conserving the nation's monuments and forests, Tupelo National Forest was on the list for conservation. The forest was named after the man who actually brought up the idea of conserving the forest to Congress. John H. Tupelo was a man who lived in Royal Oaks and frequently camped in the forest. He loved it so much that he didn't want to see the place hunted out or trashed. Roosevelt actually visited the forest and eventually registered it in 1907. Tupelo was actually the first park ranger in the forest and established the Ranger Station that is still there today. The forest expands approximately 300,000 acres and ranges from 5,000 ft. to 10,000 ft. in elevation, depending on if you're in a low valley or high on one of the scattered mountains. Temperatures vary within the forest, but rarely get above 80 degrees.
HERBAL MEDICINE
Borage leaves are blue and have pink star shaped flowers with hairy leaves. They are chewed and eaten. Borage increases milk in pregnant and nursing females and brings down fevers. It is commonly found in forests where temperatures are cool. Burdock Root is a tall-stemmed, sharp-smelling thistle with dark leaves. It is applied to bites and cures infection. It normally grows like a weed and is common throughout most terrains. Catmint is a delicious-smelling, leafy plant, mostly found in human gardens but can also be found in dry climate areas. It is eaten and is a remedy for pneumonia. Chervil is a sweet-smelling plant with large fern-like leaves and small white flowers. Its leaves can be applied to wounds. The roots are generally chewed and eaten. The leaves cure infection and roots helps bellyache. It is found in cool and moist locations, such as caves and crevices. Cobweb are well, cobwebs. You wrap them around a injury to stop the bleeding. Coltsfoot is a flowering plant that looks like a dandelion with yellow or white flowers. It is chewed into pulp and eaten. It helps shortness of breath. It can be found anywhere as it is considered an invasive weed. Comfrey are large leaves and small bell-shaped flowers, which can be pink, white, or purple. The roots are chewed into poultice which soothes wounds or mends broken bones. It is often found in damp, grassy places, as well as near a river bank or ditch. Dock is similar to sorrel. The leaves are chewed up and applied. It soothes scratches. It is also very common, and can be found in clusters. Dried Oak leaves are collected in the fall. They are brown with five points and are applied to wounds to stop infections. Feverfew is a small bush with flowers like daisies. The leaves are eaten. It cools down body temperatures for canines with a fever or chills. It is commonly seen as a weed and can survive in extremely cold temperatures. Goldenrod is a tall plant with yellow flowers. It is chewed into poultice and applied to wounds to heal them. It is commonly found in grassy areas such as meadows or pastures. Honey is a sweet, golden liquid. It is swallowed. It is used for soothing the throats of canines who have breathed in smoke. Horsetail is a tall plant with bristly stems. It is chewed and applied to wounds as a poultice. It is used for treating infected wounds. It can be found in marshy areas or small river beds where the soil is damp. Juniper Berries are purple-blue berries that grow on bushes with spiky dark green leaves. They are eaten and soothes bellyache and helps those who are having trouble breathing. Lavender are small purple flowering plants. When eaten they cure fevers. They are primarily found in forest areas where the climate is cool. Marigold is a bright orange or yellow flower that grows low to the ground and in moist areas. Its petals or leaves are chewed into pulp and applied to wounds to stop infection. Poppy Seeds are small black seeds shaken from the head of a dried poppy flower. They are eaten to soothe shock and distress and eases pain. Poppy flowers often grow in large fields. Stinging Nettle are spiny green seeds that are eaten or applied to wounds. They are eaten to dispel poison and applied to bring down swelling. They are often grown in fields and along abandoned buildings. Tansy is a strong-smelling plant with round yellow flowers. It is eaten in small doses and cures cough. Thyme are small dusky green leaves on a brittle stem. They are eaten to calm anxiety and frayed nerves. They are commonly found in hot, sunny areas as well as freezing climates. Watermint is a leafy green plant found in watery places. It is chewed into pulp and eaten. It helps bellyache.MODERN MEDICINES
Pepto Bismol - Pepto Bismol is a human medication that’s safe for canines because it relieves diarrhea, upset stomach and related symptoms. They can see relatively quick relief from Pepto Bismol.
Benadryl - Benadryl helps any canine suffering from allergies, itching and related signs of discomfort.
Buffered Aspirin - Buffered aspirin can relieve basic pain in canines. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory that can help with muscle, joint and other pain.
Dramamine - Dramamine helps canines who are suffering from motion sickness and other movement-related discomforts.
Hydrogen Peroxide - Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to induce vomiting in canines after they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t have.
Robitussin - This medicine can ease a canine's coughing, wheezing, hacking and other rough throat issues.
Imodium AD - Imodium AD in the tablet or liquid form can be given to canines with diarrhea.
Human medicines that are NOT okay for canines:
- Alcohol
- Ibuprofen and Naproxen
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Antidepressants
- Pseudoephedrine
- Baclofen
- Benzocaine
- Illegal recreational drugs
- Caffeine
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All images are from flickr.com and are used with creative commons. Most zombie related ideas are taken from the walkers from The Walking Dead. Herbal medicinal remedies are taken from a post by Kayla1097 that can be found here. Human medicine descriptions are taken from here.