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Jan. 30th, 2023 05:01 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
iolosdreamWell-well, it's nearly February already. I am through at last with my radio therapy and seem to be slowly recovering my energy, accompanied by a renewed interest in getting a web page together and maybe writing again on some long-stalled stories. While digging through my files for web stuff I encountered a couple of essays on writing, and thought I would share one today.
The Nature of Zombies, as employed in fantasy stories.
I have been ruminating on the nature of zombies as used in my stories, on the assumption it's better to define certain terms right away, rather than waiting until I get in a jam.
So here's the deal: I believe there must be three basic categories of Zombi.
1: Living zombies: ordinary human beings who have been robbed of their free will and most of their higher brain functions. Living zombies may be slow, fast or intermediate in movement
Living zombies will be generally obedient performers of low-skill jobs. They eat ordinary foods, and require water and rest. They may be harder to kill than ordinary folk... feel little or no pain, show no initiative. Certain systems of zombification may allow more subtle control by their Masters. Traditional zombies are created by chemical/ritual/magical means. Technical systems undoubtedly exist as well.
2. Undead zombies: the body is actuated by biological invader (a 'virus') or scientific means. These zombies may operate at a fairly sophisticated level, show some initiative. These critters eat a specialized diet, with a preference for salt and brains. If control is achieved thru scientific means rather than ritual/chemical/magical means, they may be subject to electronic counter measures. May be slow/medium/fast movers. Undead zombies will continue to operate, at a retarded rate if wounded. Only a serious headwound or severed spine will stop an undead. Undead zombies may last months or even a few years.
3. Dead zombies: the body is actuated by a host creature or sophisticated virus/spell. Dead zombies may retain their former skills (at a reduced level) after initiation. The truly dead move slowly, but require no food or water and can be quite inexorable. Movement causes a dead zombi's muscles, joints, ligaments to deteriorate. Faster, more sustained movement wears them out faster. They rot at a slower rate than normal dead flesh. Unless they remain very quiet, dead zombies will cease to operate within 2-3 weeks of initiation.
The truly dead zombies will follow instruction or otherwise harry their prey until they are physically unable to do so. Will walk their feet off, etc.
The Nature of Zombies, as employed in fantasy stories.
I have been ruminating on the nature of zombies as used in my stories, on the assumption it's better to define certain terms right away, rather than waiting until I get in a jam.
So here's the deal: I believe there must be three basic categories of Zombi.
1: Living zombies: ordinary human beings who have been robbed of their free will and most of their higher brain functions. Living zombies may be slow, fast or intermediate in movement
Living zombies will be generally obedient performers of low-skill jobs. They eat ordinary foods, and require water and rest. They may be harder to kill than ordinary folk... feel little or no pain, show no initiative. Certain systems of zombification may allow more subtle control by their Masters. Traditional zombies are created by chemical/ritual/magical means. Technical systems undoubtedly exist as well.
2. Undead zombies: the body is actuated by biological invader (a 'virus') or scientific means. These zombies may operate at a fairly sophisticated level, show some initiative. These critters eat a specialized diet, with a preference for salt and brains. If control is achieved thru scientific means rather than ritual/chemical/magical means, they may be subject to electronic counter measures. May be slow/medium/fast movers. Undead zombies will continue to operate, at a retarded rate if wounded. Only a serious headwound or severed spine will stop an undead. Undead zombies may last months or even a few years.
3. Dead zombies: the body is actuated by a host creature or sophisticated virus/spell. Dead zombies may retain their former skills (at a reduced level) after initiation. The truly dead move slowly, but require no food or water and can be quite inexorable. Movement causes a dead zombi's muscles, joints, ligaments to deteriorate. Faster, more sustained movement wears them out faster. They rot at a slower rate than normal dead flesh. Unless they remain very quiet, dead zombies will cease to operate within 2-3 weeks of initiation.
The truly dead zombies will follow instruction or otherwise harry their prey until they are physically unable to do so. Will walk their feet off, etc.
