The Fall of Willowbrook
Once a safe haven amidst the chaos of the undead rising, Willowbrook has fallen. The barricades are overrun, and the survivors are scattered, forced to flee into the surrounding wilderness. The few remaining survivors must band together to fight off hordes of zombies, scavenge for supplies, and seek out a rumored military convoy that could lead them to safety—if it even exists.
Character 1: Riley Thompson, Ex-Cop
Character Concept: Riley was a law enforcement officer before the world fell apart. Now, she uses her training and survival instincts to protect what’s left of humanity. Gritty and determined, Riley is a natural leader but struggles with the weight of past mistakes. She’s well-armed and knows how to take down the undead, but it’s the living she has learned to distrust the most.
Stats: MA d8, PA d10, MS d6, PS d12
Attributes:
- Tough as Nails (Trait): Gain +1 to Physical Strength defense rolls due to physical conditioning and experience in high-stress situations.
- Combat Veteran (Trait): Gain advantage on rolls to resist panic or fear effects when surrounded by zombies.
- Sharpshooter (Skill): Add skill bonus to PA when using firearms.
- Scattershot Precision (Power): Spend two power points to line up your shotgun for maximum spread, targeting two enemies within a 5 ft radius of each other.
- Riot Control (Ability): Twice per day, impose disadvantage on all attacks against you for one round.
Equipment:
- Modified Shotgun: Deals 2d6 damage at close range but loses effectiveness beyond 30 feet.
- Riot Shield: Grants +2 to active defense rolls when used.
Character 2: Sarah Greene, Survivalist
Character Concept: Sarah grew up in the wilderness and was off-grid long before the world descended into chaos. Her skills in scavenging, foraging, and living off the land make her invaluable to any group. Sarah is cautious and rarely trusts others, but once she commits to a team, she’s fiercely loyal. She has a deep understanding of the terrain and uses traps and ambushes to take down the undead without getting too close.
Stats: MA d10, PA d12, MS d8, PS d6
Attributes:
- Silent Stalker (Trait): Gain advantage on stealth rolls when moving through wilderness areas or abandoned urban landscapes.
- Forager’s Instinct (Trait): Gain advantage on rolls to locate food, water, or supplies.
- Trap Master (Skill): Add skill bonus to MA when setting or disarming traps.
- Quick Escape (Power): Spend 2 power points to move an additional 20 feet in a round without expending an action point.
- Ambush Strike (Ability): Twice per day, deal an additional 2d6 damage when attacking a surprised or unaware enemy.
Equipment:
- Crossbow: Deals 1d8 damage and is silent, avoiding attracting more zombies.
- Survival Kit: Grants advantage on any roll related to crafting or repairing items in the field.
Character 3: Dr. Ethan Carter, Virologist
Character Concept: Dr. Carter was a leading virologist before the outbreak, and he believes that the answer to humanity’s survival lies in understanding the zombie virus. Armed with his knowledge, Ethan uses makeshift medical supplies and experimental treatments to keep his group alive. Although not a fighter, he can analyze situations quickly and keep his teammates healthy, even under dire conditions.
Stats: MA d12, PA d6, MS d10, PS d8
Attributes:
- First Aid Expert (Skill): Add skill bonus to MS when providing medical treatment or stabilizing a wounded ally.
- Calm Under Pressure (Trait): Ethan gains advantage on rolls to resist stress or fear in high-pressure situations.
- Analytical Mind (Trait): Gain advantage on rolls to assess threats, diseases, or puzzles related to the zombie virus.
- Adrenaline Boost (Power): Spend 3 power points to temporarily increase an ally’s Physical Agility by +2 for one round.
- Experimental Cure (Ability): Once per day, attempt to cure an infected individual or reduce the effects of a zombie bite. Requires successful MS roll with advantage.
Equipment:
- Makeshift Medical Kit: Heal life points or remove deficiency points equal to 6d6. Requires First Aid expertise. Replenish with successful foraging.
- 2 Syringes of Experimental Serum: Can be used once to delay the effects of the zombie infection for one ally for 24 hours.
Campaign Start Example:
The group of survivors is holed up in a crumbling warehouse at the edge of Willowbrook. Zombies are gathering outside, and supplies are running low. Riley scans the area from the rooftop, using her Sharpshooter skill to pick off a few of the zombies below. Meanwhile, Sarah sets up traps with her Trap Master skill to block any zombies that make it through the barricade.
As the zombies breach the entrance, Dr. Carter analyzes their movement using his Analytical Mind, looking for weaknesses they can exploit. When Sarah springs a trap, surprising a small horde, she uses her Ambush Strike ability to deal additional damage. Riley uses her Scattershot Precision by spending power points, granting her the ability to take out multiple targets.
As the team prepares to move, Dr. Carter administers an Adrenaline Boost to Sarah, allowing her to move faster as they make their escape through a back alley. The survivors know that every day in the apocalypse is a fight for their lives, but with their combined skills, they stand a chance of surviving another night.