Flight of the Zombie
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Flight of the Zombie is a short zombie Outbreak scenario designed for 3-6 players of TROPES: Zombie Edition. The Outbreak takes place aboard the close confines of a jumbo jet and involves several different types of zombies. The characters have approximately one hour of "real time" to make their Escape before things go from bad to worse.
SETUP
Flight Z104 from New York to Singapore is a day-long flight that has been airborne for over 12 hours. The captain's voice comes over the PA system:
"This is the captain speaking. We are currently on time for our arrival at Singapore Changi Airport. The cabin lights will now be dimmed¸ so I want to wish everyone a good night's sleep. Also¸ we ask that you buckle up in anticipation of mild turbulence from a storm up ahead¸ but nothing much to worry about. If you need blankets or pillows¸ please ask your lovely flight attendants. Thank you for flying Southsea Airlines."
The cabin lights are dimmed and most of the passengers settle in to sleep. You're not sure when you doze off¸ but the next thing you know¸ you are jolted awake. The passengers around you are sleeping soundly¸ but you hear others stirring throughout the plane. A woman's terrified scream starts your heart racing and an unnatural groaning sound makes the hair on the back of your neck stand on end.
You raise up in your seat and see most of the people in your compartment still sleeping. A flight attendant has collapsed in the aisle and also appears to be asleep. The heads of a few other passengers pop up and look around¸ confused. What do you do?
OUTBREAK BACKGROUND
The Outbreak takes place aboard Southsea Airlines Flight Z104¸ a 24-hour flight from New York to Singapore. The characters wake up about halfway through the flight to find most of the other passengers in an unnatural state of sleep. These sleeping passengers cannot be woken up no matter how much they are yelled at¸ shaken¸ or slapped. A few of these passengers awaken confused and disoriented over the course of the Outbreak while the rest awaken as zombies.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
The following things are useful to keep in mind during the Outbreak.
Tight Quarters
The characters have a limited area to explore¸ but must take their time moving through the plane to avoid blundering into packs of hungry zombies. Zombies are encountered in just about every compartment. The narrow aisles¸ low ceilings¸ and small chambers of Flight Z104 make avoiding these zombies difficult¸ but not impossible. The ZM should occasionally remind characters of the confined spaces in order to project a sense of being trapped.
Weapons
The Outbreak takes place aboard an airplane¸ which means opportunities for gathering weapons are limited. Characters should be able to fashion any number of makeshift Lame* weapons (briefcases¸ soda cans¸ heavy purses¸ etc.). A few more lethal weapons are scattered throughout the plane¸ to be uncovered through a combination of roleplaying and exploration.
Average Joes and Janes
Flight Z104 is filled with regular passengers. These are just everyday men¸ women¸ and children who are on their way to Singapore when the Outbreak begins. They are terrified at the sight of zombies and prefer to flee rather than fight¸ making them of limited use to the PCs. The ZM should feel free to roleplay encounters with these frightened NPCs. A few more competent NPCs are introduced over the course of the Outbreak.
Mysterious Cause
The Cause of this particular zombie Outbreak is meant to remain a mystery. However¸ several events and clues scattered throughout the plane are designed to keep the players guessing. The ZM should feel free to define a specific Cause if it better fits the theme of his game.
Ticking Clo