The zombies

The classic antagonists, who else? Zombies in Zombie Tails are a complex, crazy bunch of sillies that like your estranged aunt Bertha could just eat you up. (Bio still a WIP)

There is a lot the living have yet to discover about the dead. What is known is that they are infected with a deadly virus, believed to be a genetically altered variant of rabies. This virus is highly contagious and spreads via contact with infected bodily fluids, such as saliva, sweat, or the other one that starts with S. Each infected individual seems to develop carnivorous tendencies regardless of former species. They seem to have a voracious, insatiable appetite. Infection and reanimation times can range between under a minute and several hours, depending on the species of the infected individual and the location and scale of the wound. While zombies come in all shapes and sizes these particular zombies seem to fall into 1 of 4 subgroups.

Group 1: "Roamers"

Your prototypical zombie. They meander about until prey is spotted, and will pursue at any cost even that of their own bodies. Has no sense of self-preservation. Do not respond to any external stimuli apart from non-infected meat. However, they will repsond to noise, movement, or the scent of prey. They seem to have heightened senses, and can percieve prey from distances they never could while alive. It appears that they require very little sustenance for "survival", much less than any living being. Several have been observed functioning for several hours after decapitation despite the lack of organs or blood. When there is no meat available many of them wander aimlessly or remain motionless. Most zombies fall into this group.

Group 2: "Munchers"

While similar to roamers, munchers have a much more diverse diet, consuming carrion, rotting fruit, and even other zombies. Some munchers feast until their stomachs explode, others seem to have more restraint and only hunt when they're hungry. Munchers primarily consist of those who were carnivores when alive, such as cats, dogs, bears, etc.

Group 3: "Ferals"

Ferals appear to be smarter than roamers and munchers, the virus destroying all higher cognitive functions and regressing the brain to a more primitive state. Senses appear to be heightened. Their behavior is largely similar to how a wild member of their speices would act. Feral herbavores have been observed congregating in herds while carnivores have been obvserved hunting in ways similar to their wild counterparts. (Though there have been observed exceptions) Though greatly diminished, they seem to have a sense of self-preservation and will respond to pain. There is a collective fear of bright lights and loud, sudden noises amongst them. Intelligence ranges between individuals, though none are sentient nor have responded to communication attempts. In one highly notable case, however, a mother zombie was observed nursing her infected young. As of now it is believed they cannot and have no ambition to reproduce.

Group 4: Alpha Zombies

By far the rarest of the subtypes, an Alpha zombie is born when the virus infects but due to a rare mutation does not kill the individual, who retains the vast majority of their cognitive function. It is percieved that less than 1 in 500,000 infected individuals become an alpha zombie, with only 11 cases confirmed so far. (though unconfirmed reports also exist) Despite retaining most of their cognitive function, an alpha zombie is increasingly prone to violence and like other zombies is driven by an endless drive for consumption. We were able to capture one specimen who, in an unprecedented case, was able to realy valuable information on the methodology of the virus. From this account (and further experimentation) we observed that the zombie had senses heightened beyond the norm, and that chlorine is effective in nullifying the effects of the virus temporarily. They have healing capacities beyond those of a living individual, and their physical capacity was well beyond what one would expect of an individual of their stature. However, this is only when provoked or pursuing prey. On average they posessed a sickly, weary demeanor that resembled that of one with a severe case of the flu. They still need to eat to survive, though rotten, toxic, or poisonous foods seem to have little effect. They can feel pain and retreat in threatening situations. By far the most dangerous type of zombie.