Connections

Lorenzo used to be an informant for a mid-sized criminal organization based up in Louisville, nothing more than a plant they'd use to send them useful information every few weeks, from inside the department. Towards the latter-end of his career, and right before everything went to shit. He was eventually caught, and sentenced to be locked up. Your character is welcome to know this, if they're from around the area, part of the department, or even if you're just from the Area.

Lorenzo used to work downtown Louisville, for a couple of years, patrolling the streets most days of the week. If your character is around/used to be in that Area, you're free to know him. If you're a Criminal from around that area, chances are he's put you behind bars once or twice.

For those who don't come from Pennsylvania, and have recipes, or culinary ideas that are written down. You may find someone snooping through your things with the sole purpose of stealing your notes and claiming it as their own! How they might've heard about the recipe? It can vary, eg: overhearing it in conversation, to actively lurking around a kitchen area to spot a notebook/paper.

How you handle it is completely up to you. But be aware that this isn't their first time stealing a recipe that isn't theirs!!

(I understand that violence might be unavoidable in this situation, and I'm fine with that)

If your character had been studying culinary arts/hospitality in Pittsburgh, they might've noticed a certain person stealing glances at their notebook, or just straight up copying their ideas/recipes and passing it off as his own.
Whether it was a one off time, or constant theft. You could never catch a break, could you? Well now is the perfect time to get your revenge! (Seeing as the two of them ended up in Kentucky..) Whether it be through a cook off, a calling out, or even... Forgiveness? The sky is the limit!!
(Preferably I'd like to resolve this without violence, but I can meet in the middle if needed)

tEST

it's hard not to notice the walking beacon that's Samuel with that bright orange hair of his when he runs around the campus like if he had a fire under himself keeping him moving.

Sometimes in his fatigues, part of the 256th IBTC Bravo Company unit, most of the time in his usual clothes, the man spends his free time at the bar or seeking people on the radio for incessant and neverending meetings.

Maybe you could give him a deserved break from work and force him to stop and sit down?

Along with many others aboard the Zenith, Melissa Hsui settled herself within the growing walls of Brandenburg Technical University.

Perhaps you have seen her in plainclothes at the clinic, or even were a patient of her experienced, calm and collected hands. Something about this one doesn't shake easily.

Maybe you have, like others, seen her walking around in uniform, likely only on the way to perform some administrative task and then return home.

Or maybe you have heard a shrill whistling in the woods and seen the tides of walkers change their path towards the sound and away from you, fortunately for you.

Or you might just simply be looking for someone to talk to.

if you were ever unfortunate enough to need the help of emergency services perhaps you met Doug. A paramedic skilled in emergency response in Louisville Kentucky.

Adrien, is in fact, a *resident* of Brandenburg. He was born (not really but find out ic) and raised there. If your character is ALSO from Brandenburg, perhaps they even *know* eachother. Adrien was quite delinquent in his youth, known for starting fights and his terrible attitude. A far cry from who he is now.

He also studied for three years at the University. He was generally unpopular for his cold, work-focused demeanor during this time. If you wish to make it canon that you were his *friend* back then (A minimum of six years ago), we can DM and go over the details. The "real" Adrien is much different from the dancing mask he puts on for strangers.

After some time, the voice some may have heard aboard the Zenith has appeared again on the college campus. Day and night, those passing the canteen/dining hall may just hear Na-Bi singing away to herself and the empty air. And maybe those who opt to linger and listen? Sometimes she stands at a window on the second floor, sometimes she simply finds a nice spot in the middle of the seating area. But either way, her voice fills the otherwise lonely hall and echoes across the building for anyone in passing to hear.

Adrien's extended family are more akin to siblings. By the time he'd worked up the confidence to set out and search for them, he'd fail in all his attempts. If anyone reaches out with the interest of playing one of these characters, we can discuss what happened to the rest;

Julien Dumont - Adrien's father, retired carpenter.
Olivier Leventin - Adrien's Uncle (Mother's side.)
Marcille Leventin - Adrien's Aunt (Olivier's wife.)
Michael Leventin - Cousin 1: Has a girlfriend and two kids (or had, if you so wish. The apocalypse is a scary place.)
Thomas Leventin - Cousin 2: Same age as Adrien, Ex-Firefighter. (Always tries to find a silver-lining. Strong.)
Clara Leventin (Could have been married, last name could be different, player choice.) - Cousin 3: The little sister, Ex-Highschool Teacher. (Severely depressed, those poor students....)

Bassant is an expert tailor who prospers when she has a dedicated client who she gets to work with on a personal level, much preferring in-depth, high-quality commissions over selling in bulk.

A Polish immigrant family, the Coco family is large! With 3 sisters, 1 brother, and her dad!

Extended family (mfrok either side are also welcome!

Perhaps you want to be one of them?

Born and raised in the Windy City. Perhaps your character is from the area too?

Brianna is 34 (turning 35) years old, perhaps an old schoolmate or friend from her younger days!

Brianna has been part of the CDC for 9 years, starting with an internship in 2001 during her Master's studies and now being a fully fledged Research Scientist specializing in genetics.

Perhaps you're another CDC worker, government employee, or doctor she has worked with?

Vernon has had many a business associate. Some were friendlier with him; some he has stepped over or otherwise sabotaged to get ahead. The latter could take the form as an employee of Harke Gas & Oil.

She's a nurse. She's been there. She knows what it's like to survive residency. Anyone with any level of professional medical training can walk up to her and dump about having to explain for the tenth time that no, just because you have a fever and your chest hurts, it does NOT mean that you're going to die. Reminisce about old cases. Lament to low supply of tongue depressors. Spill woes about trying to keep people on their feet to her.

Tera is very, VERY willing to pass on her knowledge to those around her. Almost aggressively so. In her mind - if she can teach someone to treat themselves, that's less time wasted and more time for more pressing cases. Practical application of medicine - splints, triage, stopping an arterial bleed, common signs of typical infections. She's always excited for a chance to put her training to use.

Working with Tera, being treated by her, being AROUND her for any length of time would clue you into something very quickly - the horrible resting bitch face was just surface level. She takes her job VERY seriously - and tries to keep everything else as light as she can. Zero filter between her brain and her lips. Popping off at the mouth with the first thing that comes to mind. Sometimes it's welcome - oftentimes, it's bad for morale. But she tries her best to keep things hopeful.

This is for our medically inclined folk stationed on the Zenith.

Early on in Jackoby's employment with Zenith, he for some reason forgot that sea sickness was a thing! Boy did it hit him hard... Were you the physician or medically inclined joe that helped him through that time?

Of course, Zenith took on a good few refugees, those people must have easily came from all over, certainly. Perhaps you're one from Springfield, Illinois!

If so, if you'd seen what happened after this outbreak grown, Jackoby may certainly have some questions for you, worries about his family, about the state of their home... Are you gonna let him down easy? Or keep him floating by false hopes and dreams?

Someone who might be close with Jackoby - or well, as they would know them "Jack" or if you were close enough to fuck around with him "Jackass"!

He's easygoing but will badger folks about organization if it comes to his department of work, otherwise anyone could see he's an easily dedicated person, but still young.

September 4th to Present
Pearce likes to stay active, just sitting or standing around all day makes the guy restless. He could be seen working out, staying fit the best someone really can on a boat, and boxing. Maybe your character worked out with Pearce before? Maybe they did some sparring? Maybe he said just cause the world was falling apart doesn't mean it's an excuse to skip.

September 2nd to Present
Pearce likes to shoots the shit with other passengers, could be seen leaning on the railing looking off at the water with a beer, hanging out where the party is at, doing a bit of gambling, or just finding something fun or to laugh about. Maybe your character wanted to blow off some steam or saw him seemingly carefree and it made your character jealous. Maybe something entirely different altogether!

Maybe your character was operating in the same place at the same time as Pearce. Maybe they were in the same regiment, maybe they shared conversation, or maybe something entirely different.

June 2005 to January 2006 - 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment
Pearce was deployed to Iraq on his first tour as a private (E-1). He would have been fresh in the field, helping with patrols and searching for insurgents, among other things. He ended by getting promoted to private second class (E-2).

May 2007 to July 2008 - 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment
Pearce was deployed to Iraq on his second tour as a specialist (E-4). He would have been fighting the insurgents, clearing buildings, on combat patrols, and dealing/coping with the constant threats.

December 2009 to August 2010 - 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment
Pearce was deployed to Iraq on his third tour as a specialist (E-4). He seemed seasoned and accustomed to danger. He would have been involved with patrols, security ops, and some other things.

August 2010 to September 2010 - Reactionary Deployment from Fort Stewart, GA
Pearce was quickly recalled from leave back to base and was hastily deployed to assist in maintaining order and disaster relief. On August 27th, he arrived to assist the National Guard near the Port of Memphis. He managed to evacuate onto the Zenith when it fell.

September 2nd to Present
Whenever something goes wrong with the ships mechanics, engine, or the other, Pearce seems to poke his nose at the problem. He might offer a hand, telling your character that he's been surrounded by this stuff half his life. If you are doing something he thinks is right, he'll tend to fold his arms and nod along if no wrench is in his hand already. If you are doing something he thinks is wrong, he'll let you know. Maybe you've run into something related to this?

On August 26th, Bravo got the call to secure the Tiger Stadium at LSU for disaster relief.

Samuel was among those present.

On August 29th, he saw his first walker. An older woman. One that had succumbed to the exhaustion and the stress got up hours after being confirmed dead.

Samuel froze, unable to react as that woman bit a poor man's throat off with her bare teeth.

The days that followed were not better. An outbreak had breached the defenses at the stadium and, for eleven days, what was left of the 256th and a good part of the refugees had retreated to the LSU Veterinary Hospital.

Things were looking down until their roof lookout spotted the Path To Zenith about to take port in Baton Rouge... Just in time for Operation Cobalt.

Working with Captain Erickson and the remaining 256th, he was one of the soldiers dealing with the first wave of infected and the evacuation of those in need towards the Zenith, boarding just before the bombs fell.

Vernon hails from New Mexico, and not many would Vernon call his actual "friends". Except, he did actually make some close friends in high school.

Two years are a lot of time to fill when you've been dedicating your life to one thing and one thing only.
Thankfully, two years are also enough to find out what you're really passionate about, and in Samuel's situation, he had unfulfilled aspirations since he was a child.

In the two years he lived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he worked at a restaurant under the wing of his rich and reserved sponsor.
Starting as a dishwasher boy, he climbed up in the ranks within the kitchen until he was made sous-chef and learnt the trade, being almost or even more swift within the kitchen than he is at the battlefield.

How's it he wasn't made Head Chef? No one really knows, but he was the happiest man during these two years.
Maybe you met him as this version of himself, worked for him or loved one of his dishes enough to remember him.

Na-Bi more often than not can't sleep well at night and opts to wander out on the decks in the late hours of the night. She enjoys finding a spot where sleeping passengers won't be disturbed and sings out to the waves by her lonesome. Sometimes it's existing songs she enjoys, sometimes its lyrics she's made herself, but either way there are certainly some passengers that will have heard her without her realizing. It's one of the only ways she can manage to really feel like herself amidst the chaos and panic of the current times.

Joseph and his coworkers at the Pet Health Pawmise escaped Louisville. They fought, ran, and survived their way toward safety. Occasionally gathering with other survivors to increase their numbers and odds. But all of it were for naught as the group got forced to scatter and separate in the midst of chaos. Joseph made it safely to the Zenith. But, perhaps your character were still alive outside of that ship. And may run into eachother once again in the future.

Joe's mother and older sister. Peyton Clause and Charlotte Davis. Both owns and operates their fairly successful and traditional ranch right outside of Louisville. Perhaps you could have met this duo of strong independent women, whether you were friends or foes to them.

If your character lives in the southern parts of Louisville, they could have been living in the same room as Joe in an apartment. Or perhaps they go to the same gym at the same time as him, or they could be the very coach that helped him to maintain his healthy lifestyle.

If your character have a pet, and is in Louisville. They may go to the Pet Health Pawmise where Joseph works at! He is very friendly to his clients, and gentle with his patients. Perhaps your pet were good friends with him, or they were one of the reasons for the small scars on his hands and arms.

People love fish, and Charlie loves catching them. He's an expert fisherman, having devoted a vast majority of his young life toward the hobby for it to become a full-blown profession and lifestyle.

Anyone in Mondovi, Wisconsin and the surrounding towns would've had the chance to purchase fish from him, as he regularly made his way to any ongoings farming and food markets to sell away his extra catches.

And when it comes to the future? It's not something he keeps quiet. If anyone was looking for a steady way to have a healthy income of fish, Charlie is the one to turn to.

For the rest of his years, Charlie was the boy who lived on a farm in Mondovi, Wisconsin. A regular participant from nine years and up in hunting groups with his uncle, he was always the boy who had a complaint about something or another, but he was also one to focus hard on learning. Much like where he lived before, behavioural issues continued on through middle school and high school. Suspensions, detentions, and eventually, he became a high school dropout.

Anyone that may have visited the lakes or rivers would have seen him from a pre-teen to a young adult fishing from the piers quite regularly. He could also be found after he said goodbye to high school at the markets, selling extra catches for profit. He had a couple of friends he regularly played baseball with, too.

Charlie was born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut up until he was nine years old. There's a good chance that anyone from the area may have known him or known of him at the very least if they lived there. He was a boy that got up to no good in his earlier years and rumours may have spilled up even through to those in high school about the bad behaviour, fighting, and suspensions. Parents do love to gossip about the things they hear from their children.

He also has an older brother who would have been a freshman in high school right before they moved states. If they didn't know Charlie directly, they may have known about him through him.

Where they moved to? Rumours may have spilled there, too. The sudden disappearance of the two boys from elementary school and high school certainly caused the gossip train to stir, especially when the rumour mill spouted something about police being at the Ferraro household around the time they left.

As First Officer of the Zenith, he is amongst the upper crust of the ship's social ladder. As the Chief of Deck Operations, he works throughout the night at the helm of the vessel as the Captain's representative. Perhaps you work the graveyard shift on the bridge aboard the vessel too; maybe you are a refugee or a passenger who has grown to know the First Officer. Nonetheless, the man is reluctant to share his opinions publicly about what is happening in the world or on the ship.

This has changed recently when he supported Captain Giroux's acceptance of refugees. Steadfast in his moral duty, your character may have thrown their hat in the ring as a supporter or perhaps turned their back on him in detestation of his actions. Silent or vocal, this connection is a gauge of your support of his actions as a leader, as well as a typical connection 1:1.

Deployed to Iraq 2005-2006, maybe you were in the same unit as her. Knew her, she was a mechanic then and still is. Going out on combat missions and making sure vehicles kept running.

Have you ever met this type of dumbass? Blair is a severely unemployed 28 year old lady who spends all her time on Myspace instead of maintaining a dignified public appearance. You may have ran into her myspace profile, although it was fashioned more like a Jo Bench fanpage rather than anything truly representative of herself. From 2003-2008, you may have been susceptible to digital antagonism from the ever enigmatic yet irate ‘Bl4ir VVitch.’ It’s only a matter of time before she finds you for real.

As the title says, your character was the one who murdered Leonard's father in 2001. DM for more details about this.

If your character is an experienced seafarer who has seen the decks of many ships, maybe you have met Charlie Murdoch. Well-mannered and naturally courteous, with an eager ear to listen maybe you have befriended him.

If your character was a criminal (or a shady figure) in Knox before the apocalype, they might have worked with Vicky. She outsourced some tasks and hired some muscle and guns for certain situations. If you feel like your character could've done that kind of work, get in touch!

Alternatively, if your character wants to join a gang now that the end of the world is here, this is your opportunity! Extortion, drug dealing and contrabanding will be our way to go.

If your character consumed drugs in Knox before the event, they probably met either Vicky or someone from her crew. If you want to delve deeper into drug abuse/use, Vicky is your girl.

Alternatively, if you want to buy drugs after the season has started, we can plan a hook to get their to meet. Vicky will be feeding their worst addictions

Skate Parks, Late Nights hanging outside the Mall, Blasting burned CD's out of the back of Someone's Honda Prelude. Scraping Dollars for tickets to someone's band. It was just the Era and sometimes one face in a crowd you'd thought you'd forget is one you see years later. Is it you?

If you were one of the unfortunate few to never have a stable home and end up in the System. It's possible you might've met Simon in the past. Either in a Foster family or in an Orphanage itself.

Talisa was involved in kickboxing alongside her brother Miguel after she graduated from high school, getting quite proficient with her talents in the hobby. She was involved in multiple kickboxing tournaments at the regional level, so if your character was also wanting to be involved in the sport in their past, this could be a way to know of Talisa.

This could be as friends, as rivals, as friendly competition even; I am open to brainstorming different ideas!

Talisa grew up in Puerto Rico until she was about 9 years old, where she eventually moved over to Miami, Florida to live with relatives. If your character was from either one of these locations, it could be easily suggested that you may have ran into Talisa throughout your time in one of the areas, maybe even went to the same school together.

Talisa has 4 brothers in total, two slots in which are available to be played by anyone who is interested in having a long-term connection and would like to have a family tie! You would be joining me and one other PC for this connection, so it would be one that includes your character knowing a few people off the jump!

Feel free to PM me if you are curious about this connection, and I can fill you in on major spoilers and details your character would know about.

0/2 SLOTS FILLED

Having been based in Baton Rouge before everything went to hell, Judah soon found himself as an Evacuation Pilot in spite of the grounding orders sent out Nation Wide. Ferrying survivors and supplies back to Baton Rouge as the Aviation Fuel lasted, its possible that anyone from the area might actually recognize the ragged pilot.

Of course, there is always the possibility that his utterly lacking containment procedures is what caused the outbreak at Tiger Stadium in the first place...

Did your character grow up in Pittsburgh or around that area? Perhaps they stumbled upon Elia one day when she was hiding out from her parents and became a friend.

Could be someone who simply saw her book on a shelf and recognizes her or someone genuinely interested in the Wiccan ways who knows of her.

Is your character in the military? Are they not conventionally attractive? Do they look like a bad influence in any way, shape, or form? Then there's a pretty good chance your character will or has received a mean, snide comment from Hailee whenever she found the confidence to make one! Hailee looks like the textbook definition of a "nerd," but she makes her aggression toward others very clear to anyone who happens to get near her. She's not constantly mean of course, but its seemingly a big part of her.

However, that doesn't mean EVERYONE is her enemy. If your character loves gossiping with just about anyone they meet, or is particularly adamant about figuring out why people act as rudely as they do, our characters could become friends!

Send me any ideas you have! I'm more than happy to have Hailee be either an enemy or a friend to different characters.

"A-all i remember is his f-first name, a-and the flower fields we used to p-p-play in..."

Back when Hailee was little, she had plenty of friends. But there was one very special friend who always helped her understand the things she struggled with. She and this mystery boy were best friends until something happened. Whatever it was slowly drove her to push everyone away, including YOU.

You tried your best to console her, but just as you thought you were finally reaching her, she suddenly disappeared.
If you wish to be said mystery boy, dm me!

TONS of lore about Hailee's early life included

Added note: You can also be one of her old friends IF your character grew up in a rural area or went to school in a rural area anywhere near Pittsburgh, not the city of Pittsburg itself.

Did your character grow up around Pittsburgh, attend school there, or spend a considerable amount of time in the area? Your character and hailee could recognize eachother! Whether they knew each other personally, crossed paths on occasion, attended the same university, or your character just heard a ton about her.

Don't be shy to tell me any ideas

David does not hail from Kentucky, but someplace nearby (even if it was still far away in Central Illinois). After witnessing Operation Cobalt devastate the city of Peoria and most definitely be the cause of death for his parents, David took to wandering along old back-rads and rivers that were southbound. While he is not eh leadership type, he would still fill the role if needed and follow those that he believes have their heads on straight.

Sure, David is really rough around the edges. Having only one arm makes shaving really hard after all, and even then, who cares about beauty pageants during an apocalypse. Even more so his tendency to swear like he is back on a patrol in the desert does not help him with becoming quick friends or even a lover to anyone. But for those who have dared to try to get to know this man quickly learn that David does deeply care for those who stick around him. Perhaps even more so for a lady that tolerates his need to ramble on when silence falls.

Before the fall of the world, David served in the US Army as a Combat Engineer in Afghanistan until the loss of his left fore-arm during a weapons cache disposal turned into an ambush. He was with the 10th Mountain Division for his entire 8 years of service.

Perhaps you've gotten injured on the cruiseliner before, maybe it was someone you know.
And just maybe, sadly only Casey was there to help you.

To you, she did not only SEEM cold and dettached, She truly WAS.

Treating you with the same respect and dignity as a mere task on a checklist. It's evident this woman loathes the uniformed soldiers onboard, although she doesn't voice it. Instead she subjects them to minimal treatments and minimal care. Enough to do her job. And that's about it. Things have only gotten WORSE since the vessel was seized.

Strangely enough the woman seems to actually carry a pair of dogtags on herself. And they don't seem the decorative kind bought in a fun souvenir shop, either.

Maybe you had a negative interaction with her-
Maybe you bothered to ask what's her deal?

Perhaps you've gotten injured on the cruiseliner before, maybe it was someone you know.
And just maybe, Casey was there to help you. Especially in these last few horrible weeks

While she seems rather cold and to the point a lot of the time, it's still notable that she does her job with a notable degree of care for the crew, refugees and passengers that are onboard of the ship. She does her job well, and seems to take complaints to heart. Even if she seems not to openly acknowledge them.

She's been spiting the military in comparison to you at just about each possible step. She's not making it much of a secret that she likely treated you far better than the uniforms.

Maybe you had a positive interaction with her before?
Or maybe you simply appreciate someone who seems to dislike the soldiers onboard as much as you do?

It's likely that if your character has been working on the regular Zenith route in the last half year that they would know Casey at the very least on a last name basis.

The woman seems oddly dettached from just about anything. Including any emotional investment in her work. At least she seems to always keep a calm head, too. Even to an at times unnerving extent.

Is she a good WORKER? You bet. She's real good at her job as a paramedic. Not an emergency that she can't at least mostly handle.
Chatty? Far from it.
Most people deem her as cold and dettached from the regular perception of human emotion, or in plain terms, kinda eerie.

... But maybe you know her better than that.

As unlikely as it would be, perhaps your character too was there in those years and places that now belong to a world that seemed equally as chaotic as the new one before themselves.

Casey served as a 68W Combat medic, attached to various units. Maybe she helped save your life, maybe you just shared a smoke. Who knows?

If you're still serving, she seems WAY more uptight and hostile than she did back then. What's up with that?

2004–2005 :
1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade
Afghanistan - Pakuka Province
2007-2008 :
1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade
Eastern Afghanistan

Did your character grow up in Phoenix Arizona between 1997 to 2003?
Were they a difficult kid that hated authority (and or including their parents) ?

Then you may have known Casey and been at one of her Parties before.

Abigail enjoyed speeding through the back-roads of the Blue Ridge Mountains in her old beat up '64 Ford.

If you were law enforcement you may have encountered her sometime between 1992-2010. She had a reputation for running from the cops and was known to put up a fight if caught.

Oakley is a tough pill to swallow. She will read you like a book and once she knows what hooks she can sink her claws into she will drag a person down into the depths. The woman is abrasive, rude, or otherwise callous and is more than likely to have rustled a few feathers from time to time. Working in business also means she put the benefits of the farm before the benefits of the people- if ruining someone's life meant it would benefit the Proctor ranch, she would do it no questions asked.

Daniel Proctor stayed at home to watch over the Proctor family ranch while Abigail and Oakley took their vacation aboard the Path To Zenith.

Perhaps he leaves Blue Ridge and the ranch behind to try and find his daughter.

When Abigail and Oakley took over the Proctor family ranch they would turn it into a much more prolific entity than when her father ran things.

No doubt they would have rubbed shoulders with other Ranchers/Farmers in the Northern Georgia, Southeast Tennessee, and Southwest North Carolina area.

With Oakley's help Abigail would do what she could to create a business her father and ancestors could be proud of. They almost certainly would have some "enemies" by undercutting deals or doing whatever was needed to make their Ranch the success it would become.