to attract other zombies toward food, thus forcing the original zombie to share. However, on further study, the moan is seen as a vital part of the zombie way of life (if youâll pardon the expression). Individual atomic zombies are slow and awkward and only able to catch the injured, frail, or particularly stupid. It is only through gathering together and attempting to surround prey that zombies can truly hope to capture their meal. The moan has such a powerful pull on zombies that they will sometimes leave a fresh kill in order to follow another moan.
The moan, then, becomes the vital tool in the gathering of a zombie horde. In scientific communities, any group of ten or more zombies is technically considered a horde, but most zombie hunters use the term to mean a much larger gathering. Otherwise, a horde is defined as any gathering of at least ten zombies where they are grouped closely enough that each member can hear the moan of at least three other members. When one zombie in a horde moans, the others will also, an effect that works like a lure to bring in zombies from all around. In cases of particularly large hordes, the cumulative sound of the moaning can reach painful volumes.
Even in a horde, atomic zombies are still mindless creatures. They do not employ any tactics per se. Surrounding their victims is only a happenstance of position and not a conceived plan. Despite this, a horde of zombies is extremely dangerous. Unlike their necromantic cousins, atomic zombies are incredibly strong. Since they feel nopain, they will push their muscles past the limit. There have been cases where zombies have grabbed onto passing cars and had their arms ripped off at the shoulders rather than let go. In all cases it is best to stay as far away from an atomic zombie as possible. Once in their grip, it is difficult to escape, and their moan will soon attract others.
ELIMINATION AND PREVENTION
Thankfully, unlike necromantic zombies or revenants, atomic zombies have a clearly defined weakness. Despite their undead nature, atomic zombies still have one working organ: the brain. In the last few years, scientists have managed to conduct a number of neurological experiments on captured zombies. These tests have confirmed that while the creatures have no higher brain functions, no âthoughtsâ as we define them, their brains do coordinate and control their limited motor functions. If the zombie brain is destroyed, all motor functions cease, and the zombie deanimates, crumpling into a heap.
Destroy the brain and you destroy the zombie. In the late 1990s and the early years of the new millennium, this became the catchphrase of many amateur zombie-hunting societies. It appeared on T-shirts, bumper stickers, and key chains. As the internet grew in power and reach, the phrase traveled as fast and as far as email could carry it. It became an eight-word gospel, and many people died because of it.
Donât get me wrong, the knowledge is important, but the knowledge in isolation has two deadly shortcomings. First, as readers of this monograph will already be aware, the âdestroy the brainâ rule does not apply to all forms of zombies. It works for atomic and viral zombies but is less effective against necromantic zombies and revenants. Identify the zombie first, then determine the best way to dispatch it. However, even if you know you are facing an atomic zombie, there is a second problem. Destroying the brain isnât nearly as easy as it sounds.
Have you ever tried tossing a baseball in the air and hitting it with a bat? Most people, asked to do this for the first time, will swing and miss. In fact, many people will miss several times before they make contact. Now, imagine that baseball is coming at you with outstretched arms, a moan rasping from its blood-stained lips. Granted a zombie head is significantly bigger than a baseball, but it is also moving in an erratic pattern. The zombie isnât trying to dodge
The moan, then, becomes the vital tool in the gathering of a zombie horde. In scientific communities, any group of ten or more zombies is technically considered a horde, but most zombie hunters use the term to mean a much larger gathering. Otherwise, a horde is defined as any gathering of at least ten zombies where they are grouped closely enough that each member can hear the moan of at least three other members. When one zombie in a horde moans, the others will also, an effect that works like a lure to bring in zombies from all around. In cases of particularly large hordes, the cumulative sound of the moaning can reach painful volumes.
Even in a horde, atomic zombies are still mindless creatures. They do not employ any tactics per se. Surrounding their victims is only a happenstance of position and not a conceived plan. Despite this, a horde of zombies is extremely dangerous. Unlike their necromantic cousins, atomic zombies are incredibly strong. Since they feel nopain, they will push their muscles past the limit. There have been cases where zombies have grabbed onto passing cars and had their arms ripped off at the shoulders rather than let go. In all cases it is best to stay as far away from an atomic zombie as possible. Once in their grip, it is difficult to escape, and their moan will soon attract others.
ELIMINATION AND PREVENTION
Thankfully, unlike necromantic zombies or revenants, atomic zombies have a clearly defined weakness. Despite their undead nature, atomic zombies still have one working organ: the brain. In the last few years, scientists have managed to conduct a number of neurological experiments on captured zombies. These tests have confirmed that while the creatures have no higher brain functions, no âthoughtsâ as we define them, their brains do coordinate and control their limited motor functions. If the zombie brain is destroyed, all motor functions cease, and the zombie deanimates, crumpling into a heap.
Destroy the brain and you destroy the zombie. In the late 1990s and the early years of the new millennium, this became the catchphrase of many amateur zombie-hunting societies. It appeared on T-shirts, bumper stickers, and key chains. As the internet grew in power and reach, the phrase traveled as fast and as far as email could carry it. It became an eight-word gospel, and many people died because of it.
Donât get me wrong, the knowledge is important, but the knowledge in isolation has two deadly shortcomings. First, as readers of this monograph will already be aware, the âdestroy the brainâ rule does not apply to all forms of zombies. It works for atomic and viral zombies but is less effective against necromantic zombies and revenants. Identify the zombie first, then determine the best way to dispatch it. However, even if you know you are facing an atomic zombie, there is a second problem. Destroying the brain isnât nearly as easy as it sounds.
Have you ever tried tossing a baseball in the air and hitting it with a bat? Most people, asked to do this for the first time, will swing and miss. In fact, many people will miss several times before they make contact. Now, imagine that baseball is coming at you with outstretched arms, a moan rasping from its blood-stained lips. Granted a zombie head is significantly bigger than a baseball, but it is also moving in an erratic pattern. The zombie isnât trying to dodge
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