Slow Zombies vs Fast Zombies.

[D Athier]

( Note, I put this in intel for one reason. Intelligent conversation. The topic may be extremelly silly, and unorthodox for intel, but god damn it, I do rather enjoy having an intelligent conversation where the topic is rather pointless.

This section has too much religious hate as is. D:<

And lol, fas )

So, this has been bouncing around in my head for the last little while, and I've finally decided to put down what I mused.

What's more frightening? Fast Zombies, or Slow Zombies.

That question itself is vague as is, so I eventually decided to define the rules for this...

• Situation:

  Zombie epidemic has occurred, with bodies of the recently deceased walking once again, thanks to a mutated strain of bacteria. Most first world countries, and super powers, managed to react quickly enough to contain the breakout within their borders, but the vast majority of third world countries have been overrun. The death count is staggeringly high, and little humanitarian relief has been supplied, due to the Super Power's need to put as much power as possible into containing it within themselves.
  
  You are a member of a Humanitarian group that had been previously helping bringing medical supplies to Africa, just days before the breakout. Your fellow co-workers, and the vast majority of the native population did no survive the first 'wave'. You managed to find a 9mm Handgun, and fought your way out of one of a heavily populated area. Using a map you had previously on you, you made your way to a small village, which had a working radio. Much to your surprise, you find that there are survivors. The zombies had yet to make their way to this under populated area.
  
  Deciding that it would be best to stay in numbers, you stay with the survivors, and monitor the radio for any kind of relief. After a month of waiting, you discover that rescue operations have begun, and an evac point had been set up a few hundred km from where you are currently. Informing the survivors, you pack up your stuff, and begin to make your way to the evac point.

• The Bacteria

  No one is really sure what the bacteria is, or what it mutated from. When it infects a human host, it begins to spread, until it reaches the higher brain function. There it will go into a kind of hibernation. Once the host had died, the bacteria will come out of hibernation, and quickly take control of the body. This produces a 'Zombie', with which the Bacteria will use to gather food, usually meat. It can spread to other hosts via a bite, but it usually takes a deep enough wound in the neck before the bacteria is in sufficient numbers to properly 'infect' the victim. Because of this, Zombies usually kill their victim first, before biting the neck, and it's very rare for a survivor to be scratched or bit, and become a host to the bacteria.
  
  The Bacteria has recently begun to mutate. These mutations can produce different changes within the Zombie.

• Normal Zombies

  The 'Standard' Bacteria produces what is often dubbed a "Normal Zombie". The vast majority ( 84% ) are of this type. Their slow movement characterizes them, which is usually no more than an awkward shuffle. Zombies of this type are most commonly found in groups. These groups can range from the thousands, to three. Out of all mutations of the Bacteria, this is the least intelligent. Their only purpose is to feed, and spread the bacteria. They do not have any tactics or plans when attacking a target, other than to swarm as a group.
  
  However, they are extremely patient. They can lie in wait for prey for potentially years without feeding, and this is often a prelevant case. They are also very quiet; the only audible sound they make is a low moan, which can only be heard within close proximity.
  
  Zombies of this flavour are extremely durable, and have no sense of pain. It's best to aim for the head, and hope that you can destroy the brain.

• Fast Zombies

  A recent mutation of the standard bacteria. This bacterium infects its host much the same way as others, and activates only when the host has died. However, once coming out of hibernation, the bacteria will evoke very rapid changes within the body. These changes occur almost immediately, and take as little as ten minutes to finish. The internal organs and muscles of the body are upgraded, in a sense. Muscle strength is increased almost tenfold, and the body's metabolism is given a huge boost. These Zombies can leap several meters into the air, and can move without rest at the speed of an Olympic runner.
  
  These Zombies are also much more intelligent than it's standard brethren. Although they still use the swarm method to attack prey, they appear to understand and learn about hazards, and objects that may be of use. A newly formed Normal Zombie can walk up to an electrified fence, and be thrown back to the ground, and will simply get up and try to do go through it again, only to be shocked again. A Fast Zombie would be shocked once, and then try and figure out any potential weaknesses the fence may have, or if not, move around it.
  
  Unlike their standard brethren, they do not work in a pact, and it's very rare to see more than three of them together at once. They also prefer to avoid other Zombies as well, even attacking them if they come too close.
  
  However, they are not at all patient, and extremely feral. They can usually be identified by their loud shrieking before they are seen. They usually move too fast for a headshot, but their legs are extremely vulnerable. With good aim, you can destroy muscle tissue in their legs, crippling them, thus negating their speed advantage.
  
  Fast Zombies make up a small percentage of all zombies ( 8% ).

After talking with Neo and Joe for a bit, when I brought this up, I've reached a conclusion.

It's all based on the situation, but for the most part, Normal Zombies are more frightening.

Normal Zombies come in large packs. If you're facing more than five of them in a small space, there is absolutely no chance you can kill them all before they can get you. Their numbers are their biggest advantage, especially in an urban environment, which is the most common place for a zombie breakout, and the most likely place you'd be as well.

Not to mention, that if you're in an alleyway, with two exits, Normal Zombies can completely surround you, preventing any escape, and you wouldn't even know their coming until one turned the corner.

Fast Zombies on the other hand, although much more dangerous in terms of damage they can to do you in a short time due to their speed, are at a disadvantage versus an intelligent human in an urban environment.

If you apply the alley situation, you can hear these zombies coming long before they turn the corner, giving you some time to prepare, if you're experienced. And since the chances of their being more than two are fairly low, the chances of them blocking all the exits are minimal.

Although, if you were moving through an outdoors area that had little visibility, ( Forest, jungle, canyon, etc, etc. ) then it would be a different story. You would hear them coming, but have no idea where they are, until they jump into sight, in very close proximity. This would give them a much scarier 'aura' as it were.

But yeah. Just my musings. If you didn't tl;dr, your thoughts?

[Darkly Aesthetic]

I love talking about zombies.
:3


Depending where I am, if i'm in a very populated area, the thought of many fast zombies would be as frightening as the thought of the same amount of slow zombies.

If the population is less dense, I don't really have to worry about "packs" of roaming slow zombies seeing as how there is few of em and I could take care of em quite easy.
However a single fast zombie would be a b*tch to take down.D:

So yeah, I find fast zombies more scary than slow zombies.
Plus they got that "horrible shriek" you mentioned. That would be enough to make me mess myself O:

[Morningstar]

Goddamn.

I'll be back later when I have half an hour to duke this out.

If fast zombies are vulnerable as humans, and there's a military presence, I'd rather take them on.

Slow zombies, if they can only be dispatched by headshots, would be a hell of a mess. In a situation without a military force close by, I'd rather wait out the slow ones.

[Son of Sam]

I'm half-laughing, half-face palming about the fact that this thread is in Intel Discussion.

I'd say that whichever type of more frightening depends on the situation, but the environment also has to be taken into account, as well as how many zombies of each type you are being confronted by. One normal zombie is obviously favorable to one fast zombie, although 3 fast zombies is probably favorable to 100 normal zombies depending on the exact circumstances.

Generally speaking I feel like I'd be more intimidated by fast zombies because they clearly stand a higher chance of successfully infecting me, although suffice it to say that a death at the hands of a normal zombie would be slower and more painful.

[Neo Ragnarok]

Originally Posted by Son of Sam

I'm half-laughing, half-face palming about the fact that this thread is in Intel Discussion..

It was my suggestion x3

Slow Zombies are more resistant to firearms and you need more ammo to take them out as opposed to fast zombies. They'll eventually overwhelm you with numbers *nod nod*

[D Athier]

Originally Posted by Morningstar

Goddamn.

I'll be back later when I have half an hour to duke this out.

If fast zombies are vulnerable as humans, and there's a military presence, I'd rather take them on.

Slow zombies, if they can only be dispatched by headshots, would be a hell of a mess. In a situation without a military force close by, I'd rather wait out the slow ones.

There is no military presence. It's just you, and a gang of survivors. All you have is a 9mm Handgun and ammo to defend yourself. The only military presence is in the evac point, and that's quite a distance away.

Originally Posted by Son of Sam

I'm half-laughing, half-face palming about the fact that this thread is in Intel Discussion.

I'd say that whichever type of more frightening depends on the situation, but the environment also has to be taken into account, as well as how many zombies of each type you are being confronted by. One normal zombie is obviously favorable to one fast zombie, although 3 fast zombies is probably favorable to 100 normal zombies depending on the exact circumstances.

Generally speaking I feel like I'd be more intimidated by fast zombies because they clearly stand a higher chance of successfully infecting me, although suffice it to say that a death at the hands of a normal zombie would be slower and more painful.

Honestly, I would really disaprove of putting this in discussion, or FI. I love to muse. No, wait, I love to muse intelligently. This is a product of such musing. It's intellectual insight into a rather pointless topic. Hopefully, the Intel mods will understand my logic.

But really, the shrieking would be a momentary shock. Unless you have no idea where it's coming from, you'll be able to prepare for it's coming. But this is all based on what the exact enviroment you're in, as you said.

Originally Posted by Neo Ragnarok

It was my suggestion x3

Slow Zombies are more resistant to firearms and you need more ammo to take them out as opposed to fast zombies. They'll eventually overwhelm you with numbers *nod nod*

Yes, Normal Zombies are much more resistant to most firearms you could get your hands on. Fast Zombies are fast, but you can easily cripple their speed by shooting their legs.

Also, uh, being slowly surrounded and eaten alive is something that freaks me out a bit.

[Magus Fitzgerald]

Being someone who has experience with zombie games and movies, Slow Zombies are less of a threat than fast ones. Lets look at some of the given info, and some info clearly known from movies/games.


Slow Zombies:
Easy to outrun
Harder to kill
More stealthy
Will continue walking into something blocking their path

Fast Zombies:
Harder to outrun, but easier if you get their legs
Easier to kill
Will find a way past any obstacle

Both:
1 bullet to the brain or decapitation would stop it completely
In a quiet area, one can know if one is around. Which is a problem though
Hunt in packs, so run. If they're fast zombies, you'll have some difficulty


Now you're in Africa with survivors and an evac point is quite far away. The main thing you need to know is the environment. Around every corner can be a zombie. In any building there could be a zombie. Does this mean danger is all around you? No, not exactly. In any building could be some useful supplies. If you look though, be cautious. Have someone keep an eye around the entrances. Do not let 1 person guard or look through a room. If 1 becomes infected, thats twice as much trouble if there's only 1 zombie. If you can find a machete, you're in luck. You'll have something nice to cut off zombie heads if you know how to use it.

If you encounter a zombie, know which one it is first. If its slow and there aren't that many, chances are you can outrun them. If its fast, aim carefully and shoot at its legs. If the fast zombies are in a pack, chances are you're screwed unless you can unload a bunch of successful shots to their legs. If you're inside a place and you spot only 1 zombie and you need to take it out, use your surroundings to your advantage. If you must use your gun, make sure the bullet goes to their brain.


If you're down to 1 bullet, trapped and surrounded by zombies, and there is no hope for an escape, suicide is your only option. Put that bullet into your head so you don't become one of them.

[Morningstar]

This entire thread is made of bigshot zombie experts.

Also, /zom/ - Zombies

[follow at your own risk]

[Koinu]

There is a reason why a hunter won't kill a creature as wise as he is. Intellect can turn the tide of any battle. I rather kill a creature that will fall for any trap than a creature that could even outsmart me. I don't care if I have to face a hundred of the Normal Zombies. At least with them I could lead them into a trap. Hell, I bet with a bit of blood and gore I could pretend to be one and they wouldn't notice. I can also lure the beasts to an area with a Fast Zombie. They will fight it out and I'll kill the victor. Really, it is easier to deal with a slow moving idiot than a intellectual killing machine.

[violent_anger]

Slow zombies. It's not even a question. If you get your hand on a lighter or a box of matches, you could light up the slow zombies, and they would scream around in pain, lighting up their fellow zombies. Any heading towards you could be taken out with the gun you have.

Edit: assuming they still have rags on, or you get your hands on oil or alcohol or spray cans, that kinda stuff.

[Morningstar]

Originally Posted by violent_anger

Slow zombies. It's not even a question. If you get your hand on a lighter or a box of matches, you could light up the slow zombies, and they would scream around in pain, lighting up their fellow zombies. Any heading towards you could be taken out with the gun you have.

What about when they light whatever area you're in on fire?

[Elegant Esthetics]

If 84% are slow/normal and 8% are fast, are the other medium speed?

Now, there are several things that we need to consider here. For one, we need to think of the environment. Because I don't make hour long posts, I'm going to assume that it's like the MGS VR missions, with random obstacles ahead. In this situation, each of the types of zombie has distinct disadvantages.

Normal Zombies:
* They can't move quickly, and the fact that they travel in groups is probably moot; they would often be forced to move single file.
*They're not terribly smart. It could take them days or weeks to figure out how to overcome the simplest of obstacles.
* A single shot to the head kills them. Assuming that you have a decent amount of ammo and good aim, that's a lot of kills quickly. Not to mention the fact that destroying the legs or body in some way-typically by a grenade- mean that they will have an even harder time to move around.
*-Note that this requires having other people around- You could probably cripple one of the other people, and the zombies will all stop and try to eat him/her. You're safe, so it's fair.

Fast Zombies:
*While they move quickly, there is one thing going for you: they can trip. Seriously, it doesn't matter how fast they are if they've tripped and fallen on the ground.
* They're loners. While one is stalking you or trying to follow you through some sort of obstacle, you don't have to worry about its friend coming to eat your brains out.
*Shoot them in the leg, and they're about as terrifying as the normal zombie when shot. So, if you can destroy the body or legs with a grenade or gunshot, you've got this in the bag.

Now, that's not to say that each of the groups have their own advantages. The normal zombies can (not quickly) overcome you through sheer numbers, while you waste your ammo killing a handful at a time. (Sure, you can chuck a grenade, but lol shrapnel.) Whereas the fast zombies are well... fast. Of course, this doesn't mean that they can't be handled. Treat them like you would treat a homicidal human being, and you'll be alright.

Of course, all of these operate under the assumption that you have a projectile weapon of some sort, be it a bow and arrow or a gun. If you don't have those, it would clearly be better to go against the normal zombies with a melee weapon, because they're slower and easier to hit. Although, the fast ones could run into a trap you set, and that's the end of their un-life. Assuming that you are naked and weaponless in a blank space offering absolutely nothing, you should just run for your life. Seriously.

[D Athier]

Originally Posted by Dawning Kensei

If 84% are slow/normal and 8% are fast, are the other medium speed?

Now, there are several things that we need to consider here. For one, we need to think of the environment. Because I don't make hour long posts, I'm going to assume that it's like the MGS VR missions, with random obstacles ahead. In this situation, each of the types of zombie has distinct disadvantages.

Normal Zombies:
* They can't move quickly, and the fact that they travel in groups is probably moot; they would often be forced to move single file.
*They're not terribly smart. It could take them days or weeks to figure out how to overcome the simplest of obstacles.
* A single shot to the head kills them. Assuming that you have a decent amount of ammo and good aim, that's a lot of kills quickly. Not to mention the fact that destroying the legs or body in some way-typically by a grenade- mean that they will have an even harder time to move around.
*-Note that this requires having other people around- You could probably cripple one of the other people, and the zombies will all stop and try to eat him/her. You're safe, so it's fair.

Fast Zombies:
*While they move quickly, there is one thing going for you: they can trip. Seriously, it doesn't matter how fast they are if they've tripped and fallen on the ground.
* They're loners. While one is stalking you or trying to follow you through some sort of obstacle, you don't have to worry about its friend coming to eat your brains out.
*Shoot them in the leg, and they're about as terrifying as the normal zombie when shot. So, if you can destroy the body or legs with a grenade or gunshot, you've got this in the bag.

Now, that's not to say that each of the groups have their own advantages. The normal zombies can (not quickly) overcome you through sheer numbers, while you waste your ammo killing a handful at a time. (Sure, you can chuck a grenade, but lol shrapnel.) Whereas the fast zombies are well... fast. Of course, this doesn't mean that they can't be handled. Treat them like you would treat a homicidal human being, and you'll be alright.

Of course, all of these operate under the assumption that you have a projectile weapon of some sort, be it a bow and arrow or a gun. If you don't have those, it would clearly be better to go against the normal zombies with a melee weapon, because they're slower and easier to hit. Although, the fast ones could run into a trap you set, and that's the end of their un-life. Assuming that you are naked and weaponless in a blank space offering absolutely nothing, you should just run for your life. Seriously.

The other zombies I'll go into when I update the situation in a bit.

Now, you only have a 9mm Handgun, and some other survivors. What weapons they possess is unknown. They could have nothing, making you the only armed survivor. But other than that, your assesement is fairly sturdy, if you had access to the proper weapons and equipment.

[violent_anger]

Originally Posted by Morningstar

What about when they light whatever area you're in on fire?

Because you have to cross a sea of oil to get to the Evac point.

[Morningstar]

Originally Posted by violent_anger

Because you have to cross a sea of oil to get to the Evac point.

Forgot about that.

I thought we were considering a worldwide outbreak.