The Zombie Combat Manual (7 page)

With a wiry frame and lean physique, the ectocombatant’s greatest assets are his or her speed and endurance—two of the most important physical benefits during an undead siege. Surviving during a zombie outbreak has often been likened to a marathon race, so what better physique to have than that of a long-distance runner? With an abundance of energy and stamina, the ectocombatant is able to constantly stay a step ahead of his or her hungry predators. Because of their narrow build, ectos with superior dexterity have been known to effectively navigate through a room packed with zombies and still avoid being mauled.

In offensive maneuvers, ectocombatants need to be more cautious. Their lighter frames often do not pack a large quantity of muscle, making it more difficult to execute combat techniques that require a greater amount of strength or momentum. Long-distance techniques generally do not work as well for the ectocombatant, as these weapons are often heavier and require some degree of centrifugal force. Engaging multiple attackers is also discouraged, as the ectocombatant may not be able to execute a long series of consecutive, neutralizing blows repeatedly without becoming exhausted. Interestingly, combat statistics reveal that ectos are often more successful in close-quarters engagements against the undead, perhaps because of their speed and their thinner appendages, which may be more difficult for a ghoul to grasp.

The ectocombatant also needs to be almost neurotically vigilant with his or her food supply during large-scale zombie infestations. The lack of adipose tissue on the body means that without a consistent supply of energy, individuals with this physical type will rapidly begin cannibalizing muscle tissue for fuel, leaving the ecto dizzy, light-headed, and in a weaker and more vulnerable state. It is difficult enough facing attackers that seek to devour your flesh; there’s no need to prompt one’s own body to do so as well.

The Mesocombatant

TRAITS: ATHLETIC, SOLID MUSCULATURE
STRENGTHS: BALANCED LEVELS OF STRENGTH AND SPEED
LIABILITIES: LOWER BODY FAT LEVELS

The mesocombatant has the benefit of being the most adaptable body type to all forms of zombie combat. This physique has the strength and weight to execute techniques that require greater amounts of power, as well as the stamina to endure extended evasive maneuvers. It is no wonder that individuals involved in various types of combat activities—boxers, soldiers, and martial artists—often exhibit this type of body structure.

Given the balanced nature of the mesocombatant, individuals with this body type can choose from a variety of offensive techniques to suit their personal style. Mesos typically perform equally well at all combat ranges—long, medium, and close combat. However, this equal physical distribution also means that mesos may suffer from being a “jack-of-all-trades, master of none” when it comes to battling the undead. They may never be as fast as the lithe ectocombatant, nor will they have the weight to execute long-range techniques that the endocombatant can perform flawlessly.

Like ectocombatants, mesos need to be keenly aware of their food supply during an outbreak, given their lower body fat levels. This may be an even greater concern for the mesocombatant, as the larger amount of muscle on the frame means that the body requires a greater caloric intake simply to maintain weight. Any loss of muscle due to lack of nourishment means a less effective combatant.

The Endocombatant

TRAITS: HEAVIER BUILD, ROUND PHYSIQUE STRENGTHS: ENERGY STORAGE, POWER, LEVERAGE LIABILITIES: LACK OF SPEED AND ENDURANCE

With a larger build and ample energy stores, the endocombatant is well suited to survive a supply shortage during an undead plague. Athletes in the endocombatant class include sumo wrestlers, football linemen, and some professional wrestlers.

Unlike the other two combatant types, the endocombatant can draw upon his or her larger adipose reserves should sources of food become scarce. In fact, studies have determined that well-trained endos have the highest survivability rate of all three body classifications during long-term zombie outbreaks because they can sustain themselves for the protracted duration. After extended sieges, many observed mesocombatants were in fact former endos whose body fat stores were depleted during the lengthy episode.

Because of their larger size, endocombatants are better suited to using weapons and techniques that take advantage of their heavier weight. Endos seem to fare particularly well with long-range tactics, where they can put the full force of their girth behind the weapon. Stronger endos also have the ability to burst through hordes of undead attackers, much the same way a football linebacker can breach the crush of several opponents.

Their larger size and slower speed, however, makes the endocombatant more vulnerable in close-combat situations, as more flesh is available to grab and attack. It is advised that endocombatants avoid close-quarters engagements if at all possible. Endos also need to develop their endurance to the levels of their ecto and meso counterparts, as they do not want to be responsible for slowing down an entire group with the dead in hot pursuit.

Although the specific types of combatant physiques outlined here are quite distinct from one another, rarely do individuals fall completely into one of these three categories. Most combatants straddle the line between two of the types described. You may be a mesocombatant with endo tendencies to gain weight, or an endocombatant with excellent endurance as a result of long-distance training runs.

Falling into one of these physical categories also does not imply that you inherit the strengths of that body type by default. This is particularly true of the ectocombatant class, as society often equates thinness with a superior level of health and fitness. Despite his leanness, an ectocombatant that smokes two packs of cigarettes a day will most likely not have the lung capacity and endurance level of a larger, nonsmoking endocombatant who jogs consistently. What is most vital is that you perform an honest and thorough self-assessment, noting your shortcomings as well as emphasizing your assets. With time and persistence, you can then work toward turning those liabilities into strengths to use against your cadaverous opponent.

FITNESS TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Make no mistake: Defending yourself against a walking corpse can be an exhausting endeavor. Facing two or three simultaneous undead opponents armed with a makeshift weapon can drain even a well-conditioned athlete. In order to protect yourself and others in your care, you need to maintain a certain level of physical fitness. Exceptional athleticism is not required, but a foundation of health needs to be maintained, particularly during large-scale outbreaks when attacks may be more frequent and resources slim.

What is considered a base level of fitness? As a general benchmark of the endurance level required for a zombie infestation, an individual should be able complete the following sequence in its entirety without feeling substantially spent:

• Cover 5 miles in 60 minutes

• 30 standard push ups or 50 easy push-ups

• 5 unassisted pull-ups or 10 assisted pull-ups

• 50 jumping jacks

For active individuals who already have a moderate level of fitness, this may seem like a relatively easy circuit to complete. This is also the bare minimum recommended for all civilians, regardless of age or weight. There is a great difference, however, between “base” and “combat-ready” fitness. Without a sufficient level of health and stamina, having to fend off multiple undead attacks during a full-blown outbreak can reduce an unprepared individual to a worn out shell of a human being within hours. To become a truly effective warrior against the undead, you must maintain a consistent fitness routine. When the desire to forgo your regular training regimen arises, let this be your motivation: Every session you skip makes you that much more vulnerable to being devoured alive.

With a combat-ready build, you enhance several traits in your physique that will be essential to your survival during a zombie attack:

STRENGTH:
Without adequate strength, you will not only be unable to reinforce your fortification and forage for supplies, you will lack the ability to defend yourself from an untold number of undead attackers, especially if you need to do so without a firearm. It takes a considerable amount of power to deliver a finishing blow to the skull of a zombie; imagine having to do it dozens of times a day. Strength will be a key factor in your level of survivability.

ENDURANCE:
During an undead assault, your objective should always be to eliminate only those attackers that pose an imminent threat to your existence. Many incidents have been recorded in

which an overzealous combatant attempted to muscle his way through a large mob of ghouls, only to exhaust himself halfway through his attack, losing the ability to both eradicate the threat and escape with his life intact. You may also be required to travel long distances to a potential safety outpost, most likely on foot. Your endurance level will be critical in such situations.