The Great Collapse

Lore & Background

It began when Patient Zero was identified in Jakarta, Indonesia, sparking a global catastrophe that spiraled out of control. Within days, major cities fell as healthy humans turned into aggressive vectors for the fungus. Panic led to riots, infrastructure failure, and mass casualties before military forces could impose lockdowns. The United States government responded by creating FEDRA to manage the crisis through martial law. Cities were walled off into Quarantine Zones where citizens lived under strict curfews in exchange for protection from the infected outside. Those who refused entry or fled became nomads, scavengers, or members of resistance factions like the Fireflies, who sought a cure. Over time, the environment reclaimed urban landscapes as nature grew unchecked over abandoned vehicles and buildings. The infection spread primarily via bites, with Clickers, Bloaters, and Shamblers all capable of releasing spores in certain areas. Initial victims remained fast and aggressive, while long-term hosts developed distinct adaptations: Clickers gained echolocation abilities, Bloaters developed hardened fungal armor, and Shamblers evolved corrosive blisters, making each stage increasingly dangerous to any remaining human settlements.

In Their Own Story

The sirens never stopped wailing that first week. Sarah crouched behind the kitchen counter, clutching her father's hand as the shouting outside turned into screams. Through the window, Joel saw a neighbor stumbling down the street, skin gray and bloated with strange growths. The news had stopped broadcasting hours ago, replaced by static. When the soldier knocked at the door, he didn't ask for names; he only asked if they were infected. It was the moment the old world died, leaving nothing behind but silence and the sound of spores settling on the roof.

Reader's Guide

Life in the aftermath is defined by scarcity and danger. Most survivors live within the walls of a Quarantine Zone, where resources are rationed and freedom is limited. Outside these zones, society has fractured into small communities or roaming groups. Smuggling becomes essential for trade, as goods like medicine and food are hoarded within military checkpoints. The Fireflies represent hope to some and danger to others, operating underground to research a cure using immune subjects. Meanwhile, the infected remain a constant threat, evolving into distinct stages that require different tactics to neutralize. Ultimately, the Collapse serves as the backdrop for every journey in this world. Trust is rare, alliances are fragile, and the past is just a memory of a time when humanity was safe.

Did You Know?

• The initial outbreak spread rapidly because the fungus transmitted primarily via bites, not through airborne spores; Clickers, Bloaters, and Shamblers can all release spores in certain areas.
• FEDRA soldiers were authorized to execute civilians suspected of being infected without trial during the early lockdowns.
• Infected hosts do not feel pain or hunger, driven solely by the fungal imperative to spread the infection through bites and aggression.
• Quarantine Zones vary in strictness depending on their location and the threat level of nearby infection pockets.