A month into the outbreak, you've managed to survive alone, moving stealthily through the city's ruins. Your days are filled with scavenging, your nights spent in whatever secure location you can find.
One evening, you turn on a battery-powered radio you found earlier that day. A voice cuts through: "To anyone out there, this is a call for help from the survivors barricaded in the Central City Library. We've managed to secure the building and have children and elderly with us who are i...
2024-04-03 00:27:56 +0000 UTC
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4/2 -- Outbreak scenario poll (Free tier)
4/4 -- Zombie Exodus: Side Stories (Rachel) scene 6. ($3+ tiers)
4/6 -- Content Sneak Peek ($3+ tiers)
4/8 -- Story of the Month Poll ($10+ tiers)
4/9 - Game updates (Free tier)
4/11 -- Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven Artwork poll. ($10+ tiers)
4/13 -- Content Sneak Peek ($1+ tiers)
4/15 -- Zombie Exodus: Side Stories (Rachel) scene 7. ($3+ tiers)
4/17 -- Content poll (free tier)
4/18 -- Chara...
2024-04-02 00:03:13 +0000 UTC
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Summary: It’s been a year since the world fell victim to the zombie outbreak, and you’ve managed to survive within the imposing walls of Stronghold, a fortress built for the privileged and the wealthy. But today, everything changes. A sudden breach in the fortress’s defenses allows the undead to swarm in, unleashing chaos within the compound. Now, it’s a fight for survival, for you and your friends. The task is clear: escape the fortress, outrun the growing horde, and avoid the deadly...
2024-03-30 18:51:15 +0000 UTC
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Jillian stepped closer to Lyle, her boots crunching on the gravel. "I'm going with you."
Lyle shook his head. "It's not safe out there, Jillie. You can't—"
"Don't even try arguing." Jillian snatched the car keys from his hand and jangled them. A sly smile crossed her lips. "I'm following you no matter what. And you're not going anywhere without these."
Lyle's shoulders slumped in resignation. "Fine. But we're not taking that piece of junk." He waved a dismissive hand at th...
2024-03-30 00:30:43 +0000 UTC
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I have been working on converting Stronghold to publish on Hosted Games for the past few months. Since the original version was very simple, I am adding many new options, new content, and new characters. Since I would like to add more one man took options in the game, please vote for the characters below that you would like to see join the main group and be potential romantic interests for your character.
Please vote for your favorite 2-3.
Name: Alexander "Alex" Hawthorne<...
2024-03-25 23:32:51 +0000 UTC
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Welcome to my 78th newsletter! It's been a great month of writing, and I'm making progress on at least two of my games, both in the Zombie Exodus Universe. I hope to finish writing Part 4 by the end of this year, but I am still trying to predict when I can finish Stronghold. Initially, I thought it would only take a few months since most of it was already written for StoryLoom. However, the game for that platform was far too simple. It wouldn't have translated well to Hosted Games since peopl...
2024-03-20 18:39:55 +0000 UTC
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PERKS
Acute Senses—Hones your perception, making you exceptional at uncovering hidden items or clues in your surroundings.
Attractive Appearance—Your striking looks not only draw others towards you but also bolster your ability to lead and persuade them with ease.
Dexterous—Your agility and finesse enhance your ability to navigate obstacles quietly and with grace, making evasion a simple task.
Extra Language—Mastery of an ...
2024-03-20 18:25:14 +0000 UTC
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You may have seen the poll I created yesterday asking for you to vote on your favorite random events that could happen in Part 4. The winning one so far is Medical Emergency:
A couple on the road as their vehicle parked right outside the main road leading to the junkyard. When they are discovered, you find a pregnant woman inside, giving birth. You must decide to either help her or turn them away.
Many times, when I write choices, I wind up writing content for 5- 6 different optio...
2024-03-19 01:27:20 +0000 UTC
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I'm going to start creating random events that happened during Part 4 of Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven. I may even go back and add some of them to Part 3.
I am wondering which of the following appeals to you most. Pick 2-3 of the ones that you would like to see in the game. I may write more, but the top vote-getters will take priority when I start to write them.
Bear Attack
A starving bear attempts to breach the junkyard's perimeter, drawn by your food stores. Y...
2024-03-17 16:07:28 +0000 UTC
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Here is a preliminary sketch of the next artwork commission, this one for Billie. Not much describes her in the text, but this is the rendition my artist came up with, based on my ideas.
What do you guys think about this image? Would you suggest any changes?
Here is a description of the sketch for those who have difficulty seeing it: A black and white line drawing of Billie posing with her hand on her hip. She's wearing a button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, t...
2024-03-17 15:49:20 +0000 UTC
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continued from scene 4
Rachel increases her pace, keeping Scott within her line of sight as he hobbles towards the transport truck. One of the soldiers shouts through a bullhorn, "We're moving out in one minute! Anyone needing evacuation, get to the truck now!"
Scott tries to run, but his steps are uneven and favor his uninjured side. Rachel matches his pace and is ready to provide ...
2024-03-15 18:22:01 +0000 UTC
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For those of you interested in Zombie Exodus: Stronghold, I wanted to give you the last scene of chapter 1, which sets the stage for the entire game. This scene includes major spoilers, but it sets up how this story is going to be different than the other games in the series.
If you have interest in the game and don't know much about Stronghold, you should check this out. If you would rather stay completely spoiler free, skip this post.
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Your boots pound against the concr...
2024-03-14 00:00:03 +0000 UTC
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For the past few days I have been working on Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4 mainly. My priority is finishing the scavenging trip to Central Colorado University (chapter 14). My plan is to finish it this month and then focus on chapter 15 and beyond.
I am introducing a new character at the moment in chapter 14, who will play a fairly critical role going forward, depending on the relationship you have with him. He is also a character from northern Russia that c...
2024-03-11 14:15:04 +0000 UTC
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Here is the poll for the original story this month. Please feel free to make suggestions for new story subjects in the comments below.
2024-03-10 16:28:14 +0000 UTC
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Here is a scene from chapter 14 in which you go to explore the Marsten Library on the campus of the fictitious Central Colorado University. You meet someone over an intercom stationed outside the front doors of the library. He asks a lot of questions, and here is the start of the scene.
I'm interested to see what option you choose, or if you have another way that you would answer his question.
---
As you stand outside the library, a sudden flurry of movement catches your eye...
2024-03-07 18:39:15 +0000 UTC
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I had my artist redraw Rosie based on feedback I received. How do you think this version looks?
Description: Rosie is shown with vivid red, wavy hair that falls just above her shoulders. She has piercing blue eyes and a light dusting of freckles across her nose and cheeks. She has a fair complexion.
Rosie is wearing a sleeveless tank top that reads "PROPERTY OF MAPPLETHORN" in bold, slightly distressed lettering. The tank top is light grey and has a few holes, suggesting wear and ...
2024-03-06 19:34:00 +0000 UTC
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continued from scene 3
Rachel exhales deeply, her decision weighing heavily on her. She knows she can't in good conscience take him to a hospital, nor can she abandon him to fend for himself in the chaos. "Come with me," she says.
The EMT opens the driver's door of the ambulance and steps out, shaky on his feet. Rachel quickly follows, her pistol ready as she scans the area for thre...
2024-03-04 19:43:48 +0000 UTC
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As whispers of a mysterious viral outbreak begin to grip the nation, the scientific community is abuzz with dire warnings. A peculiar disease is on the rise, one that transforms its victims into aggressive entities, lacking their cognitive functions, effectively rendering them 'zombies'. With the situation escalating rapidly, the outbreak is projected to reach a critical mass within two days, marking day 0 of a potential apocalypse.
In the mounting fear, you receive a chilling confirmat...
2024-03-03 00:56:07 +0000 UTC
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3/2 -- Outbreak scenario poll (Free tier)
3/4 -- Zombie Exodus: Side Stories (Rachel) scene 4. ($3+ tiers)
3/6 -- Content Sneak Peek ($3+ tiers)
3/8 -- Story of the Month Poll ($10+ tiers)
3/9 - Game updates (Free tier)
3/11 -- Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven Artwork poll. ($10+ tiers)
3/13 -- Content Sneak Peek ($1+ tiers)
3/15 -- Zombie Exodus: Side Stories (Rachel) scene 5. ($3+ tiers)
3/17 -- Content poll (free tier)
3/18 -- Chara...
2024-03-01 23:36:37 +0000 UTC
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The early morning sun barely creeps over the horizon as I stir from my sleep. The stillness of the San Juan Mountains envelops my tent, a sanctuary between the rugged peaks. Being a guide, this is my time, my brief pause between the trails led and paths yet to be discovered.
The chill of the pre-dawn hour seeps through my tent. I lay there for a moment, nestled in my sleeping bag, the weight of solitude pressing close. It's a feeling I've come to respect. The isolation of the mountains ...
2024-02-28 20:44:39 +0000 UTC
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As I am redeveloping Zombie Exodus: Stronghold, I have decided to alter Challenges into both Perks and Flaws.
Here is the description from the game:
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Throughout your life, you have experienced certain advantages and disadvantages that helped shape your world. You learned to balance your strengths and weaknesses to become the type of person who can survive at Stronghold or even beyond.
(Select up to 4 Perks and Flaws, ensuring an equal balance between them. This mean...
2024-02-23 14:30:29 +0000 UTC
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Welcome to my 77th newsletter! It's been a reasonably quiet February, but I've been making progress on my titles. We've had two snowstorms here in New Jersey, but the snow quickly melted both times. It was still amazing to look out my window and see the snow-covered grass as it was falling. It's a peaceful scene when you are writing.
As always, in this newsletter, I will update you on my games that are currently in development. Safe Haven is my priority, but I have also been moving alon...
2024-02-20 15:49:16 +0000 UTC
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I have asked this question in the past, but I'm getting closer to using the idea and want to check with my patrons.
Do you think those zombies in ZE:SH should evolve?
I will most likely consider adding new types of zombies after the next major time jump.
Please choose all of the types of zombies you would like to see in the game going forward.
2024-02-20 00:40:35 +0000 UTC
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As I write Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, I consider skill checks that are made throughout the story. A skill check occurs many times during the game. For example, you may throw a rock past a pack of zombies to distract them. This would entail an Athletics check. I check the character's Athletics against the difficulty of the challenge. In this example, I may set the difficulty at 45. Lower than a 45 is a failure, while 45 or above is a success. I then write a failure scene and the success scene....
2024-02-17 18:47:29 +0000 UTC
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continued from scene 2
Rachel raises her pistol, the Glock steady in her grip, and fires twice at the zombie shuffling through the door. The bullets slam into the creature's chest, but it barely registers the impact, its dead eyes still fixed hungrily on the ambulance driver. A flicker of realization crossed Rachel's mind—the heart wouldn't do. It has to be the head.
She steadies ...
2024-02-15 16:56:45 +0000 UTC
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This month, there will not be a poll for Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven character artwork. I am having the artist redraw Rosie, since people thought the finished illustration was not an accurate representation of the character.
Instead, this month we are going to look ahead to the splash screen that I include for all new major parts of the game. This splash screen will show up at the start of Part 4.
Without giving away too many spoilers, Part 4 will focus on the Zombie Exodus event, i...
2024-02-13 20:50:32 +0000 UTC
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If you are following the mission to Central Colorado University, you will know that there are two groups of former students, Doctus and the Sigma fraternity. Below is a scene in which the MC sets up a meeting between the two groups.
I'm curious what choice you would make given the situation.
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Hiro, accompanied by Becky, begins to walk towards you. When you see their movement, you glance over at Chase, who begins walking forward with Dev by his side. When they converge in ...
2024-02-13 20:41:46 +0000 UTC
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A number of you had voiced constructive criticism of the Rosie illustration, so I'm having the artist redraw her. This is the first sketch. Please provide feedback on this image. At this point, I can have the artist make changes, but once she gets past this point, changes are much more difficult.
2024-02-13 16:07:19 +0000 UTC
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Right now I am working on finishing the Central Colorado University storyline for. Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4 I'm definitely going to be adding it as a full-length mission that everyone has to play. It is going to have major impact on the game. Yes, it adds another possible alliance, but this one is going to have to be earned in a different way than normal. I'm excited to show you the full progress at a later date.
I'm also working on updating Deadbury Academy with new content fo...
2024-02-09 15:55:01 +0000 UTC
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Here is the poll for the original story this month. Please feel free to make suggestions for new story subjects in the comments below.
2024-02-09 00:58:35 +0000 UTC
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