Islands

A_SN

Yesterday I was watching Zombieland and while they were debating their stupid ideas for where they were going (i.e. looking for their dead family or going to some stupid amusement park) I realised, if you were a survivor and that most of the world was infected (and (un)dead), wouldn't the best solution be to go to some small island a few miles off mainland, clean it and live there?

Cause, even if there are zombies on the island, if it's a small island there can't be that many of them, so you can just kill 'em all and be done with it, right? And surely zombies on the main land wouldn't bother to swim a few miles in your direction, mainly because I'm not sure they'd be too good at swimming, they wouldn't necessarily know the island even exists and they wouldn't have any reason to think it'd be a worthwhile journey.

Sounds like a pretty foolproof plan to me, any thoughts?

Amhran Nua

If they spotted lights or activity on the island they might go for it. Wow would that be creepy, blackouts at night, hidden fires, and camouflaged trails along the shoreline. Fishing only on the seaward side, the inevitable wreck that would crunch into the reefs at some stage, trying to raid the mainland for seed crops and breeding stock, fuel, materials, books to learn how to farm and preserve food, wild weather, maybe even a tsunami from the weaponry unleashed by the last failing elements of major governments, pirates, could be a seriously great movie.

I'd have my doubts as to how deep a zombie could go before brain functions were disrupted though, water pressure even 100m down is no joke. That leaves aside fishies feasting (zombie fish?) and actually navigating in the midnight depths, along with getting stuck in mud or vanishing down rifts.

SmileyPaul

your worry wouldn't be from Z's attempting to reach your island purposefully but for them to just wash ashore at some stage randomly,
this is one of the main ways the infection is spread world wide along side with black market organ transplants

A_SN

Amhran Nua wrote: »

If they spotted lights or activity on the island they might go for it. Wow would that be creepy, blackouts at night, hidden fires, and camouflaged trails along the shoreline. Fishing only on the seaward side, the inevitable wreck that would crunch into the reefs at some stage, trying to raid the mainland for seed crops and breeding stock, fuel, materials, books to learn how to farm and preserve food, wild weather, maybe even a tsunami from the weaponry unleashed by the last failing elements of major governments, pirates, could be a seriously great movie.

I'd have my doubts as to how deep a zombie could go before brain functions were disrupted though, water pressure even 100m down is no joke. That leaves aside fishies feasting (zombie fish?) and actually navigating in the midnight depths, along with getting stuck in mud or vanishing down rifts.

When I said a few miles off mainland I meant far enough so you don't have to worry about any of that! Although yeah, that could make a good survivalist movie . Or maybe not, I mean, it's not like you'd be the first people on Earth to try to live a self-sufficient life on a small island.

Why would zombies try to go deep underwater though?

SmileyPaul wrote: »

your worry wouldn't be from Z's attempting to reach your island purposefully but for them to just wash ashore at some stage randomly,
this is one of the main ways the infection is spread world wide along side with black market organ transplants

Well, what if you pick your island so that the currents make it against the odds that anything that didn't travel a few thousand miles first would get there?

Now if you had any live zombies actually getting there maybe you could setup some zombie traps, i.e. whatever attracts zombies (a device that emits some attractive lights and sounds) with anything from a bear trap to some covered trap in the ground...

Micky Dolenz

I like the Island idea, few things to consider though,


1 Alot of people will think of the same idea and unless you are A from the area and B have access to sea faring vessels, then you won't be first on the island.

2 People first on the island will probably want to secure it, meaning no outsiders under any circumstances. It is likely a shot to kill policy will be enforced

3 In the unlikely event that you make it on to an island, you will need to consider A every other person wanting the same as you and B will you enforce a shot to kill policy? Because you can be as sure as hell that "sick" people will try and find safety there.

4 Zeds can walk under water, the pressure thing does not bother them as they can survive without oxygen, they can also survive under crushing pressure. Think what happens a dead body when it has a cement block tied to it and dropped into the sea, it doesn't get crushed under the weight of the sea, it just lies there. The same applies to Zeds, only they can move, haphazardly it has to be said, but move they can.

It is only a matter of time before luck and currents conspire against you.

Number one problem is other humans, first and foremost. The sooner us Boardsies can get together after Zday, the greater chance we have to survive.

ttm

So wouldn't it be a plan to agree to meet up a a docks somewhere and take over some sort of ocean going vessel?

A_SN

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

I like the Island idea, few things to consider though,


1 Alot of people will think of the same idea and unless you are A from the area and B have access to sea faring vessels, then you won't be first on the island.

2 People first on the island will probably want to secure it, meaning no outsiders under any circumstances. It is likely a shot to kill policy will be enforced

3 In the unlikely event that you make it on to an island, you will need to consider A every other person wanting the same as you and B will you enforce a shot to kill policy? Because you can be as sure as hell that "sick" people will try and find safety there.

4 Zeds can walk under water, the pressure thing does not bother them as they can survive without oxygen, they can also survive under crushing pressure. Think what happens a dead body when it has a cement block tied to it and dropped into the sea, it doesn't get crushed under the weight of the sea, it just lies there. The same applies to Zeds, only they can move, haphazardly it has to be said, but move they can.

It is only a matter of time before luck and currents conspire against you.

Number one problem is other humans, first and foremost. The sooner us Boardsies can get together after Zday, the greater chance we have to survive.

1. Well, it all depends on how many people there are left to begin with. When I watched Zombieland it didn't seem like there were so many people left...

2. Or maybe they could have quarantine zones. Again that only depends on how many people are still alive, and also on a few characteristics of the virus (if it takes less time to become a full blown zombie than it takes to get to the island then the boat because a quarantine zone)

4. lol... how fast can someone possibly walk on the bottom of the sea floor? I mean zombies are still mostly flesh, so they're still kind of floaty, they might as well swim. Also that's assuming the sea floor doesn't present insurmountable obstacles. Also I'm pretty sure that somehow they need something to fuel their dead muscles, that is oxygen. If they don't I'm pretty sure they somehow violate at least one law of thermodynamics.

A_SN

ttm wrote: »

So wouldn't it be a plan to agree to meet up a a docks somewhere and take over some sort of ocean going vessel?

Not sure an ocean going vessel would be necessary, I mean, some place like Lambay island might do the trick, that's like 5 kilometres from the coast and seems about the right size.

EDIT : Hmm, maybe a bit too close to the coast.

Micky Dolenz

ttm wrote: »

So wouldn't it be a plan to agree to meet up a a docks somewhere and take over some sort of ocean going vessel?

Plans are already in motion.

A_SN wrote: »

1. Well, it all depends on how many people there are left to begin with. When I watched Zombieland it didn't seem like there were so many people left...

2. Or maybe they could have quarantine zones. Again that only depends on how many people are still alive, and also on a few characteristics of the virus (if it takes less time to become a full blown zombie than it takes to get to the island then the boat because a quarantine zone)

4. lol... how fast can someone possibly walk on the bottom of the sea floor? I mean zombies are still mostly flesh, so they're still kind of floaty, they might as well swim. Also that's assuming the sea floor doesn't present insurmountable obstacles. Also I'm pretty sure that somehow they need something to fuel their dead muscles, that is oxygen. If they don't I'm pretty sure they somehow violate at least one law of thermodynamics.

1 The most dangerous stage of an outbreak is the first couple of months, survive them and you are doing something right . If after a few months you would either be on your Island a few months or dead, or undead. And if/when you reach your Island, there is a good chance it is occuipied by people with the smarts to get there long before you, I.E in the early stages of the outbreak.

2 again, it will depend on the group you are in and its organisation level, it we could manage what you say, we would truely be lol

4 walking on the bottom of the sea would be slow, very slow.Thats why you could never let your guard down.They could beach at any time, years after the first major outbreak, You may laugh now, but will you laugh when a beachcombing Zed chews on your esophagus.

Zeds don't breathe so don't use oxygen like the living, the only use they have for air is when they moan, they cannot moan under water. Even humans can move muscle with a lack of oxygen, anaerobically.

Amhran Nua

A_SN wrote: »

When I said a few miles off mainland I meant far enough so you don't have to worry about any of that! Although yeah, that could make a good survivalist movie

Aren't all zombie movies survivalist movies?

A_SN wrote: »

Why would zombies try to go deep underwater though?

The only thing keeping you afloat is the air in your lungs, once that dribbles out, down you go.

Micky Dolenz wrote:

Zeds can walk under water, the pressure thing does not bother them as they can survive without oxygen, they can also survive under crushing pressure.

I dunno, at 100m down, which isn't all that deep, the pressure is 10 kilos per square centimeter, and you get about 0.5% of the surface light. Even if they could find their way I wouldn't want ten bags of sugar on every centimeter of my head for any length of time.

A_SN

Amhran Nua wrote: »

Aren't all zombie movies survivalist movies?


The only thing keeping you afloat is the air in your lungs, once that dribbles out, down you go.


I dunno, at 100m down, which isn't all that deep, the pressure is 10 kilos per square centimeter, and you get about 0.5% of the surface light. Even if they could find their way I wouldn't want ten bags of sugar on every centimeter of my head for any length of time.

For the pressure thing, that's not how it works, if the pressure inside you is the same as outside, you don't feel it. Imagine you were filled with vacuum inside or something, you would like implode. It's all about difference.

As for the floating thing, I guess you're all correct, that means zeds probably wouldn't be able to swim for very long, and even without any insurmountable undersea cliff, the technical difficulties for them to undertake such a journey make a few kilometres of sea really sound like a safe barrier.

So then I suppose the island idea is great, as long as there are no zombie engineers to build a raft or zombie captains to drive boats.

Amhran Nua

A_SN wrote: »

For the pressure thing, that's not how it works, if the pressure inside you is the same as outside, you don't feel it. Imagine you were filled with vacuum inside or something, you would like implode. It's all about difference.

Yes but the semi functional bits within the head aren't meant to function at all under those pressures even at a cellular level. Hah, I love this forum.

trustno1

What about any old grave yards on the island? or people randomly buried, would the island dwellers be at risk from them?, what type of infection are you talking about - is it Night of the Living Dead (where you get infected from a bite) or Return of the Living Dead (where the infection is airborne and can raise corpses).. you don't want to be watching the shores carefully for Z's coming at you from the sea when you could be grabbed from some manky corpse in the sand that you haven't taken into account!..

A_SN

Amhran Nua wrote: »

Yes but the semi functional bits within the head aren't meant to function at all under those pressures even at a cellular level. Hah, I love this forum.

Ah, biology really ain't my thing :pac:

trustno1 wrote: »

What about any old grave yards on the island? or people randomly buried, would the island dwellers be at risk from them?, what type of infection are you talking about - is it Night of the Living Dead (where you get infected from a bite) or Return of the Living Dead (where the infection is airborne and can raise corpses).. you don't want to be watching the shores carefully for Z's coming at you from the sea when you could be grabbed from some manky corpse in the sand that you haven't taken into account!..

Mmmh, hadn't thought of that... No idea what kind we're talking about either, I haven't even seen many zombie movies. Well if you pick one small island that doesn't have a cemetery then if there's anyone buried it probably was so long ago you couldn't pull an entire skeleton back together...

I maintain that careful designed and placed zombie traps are the answer to anything though.

trustno1

ttm wrote: »

So wouldn't it be a plan to agree to meet up a a docks somewhere and take over some sort of ocean going vessel?

Can ye not just live on the ocean going vessel if you pick a nice one?, and just visit the island now and then to top up with fresh water/fruit supplies.. how many are you planning for?... most of these big ships have cinemas\pools\gyms\shops etc.. what has an island got?.. nothing!.. it would be like Dawn of the Dead only on a boat.. and there's no way that any Z's under water could climb up the hull..

A_SN

trustno1 wrote: »

Can ye not just live on the ocean going vessel if you pick a nice one?, and just visit the island now and then to top up with fresh water/fruit supplies.. how many are you planning for?... most of these big ships have cinemas\pools\gyms\shops etc.. what has an island got?.. nothing!.. it would be like Dawn of the Dead only on a boat.. and there's no way that any Z's under water could climb up the hull..

Good point, although I'd rather live in some rich guy's second home on a small island than some boat. I don't like boats, they just won't ****ing keep still, always rocking around...

GavRedKing

An island no matter how well scouted and prepared to invade and takeover still has a huge flaw which has been mentioned by Micky and others, the fact your biggest threat is from other humans.

If a larger, better equiped group land on the island and want to take it over what chance do you have? If you give up chances are they will boot ya off if you fight, depending on your group numbers you could take massive casualties.

YOu can defend against Z's on the island as you can deal with them when they appear but a fellow group of surviovors has the potential to ruin the best laid plan.

ttm

Start with any vessel and work up.

Start off with a row boat and pull up near but not to near a bigger vessel that is tied up or adrift then wait for zeds to appear put up a wonky gang plank and when they try and cross it you just tip them off till the bigger boat is zed free. Take over newer bigger boat and repeat till your on your ocean going liner?

It would also be a very good idea to include a fuel tanker in the take over plans

GavRedKing

ttm wrote: »

Start with any vessel and work up.

Start off with a row boat and pull up near but not to near a bigger vessel that is tied up or adrift then wait for zeds to appear put up a wonky gang plank and when they try and cross it you just tip them off till the bigger boat is zed free. Take over newer bigger boat and repeat till your on your ocean going liner?

It would also be a very good idea to include a fuel tanker in the take over plans

I hate raining on peoples parade, but the logistics to run a big ship and a tanker would be to much for any group, unless that group had about enough experiences dealing with such large vessels.

The engineering of the ship alos would prove largely impossible to control, and the maintenance would mean the bigger ship or tanker could be a death trap if somethin were to happen out in the ocean, forcing you to flee to the nearest shore where god only knows what would await you.

But if you can mange to get a crew together that can do the job well done...i will tag along haha

ttm

gavredking wrote: »

I hate raining on peopels parade, but the logistics to run a big ship and a tanker would be to much for any group, unless that group had about enough experiences dealing with such large vessels.

The engineering of the ship alos would prove largely impossible to control, and the maintenance would mean the bigger ship or tanker could be a death trap if somethin were to happen out in the ocean, forcing you to flee to the nearest shore where god only knows what would await you.

Then join up with a band of Somaliean pirates

They seem to manage to be able to "sail" just about anything.

GavRedKing

ttm wrote: »

Then join up with a band of Somaliean Zombie pirates

They seem to manage to be able to "sail" just about anything.

FYP haha now that would be crazy :pac:

Amhran Nua

gavredking wrote: »

FYP haha now that would be crazy :pac:

All we need then is ninjas and done, by god.

_SONIC_

just try and sale the ocean liner then SMASH it into an island, the boat can be used as a shelter and the island can be secured and used to harvest food!!

ttm

I'm off here http://www.nriinternet.com/NRIhotels/UK/A_Z/_Pooni-Mans_Land_fort_in_Solent/index.htm

Thats if I can sneek up on the current tennant

GavRedKing

_SONIC_ wrote: »

just try and sale the ocean liner then SMASH it into an island, the boat can be used as a shelter and the island can be secured and used to harvest food!!

Only problem with the plan is the ship, if it is an ocean liner will probal ground itself some distance from the island or shore, hence having to get off it and swim/row.

Good idea though, using both possible resources of the ship and posible island.

_SONIC_

haha ttm nice place!!!

so what's the plan so far? we all meet up in the port and try find an ocean liner and then sail to England and crash into that poncey bastards fort!!!

lets see him take legal action against my shotgun 'Bertha' !!!:):):)