[Video] Backdated to the 14th

[mismanagement]

[When the video feed starts it shows two figures standing together. It may be a familiar a sight to long term residents: Maketh and Henry at the Guard HQ.

Henry is dressed in full plate armour and mail, from gorget to sabatons: if its design looks like a god's not-quite-accurate replica of a fourteenth century harness, that's because it is. His sword is sheathed at his hip and his heater shield strapped to his back. He stands straight and proud, his expression focused. Just off to his side is a table. On the table viewers may glimpse a crossbow, an english longbow, and a collection of bolts and heavy arrows.

For her part, Maketh is dressed in her regular uniform, a hunting jacket and long pants, aggressively ironed, and a set of homemade body-armor. A rifle is slung across her shoulder and a short sword clipped to her side.]

Guard, report in. Be aware that we shall be turning on our emergency app.

[He dips his head in a curt nod of greeting as he then proceeds to address the wider audience.]

Residents of Hadriel. If you can, find a defensible position and strengthen it to withstand assault. Prioritize your safety over engagement. The Guard shall be out in force: we will patrol the streets, and dispatch force wherever we are needed. If you find that your position is swarmed, we shall send a force to clear them. We can transport supplies and provide escort. Our purpose is to risk these dangers on your behalf.

Let us know here, and one of ours shall immediately aid you. Or approach us while we are out in person. Do not hesitate.

We would especially like to hear from the clinic: how may we best assist you?

[Here Maketh steps forward, voice calm and commanding. She fully expects her advice to be followed.]

Our priority here is survival. The situation is what it is, and we will endure it just as we have endured everything else the gods have thrown at us. Do nothing foolish and it will pass as the others have. The guard will maintain fortified positions as best we can, but know that if you venture outside, we cannot guarantee your safety. Be practical and calm. If you require aid, ask for it and we will come. Protect each other and endure. We are stronger than this.

[Yet Henry is not done yet. He takes up a crossbow – the medieval kind found in the armoury – and shows it to the feed.]

There is one more thing I want to discuss. This is a crossbow. Unlike guns, they are stocked in the armoury and bolts are in good supply. Unlike bows, they require only minimal training to use and no strength or conditioning. They are good ranged weapons for those without martial skill, though one should be aware that they are comparatively slow to prepare for firing. Allow me to demonstrate how to wield one.

This is how one loads it: a simple tool known as a windlass.

[He demonstrates how to attach the windlass, crossbow held vertical and downwards facing, braced on the ground, and makes quick work of winding the pedals to draw back the string. The string soon catches on a nut which holds it taut. He removes the windlass, setting it aside, and raises the crossbow.]

Once pulled taut, the nut keeps it that way. Your first shot, at least, you may prepare in advance.

[He takes up a bolt and slots it in.]

Simply place the bolt when you are ready to fire. And here is the trigger. Point and shoot.

[He doesn't fire, however, and instead removes the bolt, before setting the whole weapon aside. That done, with considerable cynicism, he dryly adds:]

Please be responsible and aim only at that which you are prepared to kill.

[Finally, he rounds off with one last announcement.]

One of our new members, Jill Valentine, is a veteran of these... 'zombie' infestations. She will follow this message with advice for us all. Take a look, and make the most of her expertise.

[Maketh nods once.]

Stay alive, Hadriel. The tools have been provided to you. Use them wisely.

[Video] also backdated to the 14th

[survivethis]

[The video feed turns on, immediately following this announcement, and shows a blonde woman with light blue eyes. To say she looks strong or capable might be an understatement. She has the look of someone who's been a cop or in the military, or maybe a bit of both. She smiles a little into the camera, but the smile is thin, since there's grim business to discuss.

This is a new thing for her; visiting another world, and she's brand new here. The only benefit of such a visit would be getting away from zombies... haha.. hah..]

Hello. My name is Jill Valentine, and I'm one of the new ones here. [Introductions are generally a good way to start.] I'm also a new member of your city guard. Where I come from, I'm in an organization called the BSAA. [More like a founder.] The Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance. It's a world-wide organization that's trained to deal with... well, monsters. Zombies. Biological weapons.

It's my mission to protect people from things like that, and since there have been zombie sightings here recently, let me tell you what I know about them.

Now, I can't guarantee these monsters work exactly the way they do where I come from, but a few of these tips just might save your life.

[She reaches for her knife and lifts it.]

You'll want something to protect yourself. Back home, it's bullets, but I understand the armory is limited here. Luckily, zombies like these tend to be slow moving. In my world, they're created through a virus that shuts down all life systems of the body except for motor function and an unending hunger to consume flesh. If one of them bites you, it's just a matter of time before you become one of them. That's how the virus spreads. It can also spread through contaminated water, so make sure you're mindful of what you consume.

[She taps the flat of the knife against her palm and lifts it again.]

Stabbing one won't do any good. They don't feel anything. The only way to stop them is to go for the head. Once the brain has been damaged, the zombie is done for. You can also use fire. If you can't do either, go for the legs and get the hell away as fast as you can.

[As for other survival tips...]

Honestly, I'm a little worried. There's never just a few zombies. Typically, they move in groups. It can be easy to be outnumbered and overwhelmed. You can lock your doors, but enough of them can break down doors, bust through windows... there's even some viral species that can put up ladders. I would advise you to stick with a partner. Watch each other's backs. High ground is the best tactical position.

If you need help, just call on me or any of the city guard. I'm not saying you can't take care of yourself, but if you feel the need, don't hesitate, and we'll report to your location right away.

[She about wraps it up, but remembers one last thing.]

Oh, if you see one that's turning... red? Set it on fire immediately or get away from it. Once those are on their feet, they just might outrun you. Feel free to ask me any questions you might have.