Zombies

**Zombies** are undead humans whose corpses have become reanimated, either by a zombie virus or through supernatural resurrection. They are known for their consumption of human brains.

## Characteristics

Due to their undead nature, zombies are typically very clumsy, with limited vocabulary, and will unconsciously repeat the frequent motions of their previous life, such as driving or using their smartphones. Unlike vampires, zombies do not have advanced healing abilities and any injuries caused by or after their turning will remain permanent.

Despite these setbacks, many zombies are capable of following relatively normal lives and their levels of intelligence and physical speed vary. The Karori Zombie Society aim to defy stereotypes about zombies by keeping behaviours such as walking with arms outstretched while groaning under wraps.

### Viral zombies

The zombie virus is a blood-borne disease; a human that gets bitten or scratched by a zombie will eventually become one too following a brief period of intense sickness. They resemble humans but have white irises. They crave and consume human brains and will become extremely aggressive in their pursuit of them. Some zombies may become completely compliant if instructions are given to them via radio signals.

### Supernatural zombies

Supernatural zombies are the result of failed attempts at resurrection by necromancers. They are capable of climbing walls and may consume birds and insects when not attacking people. They are extremely difficult to kill, even if they are physically fragile, and can be resistant to heart impalement, neck breaking, drowning and electrocution. Necromancers can however use magic to control them.

## History

The Karori Zombie Society were the co-hosts of the 2014 Unholy Masquerade. Several zombies introduced themselves to Stu and were the first guests to suspect that he was a “pre-deceased” human.

In 2018 a small zombie outbreak occurred in Wellington when officers Donovan and Laupepe arrested and became infected by a zombie businessman. The officers turned two more humans, who were also arrested by officers Minogue and O’Leary before the zombie cops were apprehended and given desk jobs to protect the public. The businessman meanwhile infected two others in his jail cell.

While filming a *Police Summer Safety* PSA, Minogue had to secure the seatbelt of a zombie in a police car, and was attacked when he didn't put it on properly.

When Laszlo and Nadja’s familiar Topher died in 2020, they paid the necromancer Wallace to resurrect him. During the ritual, Wallace became distracted by his phone and Topher returned as a zombie. He attacked Guillermo and Nandor was able to defend him, but not able to kill Topher. Wallace took ownership of Topher, setting him to work in his shop basement making keychains alongside numerous other zombies he had accidentally created.

At some point between 2019 and 2020, Leather Skins member Ken the Accountant was turned from a vampire into a zombie.

## Known zombies

* Ken the Accountant
* Laupepe
* Mason Donovan
* Topher Delmonico (supernatural zombie)
* An unnamed boy racer
* An unnamed zombie businessman, who also infected two other arrested people
* An unnamed drive through server
* An unnamed zombie at the 2014 Unholy Masquerade

## Appearances

* *What We Do in the Shadows* (film)
* *Wellington Paranormal*
	+ "Zombie Cops"
* *Police Summer Safety - Zombie*
* *What We Do in the Shadows* (TV series)
	+ "Resurrection"
	+ "The Return"
	+ "Exit Interview"

## References

Yates, Paul (writer) & Clement, Jemaine (writer & director) (15 August 2018). "Zombie Cops". *Wellington Paranormal*. Episode 6. TVNZ 2.
Clement, Jemaine & Waititi, Taika (writers and directors) (19 January 2014). *What We Do in the Shadows*.
Sawyer, Marika (writer) & Newacheck, Kyle (director) (April 15, 2020). "Resurrection". *What We Do in the Shadows*. Episode 11. FX.
4. ↑  "Police Summer Safety – Zombie" - Vimeo
Clement, Jemaine (writer & director) (May 20, 2020). "The Return". *What We Do in the Shadows*. Episode 17. FX.