Ecological Deadzone

> `Note: Those who will make a scientist oc that focuses on the Ecological Deadzone, good luck remembering all of this lmao`
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### **Aftermath**

In the aftermath of devastating disasters, the Ecological Deadzone serves as a haunting testament to the destructive consequences of both natural forces and human actions. Spanning an extensive area comparable to that of a sprawling city, this region remains enveloped in an impenetrable fog, intermingling with the constantly swirling dust, turning the area into a bewildering labyrinth. Visibility is scarce in this place, as the thick atmosphere distorts perception, rendering navigation a dangerous and treacherous task.

### **Raditation**

The air is saturated with radioactivity, making it both unbreathable and deadly upon prolonged contact. This hazardous environment has given rise to extraordinarily peculiar lifeforms, mutations that have surpassed anything found in the surrounding regions. These creatures are distorted reflections of their original forms, lurking within the darkness and further heightening the perilous nature of the Deadzone.

Yet, amidst the desolation, the zone exerts a macabre fascination. Some say it harbors deep-seated secrets, while others believe it to be an eerie purgatory, as if the earth yearns to reclaim itself from the destructive impact of time and humanity. Amidst whispers among survivors, tales circulate of unfathomable treasures and advanced technologies that remain concealed, awaiting those bold or reckless enough to unearth them.

Entering the Ecological Deadzone is not taken lightly. It is a journey into a world where the laws of nature have been altered, where every step carries the risk of imminent danger, and where the air one inhales poses as a silent and insidious threat.

## Survivability in the Ecological Deadzone

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>  Traversing the Ecological Deadzone is a challenge of both physical stamina and mental fortitude. The toxic environment, volatile landscape, and lurking threats push even the most experienced adventurers to their limits. Though challenging, survival is within reach.
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**Air Quality**

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>  **The air in the Deadzone is unfit for breathing due to its radioactive nature**. For survivors who venture into this area, the use of **advanced rebreather systems or oxygen tanks of superior quality is essential**. These equipment must be regularly inspected and properly maintained. **Extended exposure, even while wearing protective gear, may result in radiation sickness**, requiring the administration of radiation-blocking medications or a swift departure.
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**Navigation**

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>  The ever-present fog and dust storms can disorient even seasoned wayfinders. Employing a combination of topographical maps, f**unctional digital GPS systems, and traditional compasses** can be of assistance. Leaving markers along the way, such as trail markers reminiscent of **painted stone or placed sticks**, can aid in retracing steps or notifying others of the chosen path.
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**Fauna**

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>  The mutated creatures pose a significant threat. Constant vigilance, stealth, and understanding the behavior of these entities can provide an edge. Some survivors also carry deterrents, such as noise-makers or specific pheromones that repel certain creatures.
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**Flora**

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>  Although parts of the Deadzone may appear desolate, certain mutated plants have acquired toxic properties or possess the ability to release radioactive spores upon disturbance. **Familiarity with botany** and possessing a **guidebook** that outlines these perilous plants can be crucial for survival.
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**Shelter**

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>  Due to the expansive size of the Deadzone, crossing it in a **single attempt is often impossible**. Temporary shelters or encampments, ideally elevated from the ground to minimize exposure to toxins settled on the ground, can be set up. Portable tents equipped with radiation shielding or locating and securing abandoned structures can offer a much-needed refuge.
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**Mental Fortitude**

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>  **The mental toll of the Deadzone is intense**. The **eerie silence**, occasionally disrupted by *unsettling sounds*, can take a toll. **Frequent communication with team members**, maintaining a routine, and **staying connected to the outside world** through reminders can contribute to maintaining mental well-being.
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**Supplies**

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>  Procuring food and water within the Deadzone is a perilous task due to the region's hostile nature. Ensuring an ample supply of provisions, as well as **compact water purification systems**, is crucial.
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**Communication**

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>  **Maintaining regular communication** about one's location and **status with a team located outside the Deadzone** can be vital. Radiocommunication systems, if adequately shielded from radiation, can function, serving as a vital lifeline during emergencies.
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Enduring the challenges of the Ecological Deadzone is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of humanity. Those who emerge from this harsh environment not only bear witness to its harrowing experiences but also carry tales of the unyielding human spirit that refuses to surrender, even in the face of dire circumstances.

## Casualties

Considering the inherent dangers of this treacherous region, comparable in **size to a sprawling metropolis**, the potential for significant casualties exists. The allure of potential treasures and hidden secrets has motivated countless individuals to venture into this perilous area, whether out of necessity, curiosity, or the pursuit of rumored riches.

Since its inception over the years, an estimated number ranging from **20,000 to 50,000** individuals have entered the Deadzone. A substantial majority, roughly **70-80%**, might never have returned, resulting in an estimated casualty range of approximately **14,000 to 40,000** individuals, whether due to the encroachment of the Deadzone upon the city or the daring of courageous individuals who entered. These estimates take into account organized expeditions, solitary adventurers, and individuals compelled by desperation or rumors of concealed sanctuaries within the zone.

However, these figures are not conclusive. The true scope of casualties in the Ecological Deadzone remains shrouded in mystery, as the fog and dust likely veiling numerous untold tales.

## Weather in the Ecological Deadzone

Within the distinctive environment of the Ecological Deadzone, it has spawned a range of unique and frequently extreme weather phenomena.

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**Persistent Fog**

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>  One defining characteristic of the Deadzone is the incessant fog that shrouds the entire region. This dense, **gray mist severely limits visibility to mere meters**, resulting in an unsettling, silent realm where sounds become **muffled and orientation is easily disoriented**.
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**Dust Storms**

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>  At regular intervals, formidable **dust storms sweep through the Deadzone, drastically diminishing visibility and rendering travel perilous**. These storms can persist for **hours or even days** and bring along not only soil particles but also potentially **radioactive particles and spores from mutated plants.**
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**Radiation Rains**

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>  Intermittent rainfalls, rather than providing respite, frequently bring along a **mixture of pollutants and radioactive elements**. These rains, often referred to as 'acidic,' pose a risk to **exposed skin and gradually corrode various materials.**
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**Temperature Fluctuations**

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>  The catastrophic event that led to the creation of the Deadzone has disrupted its climate. As a result, **temperatures can reach unpredictable extremes**, featuring scorching days when the sun, if visible, relentlessly beats down, and frigid nights when the absence of **urban heat causes temperatures to plummet**.
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**Stagnant Air**

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>  Because of the persistent fog and the absence of robust air currents in the Deadzone, the air **frequently feels dense and stagnant**. This not only exacerbates the sense of suffocation but also hinders the rapid dispersion of pollutants and toxins.
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**Rare Clearings**

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>  **At rare and unpredictable intervals**, clear days or brief periods occur when the fog lifts and the sun breaks through in the Deadzone. These occurrences present both blessings and curses, as they offer a momentary respite and clear sight, but they also expose travelers to potential threats who seize the opportunity to hunt or relocate.
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## Tempature

The extreme and fluctuating conditions described in the Ecological Deadzone would cause temperatures to undergo substantial fluctuations.

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**Daytime**

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>  The greenhouse effect caused by the thick fog and dust can cause temperatures to soar, **trapping and retaining heat**. During the day, temperatures often range from **85°F to 105°F (29°C to 40°C).**
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**Nighttime**

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>  In the absence of urban heat sources, as heat dissipates rapidly under the clear skies, **temperatures can plummet dramatically**. Nighttime temperatures often fall within the range of **40°F to 60°F (4°C to 15°C).**
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Yet, during specific extreme weather events or within certain zones of the Deadzone, such as areas with dense pockets of fog or proximity to unidentified radiation sources, temperatures may exceed these ranges, further heightening the unpredictability and danger of the environment.

## Ecological Deadzone - Expanding Horizons

The Ecological Deadzone, originally spanning the size of a sprawling city, started spreading rapidly, engulfing the surrounding landscapes. The origins of the Deadzone are still a subject of debate, as some argue that it directly resulted from the Neoevolutis outbreak, while others believe it to be a cumulative effect of past ecological disasters. Over time, once-fertile lands transformed into barren wastelands, lakes became acidified, and forests turned into haunting skeletal remnants.

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**Effects on Mutants**

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**Hyper-Evolution**

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>  Mutants that enter the Deadzone undergo rapid evolutionary transformations. The heightened levels of radioactivity and distinctive atmospheric conditions accelerate the occurrence of more aggressive mutations, resulting in the emergence of entirely new mutant sub-species, some possessing enhanced abilities or entirely novel physiological traits.
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**Shortened Lifespan**

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>  Due to the harsh conditions, mutants may experience temporary advantages, but their lifespan is significantly reduced. The accelerated metabolic rates, coupled with the environmental toxicity, result in accelerated cellular degradation.
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**Enhanced Aggression**

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>  The environmental stressors amplify the mutants' aggressive tendencies. Their survival instincts remain in a constant state of heightened alertness, rendering them more perilous and unpredictable.
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**Mutant Hierarchies**

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>  Within the confines of the Deadzone, mutants establish their own hierarchies and claim territories. Dominant mutants often assert control over specific regions, resulting in territorial conflicts and internal strife.
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**Effects on Humans**

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**Immediate Toxicity**

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>  Even brief exposure without proper protection can prove fatal for humans. Exposure to the Deadzone poses risks ranging from radiation burns to severe respiratory distress, making it a gauntlet of hazards.
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**Long-term Health Issues**

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>  Individuals who venture into the Deadzone and manage to return bring back various long-term health concerns, such as chronic respiratory problems and increased susceptibility to cancer due to radiation exposure.
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**Psychological Impacts**

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>  The unsettling silence, the pervasive fog, and the constant presence of danger can cause profound psychological trauma. Numerous individuals who have entered the Deadzone experience **symptoms of PTSD, hallucinatory episodes, or debilitating anxiety.**
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**Potential Mutation**

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>  Unverified accounts exist of humans who have spent extended periods in the Deadzone allegedly exhibiting signs of mutation. These accounts persist as legends and tales of horror, without any substantiated evidence to back them up.
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**The Deadzone's Expanding Influence**

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>  Gradually, the boundary of the Ecological Deadzone started expanding, and its impact extended to regions that were once considered safe. Plant and animal life at the borders began exhibiting signs of mutation, while weather patterns grew increasingly unpredictable, raising concerns that, if left unchecked, the Deadzone's influence could spread to larger territories.
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Several monitoring stations and barriers were erected along the outskirts of the Deadzone, serving as early warning systems and as a desperate measure to contain its expanding influence. With its haunting landscape and treacherous conditions, the Ecological Deadzone serves as a solemn reminder of nature's delicate equilibrium and the unforeseen repercussions that can occur when this balance is disturbed.

## Flora

Plant life within the Ecological Deadzone has undergone evolutionary adaptations in response to the extreme conditions, resulting in the creation of a distinctive and frequently surreal botanical landscape.

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**Acid Ferns**

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>  These ferns possess leaves that excrete a mildly acidic substance, serving as a deterrent to potential herbivores. Additionally, this secretion aids the ferns in absorbing nutrients from the toxic soils.
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**Radiation Sponges**

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>  An exceptional species of fungus demonstrates a remarkable ability to thrive in highly radioactive environments. These fungi exhibit a bulbous morphology with a porous texture. Speculations exist regarding the potential role these fungi play in absorbing and potentially mitigating certain levels of ground radiation.
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**Spore Trees**

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>  Towering, skeletal trees periodically emit abundant spore clouds. When inhaled or ingested, these spores possess toxicity, which can induce hallucinations or cause respiratory distress.
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**Petrified Wood Groves**

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Wooded regions where trees have transformed into an almost petrified state as a result of the harsh environmental conditions. They stand motionless like statues, serving as a poignant reminder of the world that existed in the past.

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**Toxic Blooms**

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> Though visually captivating, these flowers emit a potent toxin into the air upon blooming. This functions as a defense mechanism against herbivores and serves as a means to diminish competition for resources by impeding the growth or harming neighboring plants.
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**Air Vines**

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>  Delicate, thread-like vines that form extensive clusters, suspended from higher elevations. These vines possess minuscule air sacs, enabling them to float short distances, facilitating their dispersal and propagation.
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**Mirror Grass**

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>  Grass-like vegetation adorned with leaves that possess a high degree of reflectivity. They flourish in regions where intermittent sunlight breaks through the fog, leveraging their mirror-like surfaces to concentrate and optimize the process of photosynthesis.
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The flora within the Ecological Deadzone stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of life. Every species symbolizes nature's relentless pursuit to not only survive but also flourish in the face of adversity. Nevertheless, they also serve as a poignant reminder: these plants that have undergone mutations and adaptations signify a profoundly transformed world, where the conventional rules of ecology and biology have been rendered obsolete.

## Dustorms of The Deadzone

The dust storms within the Ecological Deadzone are triggered by a mysterious phenomenon currently termed the "Nexaflares". These flares not only churn the very earth into blinding tempests but also infuse the storm with a cocktail of lethal agents. Most notably, they carry high concentrations of Carcinogens, which have been linked to a surge in cancer cases among those exposed. Along with this, the storms are laced with:

* **Mutagen X-12**
	+ A compound directly linked to rapid DNA alteration, leading to mutations.
* **ToxiSpores**
	+ Fungal spores that, when inhaled, can cause severe respiratory diseases and systemic infections.
* **Radon Clusters**
	+ Radioactive particles that can lead to radiation poisoning if absorbed over time.
* **Neurolytic Aerosols**
	+ Chemical compounds which, upon exposure, can affect the nervous system, causing tremors, seizures, or even paralysis.
* **Acidic Microdroplets**
	+ Tiny droplets of powerful acids that can cause burns on contact and are particularly harmful to the eyes and mucous membranes.

Navigating these storms requires extreme caution, the right gear, and a deep understanding of the Deadzone's unpredictable nature.

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**Dust Storms Causes Further Mutations**

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> When the infected are caught in the tempestuous embrace of a dust storm, the complex blend of chemicals and particles within can catalyze further mutations. These changes, fueled by the potent combination of the storm's elements and the Neoevolutis virus in the infected, can manifest in unpredictable ways. The rarity of such events means that survivors and researchers continually encounter previously unseen and potentially more dangerous mutations. This ever-evolving nature of the infected, compounded by the volatile environment of the Ecological Deadzone, keeps explorers constantly on edge, knowing that the next encounter might be with a hitherto unknown and possibly more formidable variant of the infected.
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