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1. #1comment

   Keys: , Clickers, Runners, cordyceps, Stalkers, Bloaters, Infected · Secondary: spores, zombies, The Dead, fungus, undead, the undead, fungal

   In The Last of Us universe, the Cordyceps Brain Infection (CBI) is often referred to by different names or nicknames. Here are a few terms used to describe the infection and the infected individuals:

   Runners: Runners are individuals in the early stages of infection. They retain some human-like characteristics but have already succumbed to the Cordyceps Brain Infection (CBI). Runners are aggressive and will attack non-infected individuals on sight. They exhibit heightened senses, increased strength, and agility. Their movements are erratic, and they rely on brute force and overwhelming numbers to overpower their victims.

   Clickers: Clickers are the next stage of infection and are highly recognizable by their distinct appearance. Fungal growth has completely covered their faces, rendering them blind. As a result, they navigate using echolocation, emitting distinctive clicking sounds to sense their surroundings. Clickers are highly sensitive to sound and will attack anything they detect. They possess tremendous strength and can deliver deadly, close-quarter attacks. Engaging a Clicker in direct combat is extremely dangerous and usually requires stealth or precise tactics.

   Stalkers: Stalkers represent a more advanced stage of infection. They are infected individuals who have retained more of their human appearance and exhibit a higher level of stealth and intelligence. Stalkers tend to hide and observe their prey before launching surprise attacks. They are more cautious and patient, making them a formidable threat in encounters. Stalkers can switch between stealthy movements and aggressive assaults, making them unpredictable opponents.

   Bloaters: Bloaters are the most evolved and dangerous form of infected. They have heavy fungal growth covering their bodies, making them highly resilient to damage. Bloaters possess immense strength and are capable of throwing deadly spore-filled projectiles. They are slow-moving but can charge at high speeds when close to their target. Engaging a Bloater requires careful planning and strategic use of resources, as they can sustain significant damage and pose a significant threat.

   It's important to note that each stage of infection represents a progression of the Cordyceps Brain Infection, with the infected individuals losing more of their humanity and becoming increasingly dangerous and less recognizable as humans. Dealing with these infected is a constant challenge for the survivors in The Last of Us, and understanding their behaviors and weaknesses is crucial for survival.

2. #2Joel

   Keys: Joel, Miller

   Joel Miller before the time skip

   Background: Joel Miller was born and raised in Texas before the outbreak of the Cordyceps Brain Infection. He had a tumultuous past, having experienced loss and trauma prior to the outbreak. Joel was a single father to his daughter Sarah and worked as a construction worker, leading a relatively ordinary life.

   Personality: Before the outbreak, Joel was a caring and protective father. He prioritized Sarah's well-being above all else and demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility towards her. He had a compassionate side, often showing kindness to others, but also had a hardened edge from his life experiences.

   Appearance: Joel is depicted as a middle-aged man with a strong and sturdy build, reflecting his past as a manual laborer. He has short, dark hair with some graying, along with a rough beard. His eyes carry a depth of experience and weariness, hinting at the hardships he has endured.

   Skills and Resourcefulness: Joel's pre-outbreak life as a construction worker instilled him with physical strength and practical skills that prove valuable in the post-apocalyptic world. He is resourceful, able to adapt to difficult situations and find creative solutions to challenges. Joel's survival instincts and ability to handle firearms make him a formidable fighter.

   
   Joel Miller after the time skip
   
   Background:
   After the outbreak of the Cordyceps infection, Joel's life drastically changed. He became a survivor in the harsh post-apocalyptic world, adapting to its grim realities. Joel endured loss, betrayal, and violence, shaping him into a hardened and somewhat jaded individual.
   
   Personality:
   Following the time skip, Joel's personality underwent a transformation. He became guarded and cautious, harboring a deep sense of mistrust towards others. Joel developed a ruthless survival instinct, prioritizing his and Ellie's safety above any moral considerations. He could be gruff, displaying a tough exterior as a defense mechanism.
   
   Appearance:
   After the time skip, Joel's appearance became more rugged and weathered. His hair grew longer and his beard became thicker and more scruffy, reflecting his life on the road. His eyes, once full of warmth, now carry a sense of resignation and guardedness.
   
   Protective and Fatherly:
   Despite his hardened demeanor, Joel's connection with Ellie became a driving force. He formed a fatherly bond with her, taking on the role of her protector and mentor. Joel's protective instincts and willingness to do whatever it takes to keep Ellie safe define his character post-time skip.
   
   Complexity and Emotional Depth:
   Joel's experiences in the post-apocalyptic world shaped his views and actions. He faced difficult moral choices, navigating the fine line between self-preservation and maintaining his humanity. The weight of his past and the choices he makes add complexity and emotional depth to his character.
   
   Joel Miller is a multifaceted character who evolves from a caring father to a hardened survivor. His journey in The Last of Us explores themes of loss, redemption, and the lengths one is willing to go to protect those they love in a world consumed by despair.
   

3. #3Sarah

   Keys: Miller, Sarah

   Sarah is a significant character in The Last of Us, appearing at the beginning of the game.

   Background: Sarah was the daughter of Joel Miller, the game's protagonist, and his former wife. She was born and raised in Texas before the outbreak of the Cordyceps Brain Infection. At the time of the outbreak, Sarah was only twelve years old.

   Personality: Sarah is depicted as a kind-hearted, caring, and compassionate individual. She is shown to be mature beyond her years, often taking on a nurturing and protective role for her younger brother, Sam. Sarah possesses a strong sense of empathy and shows concern for others, even in the face of danger and adversity.

   Relationship with Joel: Sarah shares a close bond with her father, Joel. They have a loving and affectionate relationship, with Joel being a dedicated and protective father figure in her life. Sarah's interactions with Joel reveal a deep mutual love and trust between them.

   Appearance: Sarah is portrayed as a young teenage girl with long, dark brown hair that reaches her shoulders. She has a warm and bright smile, which highlights her youthful innocence. Sarah's features reflect her mixed heritage, with a blend of her mother's and father's physical characteristics.

   Tragic Fate: Tragedy strikes when the Cordyceps infection rapidly spreads, causing chaos and panic throughout their town. Despite Joel's efforts to keep her safe, Sarah's life is tragically cut short during the initial outbreak. Her death occurs within the first few moments of the game and has a profound impact on Joel, shaping his character and actions throughout the story.

   Impact on the Story: Sarah's death serves as a pivotal event that drives Joel's motivations and shapes his interactions with other characters. It fuels his reluctance to form emotional connections and influences his protective nature towards Ellie later in the game. Sarah's memory lingers throughout the narrative, reminding Joel of the cost and loss associated with the post-apocalyptic world they inhabit.

   Sarah's character represents innocence lost and acts as a catalyst for Joel's journey of redemption and eventual emotional growth. Her presence, albeit brief, leaves a lasting impact on the storyline and serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of the Cordyceps infection.

4. #4Ellie

   Keys: Ell, Ellie, Williams, El, Billie

   Background Story: Ellie was born in the post-apocalyptic world ravaged by the Cordyceps Brain Infection. She grew up in various survivor communities, never experiencing the world before the outbreak. Ellie possesses a unique immunity to the infection, which becomes a crucial aspect of her journey.

   Personality: Ellie is a complex character with a compelling personality. She is headstrong, resilient, and determined. Ellie possesses a sharp wit and a sarcastic sense of humor, often using it as a defense mechanism. Underneath her tough exterior, she carries a deep well of vulnerability and compassion. She is fiercely loyal to those she cares about and displays unwavering determination in the face of adversity.

   Appearance: Ellie has a distinctive appearance that adds to her memorable character. She is portrayed as a young woman with short, curly, light brown hair that frames her face. She has striking green eyes, freckles on her cheeks, and a mischievous smile. Her physical features, combined with her expressive facial expressions, contribute to her recognizable and endearing appearance.

   Likes: Ellie has a love for music and is often seen singing or playing the guitar. She enjoys exploring and discovering new places, showing a curiosity for the world around her. Ellie also values meaningful connections with others and cherishes moments of tenderness and compassion amidst the harshness of the post-apocalyptic world.

   Dislikes: Ellie despises the infected and the violence they bring, as she has witnessed the devastating effects of the Cordyceps infection firsthand. She dislikes oppressive systems or individuals who seek to exert control over others without just cause. Ellie also struggles with the loss and trauma she has experienced, which can cause her to be guarded and distrusting at times.

   Strengths: Ellie possesses several strengths that contribute to her survival and journey. Her immunity to the infection grants her an advantage in navigating dangerous environments. She is resourceful and adaptable, able to think quickly on her feet and find creative solutions to problems. Ellie is skilled in combat, both with firearms and in hand-to-hand combat, making her a formidable opponent.

   Weaknesses: Despite her strengths, Ellie also has weaknesses. She can be impulsive and act on her emotions without fully considering the consequences. Her emotional baggage and past traumas can sometimes cloud her judgment or hinder her ability to trust others fully. Ellie's strong attachment to those she cares about can make her vulnerable and susceptible to manipulation.

   Throughout her story, Ellie experiences significant growth, facing moral dilemmas and personal challenges that shape her character. Her journey explores themes of identity, resilience, and the search for purpose in a post-apocalyptic world. Ellie's complex personality and development make her a compelling and relatable protagonist in The Last of Us series.

5. #5Dina

   Keys: dina, babe, woodward

   Background Story: Dina was born sometime between 2015 and 2018. She was orphaned at a young age, leading her older sister, Talia, to raise her. At some point prior to 2033, Dina moved to Jackson, Wyoming, and joined the community under the leadership of Maria. During their trip to Seattle, Dina told Ellie her first kill was when she was ten, stabbing a man who tried to attack her mother. She also became acquainted with Jesse, another survivor who lived within the settlement. After Ellie and Joel found safety within Jackson, Dina became friends with the former. She also dated Jesse, though they eventually broke up, leaving Dina pregnant with Jesse's child, and leading to her and Ellie going out.

   Personality: Dina has a strong, assertive personality. She enjoys teasing people and takes pleasure in pushing boundaries. Although she comes across as confident and independent, she harbors insecurities about her physical appearance which sometimes fuel her need for attention. Deep down, she craves validation and love, especially from those close to her like Ellie. Despite these vulnerabilities, she maintains a defensive exterior, often hiding behind sarcastic remarks or playful taunting.

   Appearance: Dina wears numerous articles of clothing during the game. She predominantly wears brown and autumn-colored clothes, such as her brown fur coat she wears while on patrol, and her brown denim jacket while hunting Abby in Seattle. She wears blue jeans. Her hair is black and typically tied back in a ponytail, and she has a light dusting of freckles on her face. She is also Jewish. She wears a hamsa bracelet on her right wrist.

   Likes: Dina enjoys spending time with Ellie, going on hikes and exploring the nature around Jackson. She finds comfort in simple things like reading books or watching movies together. Dina also has a fondness for music, particularly punk rock and indie bands. When it comes to food, she appreciates home cooked meals made by Ellie, but occasionally indulges in junk food like burgers and fries from the safe zone diner. As for activities, aside from exploring the town with Ellie, and practicing MMA.

   Dislikes: Dina has some reservations about the strict rules imposed by the leaders of the Jackson Safe Zone, finding them suffocating at times. She struggles with feelings of isolation due to the fact that she doesn't fit into any particular social group perfectly. Additionally, she feels self conscious about her past relationships and experiences which have left emotional scars. Most importantly though, she absolutely despises spiders—an irrational fear that often surfaces when least expected.

   Strengths: Dina is known for her incredible bravery. Throughout her adventures, she faces countless dangerous situations head-on without backing down. Her determination and resilience are truly inspiring. She's very empathetic. She cares deeply about those around her and always tries to help others in need. This trait makes her a beloved member of the group she's part of.

   Weaknesses: Her biggest weakness Dina's is her lack of self-preservation instinct. Sometimes, she puts herself in danger just to save someone else, which can lead to tragic outcomes. Another weakness is her trust issues. Due to past experiences, she finds it hard to open up and rely on others. This can create barriers in her relationships and hinder potential growth.

6. #6Abby

   Keys: abbie, anderson, abs, abby, abigail

   Background Story: Abby was born sometime between 2014 and 2018 and is the daughter of Jerry Anderson, the head surgeon who worked for the Fireflies and was killed by Joel Miller when rescuing Ellie. Her father raised her as a member of the Fireflies during the apocalypse and took her to live in Salt Lake City where he worked on making a vaccine for the Cordyceps brain infection.

   Personality: Abby is a hardened but emotionally conflicted young woman. After her father's death and the disbanding of the Fireflies, Abby distanced herself from her friends, like Owen and Mel, to achieve her personal goal of murdering Joel. She became a stoic and blunt soldier in order to achieve it. In doing so, she gained a commanding presence, becoming a leader among the WLF. However, it also meant she grew serious, rarely smiling and gaining a straight forward and strict nature. She also exemplifies her more warped perspectives in how she tortured and killed Seraphites because she saw them immoral. She can also be rather self-righteous and hypocritical at times, chiding Owen for wanting to abandon the WLF and go to Santa Barbara to find the Fireflies, only for Owen to call her out for doing the same thing by going out and killing Joel. Despite her cold nature, Abby is not without humanity as she displayed dissatisfaction and guilt, especially when both Lev and Yara question her about why she helped them, although she does not tell them why she feels guilty.

   Appearance: Abby is a tall woman in her early twenties, with dark blonde hair (which she kept braided in a fishtail for most of her youth and early adult life), pale, freckled skin, and blue eyes. While she had a fairly normal build during her time as a Firefly, her thirst for revenge led her to develop a solid and muscular build while a soldier in the WLF, which made her easily identifiable to others. After her second encounter with Ellie, Abby is left with a number of scars on her face and ears, given to her by Dina.

   Likes: Abby is passionate about protecting those she cares about. She'll go to great lengths to ensure their safety, even if it means putting herself in harm's way. This dedication shows her strength of character and commitment to her loved ones. She also appreciates challenge and isn't afraid to step out of her comfort zone. Abby constantly pushes herself to improve and adapt, making her a formidable opponent and a compelling character.

   Dislikes: Abby has a strong sense of justice and intolerance towards those who abuse power or harm innocent people. This principle drives much of her actions throughout the game, but it can also make her come across as harsh or unforgiving at times. Additionally, Abby struggles with opening up emotionally to others. Due to her traumatic past, she tends to keep people at arm's length, which can make forming deep connections challenging for her.

   Strengths: From a young age, the Fireflies and WLF trained Abby into a capable soldier. Her extensive training has resulted in her gaining a muscular and toned physique that enables her to perform incredible feats of strength such as breaking bones and crushing skulls. She has also demonstrated fierce fist-fighting prowess to the point she can take on multiple individuals at once and even render her opponents unconscious with a few well placed hits. She could even defeat individuals larger than herself in physical combat, notably tackling a sledgehammer-wielding Seraphite to the ground. She is very capable in the use of several types of firearms, and hand to hand combat. Abby also exhibited skill in stealth, able to sneak up on Ellie and defeat her in a fight despite her possessing a shotgun, bow, pistol and setting up numerous traps when fighting her.

   Weaknesses: Despite her incredible strength and resilience, Abby can still be overwhelmed by multiple enemies and those who possess greater strength than her. She also struggles to defeat opponents when surprised, like when she needed Lev to intervene when attacked by a knife-wielding Dina, when she was ambushed by Tommy and Yara came to her aid, and earlier required assistance when a Seraphite brute nearly choked her to death at Haven. In addition, her time as a Rattler hostage has caused much of her muscular physique and strength to degrade. However, even in her weakened state, she still held her own against a weakened Ellie, and had enough strength to bite off sections of Ellie's fingers. Ultimately, Ellie managed to hold Abby under the water, but Abby only survived when an emotionally devastated Ellie decided to spare her. Abby also has issues with letting people in, for fear of losing them as she did the rest of her family. Which also causes her to carry around a good deal of survivor's guilt, and regular guilt for how rashly she acts out, and the guilt that comes with her violent and angry outbursts. Abby suffers from a severe case of acrophobia, a fear of heights that causes her vertigo.

7. #7Jackson Safe Zone

   Keys: zone, Jackson, city, safe

   At some point following the initial outbreak, FEDRA took over the hydroelectric dam. It was later abandoned.

   Sometime after Tommy left the Fireflies, he came across a town in Wyoming which had been made into a settlement by Maria and her father. The town is powered by a hydroelectric dam, and nature fills the surrounding area--particularly woods, rivers and mountains. The area also has several farms and is rich in both vegetation and wildlife. However, the dam is constantly being raided by bandits.

   Joel and Ellie travel to Jackson County in hopes of seeing Joel's brother Tommy in the town of Jackson. Instead, they come across a hydroelectric dam and are surprised to find him there. Tommy introduces them to his wife Maria and warmly welcomes them. They have families living in town and are a self-sustaining community, something Joel and Tommy never thought would be possible again. Many workers are there with Tommy and Maria, trying to get the power plant working again.

   Soon after arriving, the townsfolk manage to get a generator working again, bringing power back online to the nearby town. Afterwards, Joel tries to convince Tommy to bring Ellie to the Fireflies, claiming it an overdue reward for all of the years of taking care of his brother. Tommy becomes angry with Joel, saying all he got from those years is nightmares, which leads to an argument. However, they stop when a group of bandits attack the plant. Despite the bandits killing some of the residents, they defeat the bandits.

   Seeing Joel's care for Ellie, Tommy agrees to take her to the Fireflies, much to Maria's displeasure. In retaliation for Joel giving her away, Ellie takes a horse and runs off. Joel and Tommy pursue her, encountering enemies on the way. The pair find Ellie at a ranch house where Ellie and Joel have another argument before bandits ambush them again. Afterwards, the trio return to the town from the ranch house, where Joel decides to stay with Ellie. Before leaving, Tommy tells the pair they have a place in Jackson if they ever want to come back.

   After the events in Salt Lake City, Joel and Ellie return to Jackson, driving most of the way until they reach a collapsed section of the road overlooking the town. They walk through the woods to the overlook, and the two stop. Ellie confesses her survivor's guilt to Joel, who consoles her, saying that surviving is a struggle, but they have to keep "finding something to fight for." She interrupts him, asking him to swear that he told her the truth about everything that happened with the Fireflies in Salt Lake City.

   Weeks later, the pair are revealed to have been accepted into the Jackson community, with Ellie even getting her own place in the converted garage of Joel's house. The two are put to work helping improve security around the town while Tommy tries to set Joel up with another woman living in Jackson.

   Joel and Ellie integrated well into the community; Joel moved into a large house, and Ellie converted the house's garage into a home of her own. Joel became a leading patrolman, whom Jesse later admitted to looking up to. Ellie also befriended several people, including both Jesse and Dina, as well as Cat, who she became romantically involved with for a time. She regularly patrolled with Jesse, Dina, and Joel.

   Between 2034 and 2038, Jackson remains a thriving community. However, the infected have migrated into the area in the form of hordes, especially in the winter months. To counter this, Maria established regular patrols around Jackson, sending two patrolmen out across different nearby areas to search various lodges, mansions, hotels and outposts to clear out wandering infected so horde attacks on their barricaded walls were easier to deal with. They created a notice board to designate where patrols where going. The areas around Jackson they patrol are: Teton County, Wilson Valley, Hoback Pass, Elk Creek, Alpine Valley and Colten Bay. In Teton County, there is a town called Teton Village which is also patrolled. Along with residential neighborhoods, this village features a supermarket, pharmacy, and a library that Eugene Linden had turned into a residence sometime before his death.

   To keep track of infected nesting in the different areas, the patrolmen make notes in various log books located in safe outposts within the areas they traverse to. They had four outposts and have log books for the Elk Creek trail and the Mountain View ski lodge. Only notes regarding recruiting survivors, facing infected and hostile survivors were meant to be in the notes though some patrolmen would break this rule.

   The patrolmen regularly rotate between areas, always traveling in pairs. According to their log books, between 2034 and 2037, the notable pairings that regularly partnered together were as follows: Joel with Tommy, Eugene with Dina, Jesse with Astrid, and Bonnie with Greg. Another regular patrolman was Mike, though he tended to rotate partners. Tara was another notable patrolman. Ellie also occasionally went on patrol, though only ever with Joel and Tommy. Joel and Tommy were Maria's go-to pair to send out against imminent horde threats or areas known to give other patrolmen difficulties. After Eugene's death around 2038, other patrolmen began to take turns clearing infected. These more recent recruits are William, Rebecca, Fred, Tony, Chad, and Willy. Ellie also replaced Eugene as Dina's primary partner. Alongside these changes, 2038 also saw Jackson face more frequent attacks from hunters, although Tommy indicates they are able to defeat them so long as their patrolmen are nearby or within the settlement.

   Regarding life in the main town, it is revealed to house several horses, cows and chickens, and maintains a thriving farm and greenhouses. The town is filled with markets, stores, welding shops, pubs and eateries, and even a cemetery to lay their dead to rest. The people within the town live in relative peace, resembling the times before the outbreak, able to have dance parties and family events in the church hall.

   On March 2nd, a Jackson patrolman reported that around seven hundred infected were spotted between all four of their outposts in the night. Alerted by the news, Maria sent Joel and Tommy to scout out the north-west area towards the Mountain View ski lodge that reported the largest horde.

   Concurrent to Tommy and Joel heading there on patrol, Abby Anderson from the Washington Liberation Front in Seattle, Washington brought with her a group of friends and colleagues whom she led to the area to find, capture, and interrogate Tommy with the goal of learning about Joel's whereabouts. However, much to their surprise, Abby crossed paths with Joel and Tommy at the ski lodge, the Miller brothers saving her from the infected horde in the area. Escaping the lodge as it fell to the infected, Abby lured Tommy and Joel to the mansion the group was camping out in. The group then ambushed the brothers, knocking Tommy unconscious and leaving Joel immobile from a shotgun to the leg by Abby.

   A while after, as Abby was torturing Joel, Ellie discovered the mansion and was seized by some of Abby's friends. Ellie was then forced to watch the final blow Abby gave that killed Joel, and was soon after knocked unconscious alongside Tommy. A few days later, this incident led Ellie, Tommy, Dina, and Jesse to leave Jackson in pursuit of Abby and her friends. Ultimately, they succeeded in murdering all of Abby's friends who were present at the mansion, but Abby herself murdered Jesse, crippled Tommy, and heavily injured Ellie and Dina in retaliation. Nevertheless, Ellie, Dina and Tommy managed to return to Jackson safely.

   By 2039, the community is still thriving, with Dina and Ellie able to live on a farm a few miles from the settlement. They were also accompanied by Dina's newborn son JJ, whom she had with Jesse before he died. Maria also remains the leader, though she has separated from Tommy after his revenge quest left him bitter and crippled.

8. #8Cordyceps

   Keys: cordyceps, spores, infected, brain, fungus, cbi, infection, fungal

   The Cordyceps brain infection (abbreviated as CBI) is a parasitic fungal infection that has devastated mankind. A mutated strain of the Cordyceps fungus began to spread in the United States in late September 2013. The Cordyceps originated from South America or India, the exact point of origin is unknown, carrying into humans through infected crops. Joel and Sarah Miller's local newspaper in Austin, the Texas Herald, reported on the infection, stating on the front page of the September 26 edition: "Admittance spikes at area hospitals! 300% increase due to mysterious infection" followed by the article "FDA expands the list of contaminated crops. Massive recalls anticipated" saying:

   The Food and Drug Administration's investigation of crops potentially tainted with mold continues across the country. Initial lists distributed to vendors nationwide warned against crops imported from South America, but now the scope has extended to include Central America and Mexico. Several companies have already voluntarily recalled their food products from the shelves. ―Texas Herald, September 26, 2013.

   Several months later, roughly 60% of humanity was either killed or infected by the fungus, later medically referred to as Cordyceps brain infection.

   The fungus grows while the host is still alive, with hosts undergoing four stages of infection. Stage one begins within about two days of infection, wherein the host loses their higher brain function (and with it, their humanity), rendering them hyper-aggressive and incapable of reason or rational thought. Within two weeks, the host enters stage two of the infection, wherein the fungus begins altering their sight as a result of progressing fungal growth over the head and corruption of their visual cortex. After a year of infection, the infection enters stage three; scarring their face and blinding them, resulting in them developing a primitive form of echolocation to compensate. In very rare cases, if the host survives for over a decade, they reach stage four. They develop hardened fungal plates over most of their body. When the fungus eventually kills the host, the host's body grows stalk-like fungal projections which release infectious spores. The infection can also be spread through bites from living hosts. Hosts can only be infected while alive, as the fungus is unable to infect dead bodies due to its parasitic nature, though dead infected can release spores regardless of stage.

   To protect themselves from airborne spores, survivors wear gas masks; Joel has one strapped to his hip as does Tess. Those who are immune do not need them, namely Ellie.

   The infection seems unable to spread in open air areas, such as the countryside, although some of these areas (such as Lincoln and a suburban neighborhood in Pittsburgh) possess a high population of infected. The infection mostly thrives in underground or enclosed areas commonly avoided by people, especially sewers, subway tunnels, and some buildings.

   The fungus could also infect animals, notably monkeys. While the monkeys did not change into infected, they could still transmit the infection through a bite. A Firefly scientist was bitten by an infected monkey despite the monkeys only acting territorial, leading to him changing and opting to commit suicide to avoid becoming a runner.

   In the Left Behind DLC, during her search for medical supplies, Ellie discovers that an attempt was made by Captain Regan Francis to stop the infection from spreading throughout the body of her fellow survivor Private Eugene Ellis by quickly amputating his bitten right arm. Francis chose not to follow the military's Infection Protocol to kill Ellis after having already killed Officer Larry Caulfield when it was discovered he was bitten earlier. It is implied that the amputation may have stopped Ellis from becoming infected, but not knowing the future consequences of Regan's actions had made both of them doubtful of whether this course of action was right or wrong. Ellis later shot Regan dead out of fear that he would kill her, and later bled out in an air duct after escaping from some infected.

9. #9Fireflies

   Keys: , fireflies, firefly

   The Fireflies were an often times antagonistic revolutionary militia group. They revolted against FEDRA's rule in numerous quarantine zones around the United States. The Fireflies' ultimate goal was to restore all branches of the American government. However, they were largely unsuccessful in their war against FEDRA. The Fireflies worked with several other post-outbreak paramilitary groups to combat FEDRA's oppression. However, these alliances had mixed results, with rioters tending to revolt against the Fireflies after FEDRA was usurped, while the Washington Liberation Front remained amiable allies.

   The Fireflies were also searching for a vaccine for the Cordyceps brain infection (CBI) and did whatever it took to accomplish it. The militia group was spread throughout the country, but their final main headquarters was located at St. Mary's Hospital in Salt Lake City. Marlene led the group since its formation until her death in 2034, even being dubbed "queen Firefly" by Joel Miller.

   To identify members in their group, the Fireflies often wear yellow or green clothing, similar to the glow of real fireflies. Furthermore, to differentiate real members from spies, each member wears a pendant chained around their necks. There are at least 318 officially registered Fireflies who were given a pendant.

   After Joel escaped St. Mary's Hospital with Ellie, and any hope of creating a vaccine was lost after the death of the group's only surgeon Jerry Anderson, the group's remaining members voted to disband the organization by 2036. However, by 2038, ex-Firefly resistance groups were attempting to restart the organization at Catalina Island.

10. #10WLF

    Keys: liberation, wolves, wlf, wolf, washington, front

    After the Cordyceps brain infection outbreak, civilians living in Seattle were placed under the control of FEDRA and the United States military within the quarantine zone. In time, anger and resentment grew towards FEDRA and the military's rule over the city. Emma and Jason Patterson were two of countless residents enraged by the expulsions, food shortages, and executions the military conducted under Lt. Torres and Sgt. Ward's rule. By the mid-2020s, the Pattersons formed the WLF, nicknamed "Wolves", to fight for better living conditions for civilians in the zone. They recruited several people into their group, including Alison Cole, Isaac Dixon, Hugo Gonzalez, Luis Sanchez, and Marcus Wilson. However, their protests quickly escalated into an anti-FEDRA campaign, with the Pattersons and their small group of members distributing anti-FEDRA propaganda, stealing the military's supplies and inciting sedition among the Seattle residents. Their actions led to Ward marking them all as wanted terrorists.

    Eventually, the Pattersons were eliminated by the military, along with several other top officials of the Wolves, leaving Isaac as the last remaining leader of the rebellion. In retaliation for their deaths, Isaac killed three FEDRA soldiers. While several citizens were morally against Isaac's actions, the remaining WLF members elected him as their new leader. Over the coming weeks, the WLF committed attacks on military checkpoints, assaulted convoys, and engaged in open armed conflict against the military.

    To counter the WLF's growing aggression, Torres ordered the soldiers to open fire on any and all WLF protests, including peaceful ones. The order led to the Thursday Market massacre, an event that saw the military's brutal response to the WLF march cause a surge in WLF support and membership among the Seattle residents. The action was particularly controversial as the protesters were campaigning for food for their families and ended the military's propaganda campaign to frame the WLF as a terrorist group filled with murderers; the WLF now became known as the citizens' own freedom fighters. The increased membership led to increasing success for the WLF, with even FEDRA soldiers defecting to join the militia group.

    In time, the military gave up on their campaign to defeat the WLF, with Torres ordering Ward to evacuate FEDRA and military personnel and supporters from the city, including Zivah Saunders from the local synagogue. The WLF did not allow the soldiers to leave peacefully though, instead using a tip from a Seattle resident to corner the soldiers on the highway, where they slaughtered them in open combat. Torres and Ward's squad managed to escape the battle but the WLF chased them to the courthouse, where they finished the fight in a final skirmish, successfully killing the military's leadership and officially ending their reign over the city.

    Within a few months, the WLF successfully captured all of FEDRA's military checkpoints in the city. With that, the WLF had successfully won the war against FEDRA and now controlled the QZ. However, some FEDRA personnel fled into the city's suburbs. Unwilling to let them reintegrate into the city's community, the WLF hunted them down to clear the city of FEDRA completely.

11. #11Seraphites

    Keys: seraphites, seraphine, prophet, seraph

    The Seraphites began in the Lower Queen Anne suburb of Seattle between September 2013 and March 2014. It was here a woman supposedly had a vision, from which she became inspired to live an egalitarian life and strive for humanity to live off the land again, detached from mortal pleasures and reliance on technology. She was also a fierce fighter, able to defeat numerous infected that attacked the community. Her charismatic sermons preaching that the Cordyceps brain infection was a punishment brought on by humanity's own sins and was a second chance for humanity to redeem itself inspired members in the community to do likewise, with the residents soon living independently. They fought off infected and looters and grew food on the land they lived on. In time, the woman became their leader and was dubbed "the Prophet".

    The Prophet created a prayer for all her followers to pray:

    The world is not in balance But I have done my part to right it You have led me through the storm Now I must rest May the current be calm May you guide me home ―The Prophet's prayer

    Many also commonly said "We are imperfect beings, and we make ourselves imperfect in her eyes".

    The Seraphites, per the Prophet's teachings, did not use any technology that was created before the pandemic occurred, deeming it part of the 'old world'. Lev noted that the soldiers did use 'old world' items, however, having been granted special permission so they could better combat hostile foes.

    By March, 2014, FEDRA military forces found the community sometime after all other suburbs outside their protection had fallen to the infection. The residents all praised the prophet for their survival despite the soldiers assessing that the community was low on food and at risk of dying from starvation. The military attempted to convince the group to relocate within the quarantine zone's walls for protection, but the group refused. The incident was deemed a miracle by residents in the zone, and was one of the final stories to be officially published in the local newspaper.

    As tensions between the WLF and FEDRA escalated, Lieutenant Carmelo Torres wrote to his superior Paul Douglas about how fanatic the Seraphites were and the problems they caused the military, albeit less burdensome compared to the WLF.

    Once the WLF defeated the military, the Seraphites pushed into the city's suburbs that were formerly under the military's protection and began to terrorize the people residing there. The residents, in fear, moved from the suburbs and took up the WLF's offer to join them and fight back against the Scars.

    As the tensions with the WLF rose, members of the Seraphites faced persecution in the suburbs. In the Hillcrest community, a WLF patrol raided a house, having suspected teenage resident Jimmy was a Seraphite. They killed him, leading some in the area to leave the suburbs and seek protection either by joining the WLF or abandoning the zone entirely.

    To escape the WLF's tyranny, the Seraphites remained fixed within the Lower Queen Anne suburb. Flooding over the years split it from the rest of the city, meaning the Seraphites had a geographical barrier separating them from the WLF, the area being only reachable by boat. The suburb was subsequently called an island by many in Seattle by 2038.

    Despite trying to live in peace, conflict with the WLF became inevitable. To better combat the WLF, the Seraphites formed their own army containing around five hundred soldiers, according to Yara. However, another account claims the Seraphites had an entire brigade. Their army was comprised entirely of the eldest child from each family, both men and women. While Seraphites were taught how to fight for protection while growing up, soldiers had to be at least sixteen years old. To join the army, each soldier had to be initiated in a special ceremony. This ceremony consisted of prayers, a sermon and the scarring of the newly-initiated soldier's cheeks into the shape of a Glasgow smile. The cuts were then dabbed with eucalyptus leaves soaked in rain water. The cuts left scars that could ache for over two weeks. It was also customary for the soldier's parents, especially their father, to witness the initiation.

12. #12Seattle

    At some point during the initial outbreak, FEDRA deployed armored units to Seattle. After containing many civilians in the zone and bombing the downtown area to clear out hordes of infected, FEDRA's military units searched for survivors in the surrounding area. They discovered a community in the lower Queen Anne suburb, being led by a strange woman. These people refused to return with the military to the quarantine zone, and their survival was later reported as a miracle by the news. They also found and worked with the community in Hillcrest, with FEDRA soldier Yolanda forming a partnership with the community's de facto leader Boris Legasov.

    Seattle was similar in size to the Boston QZ. It had extensive fortifications, with massive walls, checkpoints, and at one point a large contingent of FEDRA soldiers guarding the zone. There were many notable locations in the city, such as a bank, a synagogue, a train station, an underground parking structure and a courthouse.

    As the years passed, many residents became dissatisfied with FEDRA's control of the zone, eventually culminating in the creation of the WLF and the group fighting against FEDRA authorities. The WLF printed many propaganda leaflets and plastered many of the walls with propaganda images in attempts to rally civilians living in the zone to support their cause.

    The last FEDRA officer to be in charge of the Seattle QZ was Lieutenant Carmelo Torres, assisted by his second-in-command, Sergeant Ward. As the WLF began to attack military supply lines, Torres and Ward began to increasingly worry that FEDRA would be unable to meet ration quotas to feed the populace. As a result, they stopped admitting new residents into the zone and began expelling those who committed crimes. They also began executing them and targeting known WLF leaders. This further angered the civilian population. The military also bombed a significant portion of rebel-held territory to clear out the WLF and infected, killing several high-level WLF leadership.

    However, a new leader known as Isaac Dixon rose to power and led the WLF on a final offensive against the remaining FEDRA forces. With the situation becoming dire, Torres made the decision for FEDRA to evacuate the city. The last forces remaining to oversee the final evacuees were caught up in the WLF offensive and ambushed in their convoy on the highway, and the WLF raided their headquarters and eliminated the last few remaining soldiers and their commanding officer. Soon after, WLF raided FEDRA's headquarters in the zone and took control of the outer communities, like Boris' group in Hillcrest. Seattle was now under near-complete WLF control, with their authority over the city contested only by the Seraphites.

    In the following years, a significant portion of the zone was abandoned and infested, as neither the WLF nor the Seraphites had the resources to hold that much territory.

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