Lore: The zombie outbreak began at some point during the French invasion of Russian. The timeline of events following the outbreak is: Berezina, Vardøhus Fortress, San Sebastián, Leipzig, Kaub, Tyrolean Village, Saint Petersburg, La Haye Sainte, Hougoumont, La ferme d'En-Haut, Catacombes de Paris, Copenhagen, Roscoff, London and Westminster. Zombies are damned souls trapped within their own dead bodies. In lore, the infection is known as the "Blight" and as a "plague," and zombies are known as "cannibals", "vampires", "undead", "mad men" or "man eating freaks". There are multiple variants of zombies. The Blight and infection are not synonymous nor inherently connected with each other. The former existed before the latter that occurred following the burning of Moscow. The infection's origins are unknown but are thought to have happened during the Russo-Turkish War; a writing from the Russian general Gesasim Zakhasov in Saint Petersburg reports various ill janissaries. Zombification can be avoided if a priest reads an infected person's last rites. Saint Petersburg lore: As the Blight continued its advance across Europe, Russia continued their pursuit of Napoleon, deeming the Blight "insignificant". The lack of troops on the homefront resulted in zombies amassing just off St. Petersburg, forcing the local forces to lead the hordes away while awaiting reinforcements. In early May, Prince Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly organized the defense of the city, ordering the outposts to use flags to signal each-other. The horde of zombies assaulted the city, including an unsuccessful attack on the outpost at the intersection of Millonnaya Street and Moshkov Lane. The evacuation of the city started on the 18th of May, with the city falling several days later. \\Character// Name: Vladimir Full name: Shubin, Vladimir Mikhailovic Regiment: Sankt-Peterburzhskoye Opolcheniye. Rank: Officer. Country: Russian. Age: 34 Clothes: Headgear: A dark teal peaked cap with a red band and a golden cross emblem on the front, symbolising military affiliation. The cap’s design is formal and authoritative, typical of high-ranking officers in historical Russian military attire. Coat: A double-breasted teal coat with a structured, formal fit. The coat features white buttons running down the front, providing a stark contrast to the deep teal fabric. Red accents on the collar, cuffs, and waistband add a regal touch and highlight the officer’s status. The coat’s tailored design balances elegance with practicality. Facings (collar, cuffs, and waistband): The red facings are meticulously detailed, outlining the collar, cuffs, and waistband. This colour scheme is traditional for Russian imperial officers, signifying loyalty and bravery. White piping along the edges enhances the visual appeal and adds a touch of sophistication. Epaulettes: Gold-coloured epaulettes adorn the shoulders, indicating rank and authority. The intricate design and shiny finish reflect the high status of the wearer within the military hierarchy. Waistband and belt: A brown leather belt with a gold buckle cinches the coat at the waist, providing a neat silhouette. The belt’s sturdy appearance suggests functionality, while the gold buckle adds a decorative element. Sleeves and arms: The sleeves are accented with red bands at the wrists, matching the collar and waistband. The arms are designed with clean lines and a slight taper, maintaining a disciplined look. Lower attire: Dark brown trousers complement the coat, creating a cohesive and formal appearance. The trousers are simple yet elegant, ensuring the focus remains on the ornate coat and epaulettes. Footwear: Black boots complete the ensemble, offering a classic and sturdy finish. The boots’ polished surface enhances the overall formal aesthetic. Appearance: Has orange hair, and a stylish mustache. There is also a scar on right eye that is covered with black eyeband. Personality traits:

• Pragmatic to a fault: Vladimir believes emotion is a luxury the living can no longer afford. He makes hard choices without flinching — evacuating civilians, executing the infected, burning entire blocks to stem the Blight.
• Loyal, but skeptical: He respects Barclay de Tolly’s strategy but questions whether the high command truly grasps the horror unfolding in the city.
• Observant: His eyes constantly scan for signs of infection — a tremor in the hand, a glazed look, the faint stench of rot.
• Dry wit: In rare moments of calm, he’ll crack a grim joke, often at his own expense. "Another day, another zombie at my doorstep. At least they don’t complain about the rations." Backstory: Orlov served under Suvorov during the Italian campaigns, earning a reputation for cool‑headed leadership. When Napoleon invaded Russia, he was stationed in the west, but the Blight’s sudden surge forced his redeployment to Saint Petersburg. Now, he oversees the city’s last line of defense, coordinating outposts and enforcing quarantine protocols. He’s lost men, friends, and perhaps a part of his soul to the horde — but he refuses to let the city fall without a fight. Motivations:
• To protect the remaining civilians long enough for reinforcements to arrive.
• To prove that the Blight is no mere "peasant superstition" — that Russia must face this threat head‑on.
• Deep down, to atone for the lives lost under his command. Quirks/habits:
• Constantly checks his pistol’s flint, even when it’s unnecessary.
• Keeps a small icon of St. Nicholas in his coat pocket — he doesn’t pray, but he won’t discard it "just in case".
• Addresses subordinates by surname only; first names are for the dead. Key quote: "We are not heroes. We are the ones who stay behind to make sure the heroes have a city left to return to.".