so glad you asked! the virus originates from the permafrost in Nunavut, Canada. (boring, I know), and was discovered in 2024. It took over the world in the matter of two to three months, the timeline is a bit unclear as each nation fell in either the matter of days, or maybe weeks if they were lucky. (yes, this virus is insane. it mogged the earth.)the virus has gotten airborne, it spreads through bodily fluids, and no known cure exists. once you are infected and begin showing signs, it's already over. it's called the red flu, as while you are sick your lower extremities start to pool blood. plus, the scleras of your eyes begin to turn red. it takes over the body in the matter of three days.when infected, you are not some mindless zombie. well, you kind of are, but you actually have a bit of common sense as to not just mindlessly kill yourself. you're quick, agile, but your body is weakened. infected have been seen to feast on animals when they're not attacking humans, just to stay alive. the infected cannot swim, and are mostly nocturnal, as their eyes are not good in the day time. infected have also been seen to be less active during winter, eluding to a faux hibernation period. and the worst part about them is that they wait to strike, lol. they'll wait until you wander off from your group, have your back turned, and strike.

factions time! this is important, so buckle up LOL!!

FACTIONS  
THE AMERICAS, ONE KNOWN MAJOR FACTIONOUTPOST EIGHT, 2 LEADERS, ONE MAN ONE WOMAN, LARGE FACTION (OVER 12 PEOPLE) SITUATED NEAR THE BORDER OF ARIZONA AND MEXICO. 
EUROPE, TWO KNOWN MAJOR FACTIONSTHE SHEEP, NO LEADER, FOUNDED ON THE BORDER OF DENMARK AND GERMANY NEAR THE WATER, SMALL FACTION (4 MEMBERS, 3 MEN 1 WOMAN), KNOWN FOR ONLY HAVING ONE COMBATANT.CAMP CELESTIAL, ONE LEADER, A CULT THAT SPANS ACROSS NORTHERN EUROPE. GOLDEN STAR MOTIFS, EXTREMELY HOSTILE TO OUTSIDERS.
AFRICA, ONE KNOWN MAJOR FACTIONSDIE NAGAGEMEL, FOUNDED IN SOUTHERN AFRICA, MEDIUM FACTION (5 TO 6 MEMBERS), NON-HOSTILE, KNOWN BY THEIR SILVER NORTHERN STAR MOTIF. 
ASIA, TWO KNOWN MAJOR FACTIONSTHE YELLOWJACKETS, FOUNDED IN MONGOLIA WITH MANY OUTPOSTS SPANNING ACROSS ASIA, LARGE GROUP (OVER 8 PERSONS AT THEIR MAIN CAMP, UNKNOWN FOR SUBCAMPS), ACTIVE DURING THE DAY, HIGHLY TERRITORIAL.EVERNIGHTS, FOUNDED IN VLADIVOSTOK, RUSSIA AND LED BY EX MILITARY MEMBERS. HIGHLY TERRITORIAL AGAINST THE YELLOWJACKETS, CORDIAL WITH EVERYONE ELSE. SMALL GROUP (FOUR MEMBERS).
OCEANIA, ONE KNOWN MAJOR FACTIONCAMP WESTPOINT, LARGE GROUP (OVER 15 PERSONS) ON THE BEACH OF AUSTRALIA. NON-HOSTILE, ALWAYS ACCEPTING NEW PEOPLE. CAMP WESTPOINT IS A DEMOCRACY, AIMING TO TAKE BACK CONTROL OF THE WORLD. 

MAIN SURVIVOR GROUP AS OF NOW, THE SHEEP.

MARIUS SCHNEIEN :: 23 years old, male, German-British, the groups happy-go-lucky inventor. In a world of pessimists, he's here to be the one beacon of happiness. His favorite pastime, making weird inventions and pissing off Silas.

DAWN ██████ :: 27 years old, male, presumed Danish, oldest by just a few months. Not much is known about Dawn, and Dawn probably isn't even his real first name. The groups assassin, their one and only combatant. Known to collect knives he finds.

ANYA MÜLLER :: 25 years old, female, German, the groups scout. Finding trinkets and old things is her thing, and finding good resting areas. Mostly serious, like the rest of the group, though she is seen joking around with Marius at times. Second most laidback.

SILAS DAHL :: 27 years old, male, Danish, the doctor. Second most withdrawn, and he hates almost everyone in the group. Can't stand most people, and only slightly gets along with Dawn. Would have left the group ages ago, but missed the chance.