The Redwoods

Lore & Background

Their lore suggests a deep distrust of organized power, stemming from early outbreak experiences where centralized camps became death traps. They scavenge quietly, avoiding roads and populated areas whenever possible. To the outside world, they are ghosts; to themselves, they are the only ones who truly understand how to live with the silence.

In Their Own Story

The wind rustled through the pines, masking the sound of boots on wet earth. Elias didn't look at the town lights flickering in the distance; he kept his eyes on the shadows between the trunks. A groan echoed from below—a straggler wandering too close to their perimeter. He signaled with a gloved hand. No words were needed here. In the Redwoods, silence was the only currency that mattered.

Reader's Guide

The Redwoods operate on a philosophy of extreme isolationism, avoiding large settlements like West Point or Muldraugh entirely. Their leadership structure is non-existent; decisions are made through consensus among small cells hiding within the dense forest canopy. They prioritize stealth over combat, utilizing traps and camouflage rather than firearms to avoid drawing attention from both zombies and hostile humans. Location-wise, they inhabit the northern and western wooded regions of Knox County, where tall trees provide cover. Their relationship with other survivors is distant; they rarely trade or communicate, fearing that contact compromises their security. They view organized groups as magnets for infection. With zombies, they maintain a defensive perimeter using natural terrain rather than barricades. This makes them nearly invisible to outsiders looking for help. While rumors suggest they possess deep knowledge of the wilderness, no one has confirmed their numbers or exact status in recent years. They are known to scavenge abandoned cabins and ranger stations within their territory. Their survival depends on silence and patience, making them a ghost story among Knox County survivors rather than a reliable ally.

Did You Know?

• Forest areas provide significantly better cover from zombie line-of-sight compared to open towns.
• Survivors in these regions often avoid using radios to prevent broadcasting their location.
• Their territory overlaps with the outskirts of West Point, though they rarely interact.