The Great Pandemic
The Great Pandemic refers to an approximately month long era of Subeta history, when disease swept through the population, killing many but not necessarily ending their lives. Initial signs of infection included flu-like symptoms, as well as unexplained sores opening on the skin, and citizens were advised to avoid contact with others until a treatment could be found.
Despite best efforts to slow the spread, the infection (which turned out to be a series of similar diseases) continued to progress until those effected began to show obvious signs of tissue decay. Those infected also seemed to be largely unable to control themselves, and often attacked the non-infected, scratching or biting them and spreading the infection further.
The informal term "Zombie" for the heavily infected was brought to popular use by sensationalist news outlets which likened the infected to the movie monsters of the same name. However, unlike the movie monsters, some of the infected seemed to be able to retain some form of personal identity and general awareness. One such example is the infamous Skitters (pre-infection identity unknown), who, while in-eloquent, communicates effectively and seems to have intelligence and understanding on par with the living.
When a cure for the infections were found, it was this same Skitters that argued for 'Zombie Rights', insisting that those infected to his degree had become a new species, and it was unethical to force an unwanted cure on them. It was through his efforts that the Zombies were granted safety in Shadowglen, and 'Unliving' was made the politically correct term for his people. Though they do not have a government of their own and continue to be loosely organized at best, many of the Unliving consider Skitters to be a leader and rely on him to be their voice.
The already unsettling Shadowglen, its extensive graveyard the final resting place for most Subeta residents, has become a darker place since the the infections of the Great Pandemic. While many survivors know of Skitters and his shop, there is a much more robust population of the Unliving in the area.
While some choose to live in shanty towns constructed amidst the graves, many more live hidden in the extensive crypts and mausoleums that dot the landscape, and it is rumored that tunnels have been bored through the earth between them, creating what can only be described as a subterranean city. The size of this city and the actual number of the Unliving population at this time are unknown.
Tension between the Living and Unliving continues to be high since the Great Pandemic, the sides mutually mistrustful while they eke out a tenuous peace.
Survival: A Celebration of Life
With that dark period of history passed, many residents have come together to form a celebration of their survival. This applies to both the living, who celebrate the fact that they did not fall victim to the diseases, and to the Unliving, who celebrate their rights as a new race. Though traditions for this anniversary are still being formed, it is both a celebratory and somber occasion for those involved. This occasion is observed starting mid-February, and continues until the beginning of March.
Living Customs
- Wearing revealing clothing or undergarments to show off their healthy skin. This hearkens back to the height of the Great Pandemic, where people were often required to submit to physical exams before traveling.
- By contrast, dressing up as Zombies is not uncommon. Though the costumes are generally crude (and possibly offensive, depending on which of the Unliving you ask), they are generally used by the more forgiving to show solidarity and brotherhood to the Unliving. Children often make paper zombie masks in school at this time of year while reviewing this period of history.
- Greeting others by giving them a kiss on the cheek. This symbolizes your trust in the other person, as the infections were spread by contact.
- A period of silence is observed for those who fell to the disease.
Unliving Customs
Traditions for the Unliving are much different than the traditions of the living. They see it not only as a celebration of the birth of their species, but also as a time of victory for their independence. At this time of the year, the Unliving of assorted kinds come together to retell the tale of their victory, and have even begun to put together folk songs.
It is more common at this part of the year to see the Unliving interacting with the rest of Subeta, choosing to leave their secret homes in Shadowglen in order to celebrate. This celebration, for them, is synonymous with racial pride. During this time, the Zombie Den often has more wares to sell, showcasing hand-made crafts from the Unliving population.
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