Survive the Collapse: A Zombie Outbreak Campaign
You’ve seen it a hundred times: the army fails, the cops disappear, chaos prevails. This time, it’s your world, your decisions, your zombie outbreak.
TYPE
SYSTEM
EXPERIENCE
AGE
About the adventure
Step into the early days of a society on the brink of collapse. In Survive the Collapse, you’ll play as characters navigating the chaos of a modern-day zombie outbreak. This is not a post-apocalyptic world but a critical period when everything begins to unravel. You’ll lead organizations, face unimaginable challenges, and try to hold onto humanity while the world crumbles around you. Your story begins with a choice: jump straight into the outbreak or explore your character’s life before the chaos begins. Start right as the outbreak unfolds, or build a deeper connection to your role through sessions 1 or 2 years before Day Zero. This flexibility allows you to decide how much backstory you want to develop. Key Features Background Options: No Background: Begin directly with the outbreak, perfect for jumping straight into action. 1 Year Before the Events: Play a preliminary session to establish relationships and understand your character’s role. 2 Years Before the Events: Play up to three sessions to deeply immerse yourself in the organization, relationships, and stakes. Dynamic Roles: Take on responsibilities at small, medium, or large scales, from managing a local clinic to commanding the entire state as governor. Customizable Challenges: Tailor your experience with options for zombie difficulty, seasonal impacts, family involvement, and organizational complexity. Lead an elite, well-prepared team for a smoother ride, or face the chaos with a struggling, under-resourced group for an extreme challenge. Moral Complexity: Face dilemmas that test your character’s values and leadership under pressure. Resource Management: Balance food, water, medicine, weapons, and morale to keep your group alive. Whether you explore the calm before the storm or dive straight into the chaos, your decisions will shape your group’s survival. Can you survive the collapse? Session 0 at 50% Off To enhance your campaign experience, I offer an optional and shorter Session 0 at 50% of the regular session price. This 2-3 hour session serves as the perfect introduction to the game, focusing on: Setting expectations and clarifying boundaries. Discussing your character's role within the story and their organization. A guided walkthrough of the campaign's mechanics, including custom house rules. Beginning the narrative with key character interactions and decisions. Character creation and custom illustrations (for your character and 1-2 key NPCs) will be completed before this session, ensuring a seamless start to your adventure. Content Advisory This campaign includes many mature and complex themes, such as survival, leadership dilemmas, and moral challenges in a chaotic, zombie-infested world. While these elements enhance immersion and realism, sensitive topics like violence, death, and resource scarcity may arise in the narrative. Every effort will be made to handle these themes respectfully, prioritizing the comfort and engagement of all players.
Game themes
$50.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Sunday – 6:00 AM UTC
5–6 Hour Duration
0 / 2 Seats Filled
GAME MASTER
Jonathan Gauthier
he/him
5.0
(4)
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
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Meet the Game Master
4 years on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Teacher, World Builder, Inclusive
About me
Hello everyone (French and English Game available) I'm Jonathan and I'm playing/running tabletop games for many years. I'm using the Chronicles of darkness system, with some modifications and I run any kind of modern games. I am not using the COD lore, just the rule system. I created a complete universe called Shiner State, supported by hundreds of draws(characters, objects, monsters, weapons and even vehicles). My main goal is to immerse you totally in the game and I especially like moral choices. I have 4 distinct scenarios and I also do custom one. Zombies, supernatural, apocalypse, chaos, good and evil are some of the theme that I cover. Every game comes with your character illustrated in the art style, plus 2 person of his background/surrounding. Contact me now so we can start your adventure!
View Profile →Reviews (4)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Teacher
World Builder
Inclusive
Nolan G
Jonathan is perfect as a game master, he know how to improvise with the choices of the players, he is fun but can also put a stressful situation, I recommend him !
sixela
Great GM ! the game isn't finished yet, but for a first time i could have asked for better! heput you in the mood of the moment with a bunch of voices and acting for the different pnjs in the game, and that add a little something that really appreciated
Lyshian
He can really hit those emotional story points. John is an expert at creating a scenario where choices matter and what you do has reverberating effects in the game at large. If your looking for a game about being a murder hobo, this isn't your GM, but if you want compelling story, you should go all in.
Aaron
I have been playing in Jon's games for years as both a player and a game tester for a few years now. Definitely seen huge improvements to his craft as a storyteller over this time. Also, he speaks both English and French fluently for those who would prefer their games in either language. I can guarantee; if you are like me and enjoy roleplay heavy games with horror elements, whether you're new or a huge fan of the WoD system, Jon is definitely a great GM for you.
Character creation
Creating your character
Players familiar with the Chronicles of Darkness system can submit their character ideas and concepts via messaging before the session. I will then ask any necessary questions to finalize their characters. For those less familiar with the system or who need assistance, I offer a one-hour call before Session 0 at no additional cost. During this call, we will create the character together, ensuring all details align with the campaign's structure and setting. Regardless of the method chosen, Session 0 will still involve refining relationships, adjusting organizational roles, and preparing for the game’s start.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Players need access to Roll20 for virtual tabletop gameplay and a Discord account for communication. For an optimal experience, a stable internet connection, microphone, and headphones are required. While a webcam is optional, enhancing interaction and immersion during the game is encouraged. To ensure the best experience, players must finalize their character concept at least one week before Session 0. This time is necessary to create a custom illustration of their character and two key entourage members. If an appropriate image exists (e.g., a pre-made illustration of a police commissioner), it may be used with the player's agreement instead. This ensures all visuals are ready to enhance the immersive storytelling. If you are familiar with the Chronicles of Darkness rules, reviewing the relevant mechanics beforehand will be helpful. For those new to the system, I will provide guidance during character creation (see Character Creation section) and the session. All necessary documents and resources will be shared with you digitally before the game. Feel free to come prepared with questions, organizational ideas, and character concepts to maximize our setup time.
What Jonathan Gauthier brings to the table
I bring a highly immersive experience to the table, tailored to provide both depth and flexibility: Visual Assets: Hundreds of custom illustrations, detailed city and state maps, and specific interior layouts for key locations. Dynamic Scenes: While many combat and encounter maps are prepped, unforeseen situations may require improvisation. In such cases, I offer a quick 10-minute pause (not included in the session time) to set up an introductory scene if the players desire. Rules Integration: Chronicles of Darkness rules are implemented seamlessly in Roll20, ensuring smooth gameplay without interruptions. Character Voices: While not a professional actor, I strive to bring NPCs to life through varied tones and intonations. Ambient and Combat Music: Music enhances key moments, particularly during combat, to elevate tension and immersion. Player Engagement: Expect a balance between structured storytelling and player-driven choices, with room for adaptability. I aim to provide a session that combines strategic depth and emotional engagement, offering a unique and memorable gaming experience.
Homebrew rules
- Revised resources system - Some homebrew merits - An original lore(no chronicles of darkness lore is used) - Custom merits are possible, upon approval - A resource system made specifically for this scenario
Equipment needed to play
Computer
Webcam
Microphone
Internet
Platforms used
Safety
How Jonathan Gauthier creates a safe table
This campaign begins with a structured Session 0 to establish expectations, discuss boundaries, and introduce the game's mechanics. At the end of each session, a debrief ensures open communication and addresses players' concerns. The game follows the rules of Chronicles of Darkness (CoD) with custom house rules tailored to enhance the zombie survival experience. While the CoD system is used for mechanics, the campaign features an entirely original setting, detached from the official lore. Players will face dynamic challenges, including resource management (food, water, medicine, weapons, and morale), leadership dilemmas, and survival tactics. The focus is on immersive storytelling and strategic decision-making in a high-stakes environment. The GM is committed to providing a flexible, engaging experience that prioritizes player enjoyment and realism.