Cowardly
| Cowardly | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Class | Traits |
| Type | Negative Trait |
| Points | +2 |
| Effect | Especially prone to becoming panicked. |
| Conflicts | |
Cowardly makes a character especially prone to panic. Fear builds up twice as fast as it does for others.
It is a negative trait and gives 2 points at character creation. It suits a melee player who cares little about shaky aim, or one who wants an early warning of nearby zombies. Shooters will feel it more, since panic hurts firearm accuracy.
Cowardly Effects
Most panic doubles. Night terrors and phobias are the exceptions and stay at their normal strength. A Cowardly character panics quickly at the sight of a crowd.
Stripping corpses is twice as upsetting. Looting bodies for clothes and gear brings double the stress and unhappiness. Those moodles then need books, food or a drink to bring them down.
The trait has a hidden use. Panic rises the moment a zombie comes near, even one hidden in the dark. The Panic moodle can warn of a zombie in an unlit room before it is seen. It can also give away a zombie that is lying still and pretending to be dead.
Keeping panic in check takes extra Beta Blockers or alcoholic drinks. A Cowardly survivor uses them up faster.
Cowardly Conflicting Traits
A character with Cowardly cannot also take these traits.
| Name | Image | Points | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adrenaline Junkie | 
|
-4 | Positive Trait |
| Brave | 
|
-4 | Positive Trait |
| Desensitized | 
|
0 | Occupation Trait |
Picking Cowardly
Cowardly clashes with Adrenaline Junkie, Brave and Desensitized. The 2 points are cheap, and the early warning gives some real value.
Panic fades on its own as a survivor gets used to zombies over the months. The trait matters most early in a run. Later, natural calming takes much of the sting away.
Shooters should think twice, since panic spoils aim. Melee fighters and careful looters can take the points with less worry.
Notes
- Most panic doubles.
- Panic can warn of zombies hidden in the dark.
- Looting corpses brings double the stress and unhappiness.
- Keep Beta Blockers or a drink on hand.
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