The Art of Nomming

Today starts the week-long game known to some as "Humans vs Zombies" and others as "Infection" at Ohio State.  This game is the wackiest, nerdiest game of tag you've ever heard of.  (If you have heard of it, you probably don't need to read this next paragraph.)

The game takes place anywhere from 2 to 10 days at college campuses across the United States, though according to the official Humans vs Zombies website, there are games happening all over the world!  Everyone starts as a "Human," with the exception of a handful of hidden players who are "Original Zombies."  They start the game by "infecting" humans.  A Zombie infects a human by tagging him/her, just like in regular tag.  But, Human can defend him/herself.  Different campuses have different rules, but most games I've played allow rolled-up socks, NERF guns (and similar brands of projectile-dart toys) and "blowpipes" made of PVC, through which a player shoots foam NERF darts.  If a Zombie is hit by a sock or dart, he/she is "stunned" for a set amount of time.  Many schools also have missions that follow a plot.  The outcomes of missions dictate how the game will go.  For example, if the humans successfully complete a mission, they may get "safe zones," "cures," or the zombies may be stunned for longer periods of time.  If the humans mess up or the zombies complete an objective, the zombies may get shorter stun times, "mobile respawns," or even earn special abilities.  By the end of the game, everyone is a zombie (unless you're terribly lucky) and it's a grand old time for everyone.

I came into the game a lot later than most of my friends- in fact, that's how I met most of them!- but it's been quite the experience for me.  I've met new people, gone to new places, and learned so many new things.  Things like:

• Socks are probably your best bet for survival.
• Certain people can never be trusted (If you're from OSU, you probably know who you are.) 
• You can make some wicked stuff with duct tape, PVC pipe, and foam.
• If it seems like a good idea at the time, it's probably not.
• Rule #1: Cardio.

But there are also the more existential things to life.  Things like:

• Teamwork.  It's amazing how fast you'll bond and work well with someone when your "lives" are in jeopardy.
• Leadership.  Someone's gotta step up and keep the group together when things go down south fast.
• Problem solving.  How many buildings can I use as shields between where I am now and where I need to go?
• Courage.  It's surprising what you're capable of when you (literally) "stick to your guns" and charge headlong into a hopeless situation.
• Sportsmanship.  Yeah, it sucks when you get tagged, and it's OK to be upset.  But it's even better to acknowledge defeat and join your new Zombie brothers with your head held high.  It's a lot more fun, too.

This actually sounds like a decent resume header.  Huh.

---

This is my last week-long game; after I graduate I'll be confined mostly to weekend "Invitationals."  They're a lot of fun, don't get me wrong, but it won't be quite the same experience as living in horror for a full week.  So, I'm going to make the most of this one, continue to develop the skills listed above, and go out with a bang.

And maybe nom some brains along the way.