Hey Never51 community!
I just submitted The Blighted North (Quickstart Guide) to the jam, and I'm excited to share what happens when territorial expansion goes catastrophically wrong.
The Premise:
It's 2025. America really wants Canada's lithium for all those Tesla batteries. Diplomacy fails. Someone thinks chemical weapons are a reasonable next step. Plot twist: Instead of peaceful annexation, America accidentally creates Canadian zombies who still queue politely and say "sorry" after trying to eat you.
What I Made:
- Complete quickstart RPG using BRP/d100 mechanics
- 4-6 hour survival scenario with real moral choices
- Pre-made characters including a mechanic who explains everything in car metaphors
- Hockey equipment as zombie armor (goalies are basically immortal)
- Zombies that apologize while shambling toward your face
How It Fits Never51:
The jam challenges us to explore “chaotic possibilities when America adds a 51st state against the will of the people.” I asked: what if instead of successful annexation, the attempt creates something worse? What if Canada doesn't get conquered - it gets zombified?
The game explores themes of resistance and cultural identity under pressure with deliberate irony - but without trivializing the real human cost of survival and loss of autonomy.
The Experience:
This isn't just “zombies but Canadian.” It's about ordinary people maintaining their humanity while doing whatever it takes to survive - all while navigating zombies who still hold doors open and geese who were already apocalyptic before they became undead. You'll face moral dilemmas like “Do I shoot the zombie or wait for it to finish apologizing first? (it’s rude to interrupt!)” and discover that the real monsters were the supply shortages we made along the way. Also, Tim Hortons as fortress settlements is 100% realistic and I will die on this hill.
Try It Out:
This Quickstart Guide is completely free (though donations are obviously very welcome!). I'd love feedback from the community - especially if you find creative ways to survive the most courteous apocalypse in gaming! Really curious to hear if the tone lands right, whether the mechanics feel smooth, and if anyone actually tries using hockey gear as armor (and whether it is effective against zombie geese!).
What Players Are Saying:
“I've never felt so conflicted about zombies saying 'excuse me' while shambling toward my face.” - Totally Real Playtester
“Finally, a game where being Canadian is a survival advantage!” - Another Definitely Real Person
“The zombie asked if I was having a good day before trying to bite me. I didn't know how to respond” - Confused But Satisfied Gamer
“Sorry about the apocalypse, eh?” - Actual Canadian Zombie
Thanks for an amazing jam theme that let me explore the absurd question: What's the most Canadian way for an invasion to go wrong?