South Dakota world illustration - Post-Apocalyptic theme
Post-Apocalyptic

South Dakota

L
Lowki559

Have fun in South Dakota 24 hours after the outbreak


Author's Note: Epicenter of a rapidly escalating viral outbreak, sprawling plains, and isolated beauty. Now, it’s a fractured, lawless expanse overrun by infected humans and mutated animals. There is no magic, no fantasy — just raw survival. The infection spreads fast and violently. Infected are still alive, consumed by rage and enhanced by adrenaline. Some can still speak, reason, and even open doors if freshly infected. Over time, they rot — becoming dumber, harder to kill, and driven by instinct alone. Only headshots put them down permanently. Animals, once docile or herbivorous, are now universally carnivorous once infected. Deer hunt in packs. Birds dive-bomb survivors. Cattle break down fences. South Dakota’s once-sparse wildlife is now a hidden threat in every thicket. The government collapsed within days of the first confirmed outbreaks. Communications are dead — no working phones, radios are unreliable, and electricity is spotty outside of solar- or generator-powered zones
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19 days ago
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10 days ago
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Abandoned Airfield

Abandoned Airfield

This once-bustling airfield near Sioux Falls is now a chaotic scene of abandoned vehicles and panicked civilians. The tarmac is littered with rusted cars, some overturned, while makeshift barricades have been erected in a desperate attempt to fend off threats. The air is thick with tension as survivors scramble for safety, hoping for an evacuation that may never come.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen

Aberdeen was once a thriving medium-sized city, now a haunting shell of its former self. Overrun in mere hours, the city fell to chaos after a sick child, sent from Pierre to see a blood specialist, became the first zombie, unleashing a wave of horror that consumed the streets.

Armory

Armory

The armory at Ellsworth Air Force Base is the primary source of weapons and ammunition for the Skyward Defenders. It is heavily guarded and well-stocked, but supplies are dwindling as the base struggles to maintain its defenses against the infected.

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park

Once a windswept wilderness of jagged rock formations, fossil beds, and steep canyons, the Badlands National Park has become one of the most feared regions in the infected South Dakota territory. Survivors call it “The Throat” — because anyone who goes in rarely comes back out. The land seems alive, not just with infected, but with something darker — something ancient that may have awakened with the fall of man. Dead-Tech Zones: Electronics and even solar gear often fail inexplicably in certain valleys. Burrower Infected: Some infected have adapted to the terrain and burrow beneath the surface, erupting from the ground when prey approaches.

Black Hollow Campgrounds

Black Hollow Campgrounds

A wide-open clearing transformed into a makeshift living area for survivors. The campgrounds feature multiple fire pits and rustic cabins, surrounded by hastily constructed barricades made from benches, tents, and RVs, providing a sense of security amidst the chaos.

Black Requiem Signal Points

Black Requiem Signal Points

At various intersections throughout the land, metal rods protrude from the ground, each adorned with up to five zombies. These undead are strung up as grim reminders of the Black Requiem's justice, groaning and recounting tales of their former lives. The bodies are changed daily, ensuring a fresh display of what the cult views as crimes against their dark order.

Broken Paddle Marina

Broken Paddle Marina

Broken Paddle Marina is a lakeside rental shack that offers kayaks, lifejackets, and fishing gear. The structure bears the scars of a panicked fight during an outbreak, with half of it burned down, yet a few boats remain functional for those daring enough to venture out.

Camp Feverdream

Camp Feverdream

Once a ranger station, Camp Feverdream has transformed into a survivor camp for an infected cult. The cultists, led by a charismatic former park ranger, believe the land is sacred and have branded their skin as a mark of devotion. They claim to communicate with the infected, drawing power from the corrupted wilderness around them.

Captain's Office

Captain's Office

The Captain's Office serves as the command center for the Ellsworth Air Force Base survivors. It's where the Captain makes decisions, plans strategies, and tries to maintain order amidst the chaos of the post-apocalyptic world. It's also where newcomers are interrogated and assessed for their potential value to the community.

Cell Block A

Cell Block A

Cell Block A is a grim and foreboding prison wing, now overrun with infected creatures that were once inmates. The air is thick with the stench of decay, and the walls are covered in dark, oozing substances, making it a dangerous place for any adventurer to explore.

Cell Block B

Cell Block B

Cell Block B is a grim section of the prison, designed for short sentences and trusties. The walls are lined with small, barred cells, each housing inmates serving time for minor offenses.

Cell Block C

Cell Block C

Cell Block C is a grim and foreboding section of an ancient prison, known for housing the most dangerous criminals. The air is thick with despair, and the walls are lined with rusted iron bars, echoing the faint sounds of distant moans and rattling chains.

Cell Block D

Cell Block D

Cell Block D is a grim and foreboding section of an ancient prison, known for housing the criminals. The air is thick with despair, and the walls are lined with rusted iron bars, echoing the cries of the lost souls trapped within.

Dakota Steel Line Terminal

Dakota Steel Line Terminal

A vast, rusting maze of derailed train cars and cargo containers, the Dakota Steel Line Terminal is a scavenger's paradise. However, the area is fraught with danger, as roaming packs of wild creatures and cunning bandit ambushes lurk among the shadows of the rusted metal.

East Missouri River Docks

East Missouri River Docks

A bustling hub of trade and travel, the Missouri River Docks serve as a vital point for merchants and adventurers alike. Wooden piers stretch out into the river, lined with boats and cargo waiting to be loaded or unloaded, while the sounds of bartering and laughter fill the air.

Ellsworth Air Force Base

Ellsworth Air Force Base

A sprawling military installation, Ellsworth Air Force Base is heavily fortified and shrouded in mystery. Rumors suggest that it may be overrun by hostile forces, making it a dangerous yet intriguing location for adventurers seeking secrets or salvage.

Falls Park

Falls Park

Once a vibrant gathering place, Falls Park now lies in eerie silence, overshadowed by the haunting presence of infected creatures that roam freely near the iconic waterfall. The native inhabitants, resilient and resourceful, have taken it upon themselves to keep the hordes at bay, using their knowledge of the land and ancient rituals to protect their home.

Firehouse Fortress

Firehouse Fortress

The original headquarters of the Ashguard, this fortress is a blend of military precision and emergency response. Reinforced with concrete and equipped with armored vehicles, it stands as a bastion of safety and strength against the chaos of the outside world.

Fort Sioux

Fort Sioux

Once a bustling city, Sioux City now stands as a haunting reminder of the chaos that ensued during the outbreak. The marines fortified the area, using it as a strategic point for their tanks, which now lay abandoned, rusting under the weight of time and neglect. The remnants of military barricades and makeshift shelters tell tales of desperation and survival.

Frostbite Church

Frostbite Church

Once a grand cathedral, Frostbite Church has been repurposed into a shelter for survivors during harsh winters. Now abandoned, the flickering light of candles still illuminates the cold stone interior, hinting at the lives once sheltered within its walls.

Hidden Ranger’s Trail

Hidden Ranger’s Trail

A narrow, overgrown service trail known only to longtime rangers, winding through dense foliage. It leads to a secluded lookout tower, providing a perfect vantage point for scouting and covert travel, as well as a safe route for emergency retreats.

Highway I-90 Center

Highway I-90 Center

Once a bustling highway, I-90 now lies in ruins, choked with abandoned vehicles and remnants of a chaotic escape. The air is thick with the stench of decay, and the distant sounds of infected swarms echo through the desolate landscape, making it a treacherous path for any who dare to traverse it.

Highway I-90 South

Highway I-90 South

Once a bustling highway, I-90 now lies in ruins, choked with abandoned vehicles and remnants of a chaotic escape. The air is thick with the stench of decay, and the distant sounds of infected swarms echo through the desolate landscape, making it a perilous route for any who dare to traverse it.

I-29 Highway

I-29 Highway

I-29 is a vital north-south artery running along the eastern edge of the state, connecting the bustling towns of Watertown, Brookings, and Sioux Falls. While it offers high-speed travel for adventurers, it is often beset by checkpoints and the remnants of fallen overpasses, creating both opportunities and dangers for those who traverse it.

I-90E

I-90E

Interstate 90 East, a major highway that once connected South Dakota to the rest of the country. Now, it's a dangerous path filled with abandoned vehicles, debris, and roaming infected. It represents the quickest route to Box Elder, or Ellsworth Air Force Base but also one of the most perilous due to the black requim using it to grab dead for there armys

Infected Grove

Infected Grove

The Infected Grove is a dense area within the North Black Hills National Forest, where towering trees create a natural canopy, casting eerie shadows on the forest floor. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and decay, and the sounds of rustling leaves and distant howls echo through the woods, no one knows what but a loud horn has been going since the start of the outbreak and it has formed a horde in this location of about 2000 zombies

Ironridge Prison Chapel

Ironridge Prison Chapel

The Ironridge Prison Chapel is a somber, stone-walled room filled with flickering candlelight. The air is thick with the scent of incense, and the faint echoes of whispered prayers linger in the corners. A large, weathered altar stands at the front, adorned with chains and shackles, symbolizing the prisoners' penance. Stained glass windows depict scenes of redemption and despair, casting colorful shadows on the cold stone floor.

Ironridge Prison Exercise Yard

Ironridge Prison Exercise Yard

The Ironridge Prison Exercise Yard is a grim, enclosed space surrounded by towering stone walls. The ground is hard-packed dirt, littered with remnants of past struggles, and a few sparse patches of grass fight for survival. Guard towers loom at each corner, and the air is thick with the smell of blood from the initial outbreak roaming infected can be found here and some animals who have gotten inside the gates

Ironridge Prison Mess Hall

Ironridge Prison Mess Hall

The Ironridge Prison Mess Hall is a grim, cavernous space where inmates gather for their meager meals. The walls are lined with iron bars, and the air is thick with the scent of stale bread and boiled vegetables, echoing with the murmurs of despair and the clinking of metal trays.

Lake Shore Quarantine Zone

Lake Shore Quarantine Zone

Once a vibrant beach resort, the Lake Shore Quarantine Zone has transformed into a grim medical triage and isolation ward. Rumors abound that the facility operates more like a death camp than a hospital, with whispers of dark experiments and the disappearance of patients.

Lake Traverse

Lake Traverse

Lake Traverse is a serene freshwater lake surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. The area is known for its vibrant wildlife, fishing spots, offering a peaceful retreat now home to deadly infected animals making it a hive for mayhem to the unprepared

Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Amphitheater

Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Amphitheater

The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center serves as a gateway to the majestic Mount Rushmore, offering exhibits on the sculptor's life and the monument's history. Adjacent to the center is an amphitheater that hosts seasonal performances and educational talks, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views of the iconic faces carved into the mountain.

Marcus Johnson's Apartment

Marcus Johnson's Apartment

Marcus Johnson's former residence, now a potential refuge or scavenging site. It's likely to contain personal belongings, supplies, or dangers left behind during the initial chaos. The apartment could offer a temporary safe haven or a source of valuable resources.

Minnehaha County Jail

Minnehaha County Jail

Once a place of justice, the Minnehaha County Jail now stands as a grim fortress, overrun by the infected. The military has barricaded the entrance with tanks and abandoned vehicles, creating a makeshift blockade that keeps the horrors inside contained, but at a cost of lives and sanity.

Mount Rushmore – Monument of the Fallen

Mount Rushmore – Monument of the Fallen

Once a proud symbol of American strength, Mount Rushmore now stands as a haunting reminder of civilization's collapse. The faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln are marred by time, with cracks and moss overtaking their features. The deserted tourist center below is littered with remnants of a past life, while nature reclaims the area, making it a dangerous yet strategically valuable location. The Founders’ Watch, a survivor group, once fortified this site, but their fate remains a mystery, leaving behind a graveyard of broken defenses and whispers of betrayal.

North I-29 Highway

North I-29 Highway

The Fallen Overpass is a notorious point of interest along the North section of I-29, where travelers often encounter a collapsed section of the highway. This area is known for its high-speed travel potential, but adventurers must navigate through checkpoints set up by local authorities and avoid the dangers of the wreckage.

Oahe Dam

Oahe Dam

The Oahe Dam is a large earthen dam on the Missouri River, just north of Pierre Once a vital hydroelectric plant, Oahe Dam now stands as a haunting reminder of its former glory. Infected roam the facility, posing a threat to any who dare to approach, while the control room holds the power to manipulate electricity across vast regions, making it a coveted target for survivors and factions alike. there are at least 400 zombies inside drawn by the noise of the dam

Old Creamery District

Old Creamery District

The Old Creamery District is a once-bustling industrial area, now a shadow of its former self. Its crumbling buildings house a network of underground tunnels that provide warm shelter from the harsh elements, frequented by the city's outcasts and those seeking refuge from the cold.

Pierre

Pierre

Pierre is a vibrant yet chaotic capital city ruled by a group of resourceful children who lost their parents during the outbreak. The oldest, a cunning 17-year-old, leads the others in a makeshift society where they barter, trade, and defend their territory against outside threats, creating a unique blend of innocence and survival instinct.

Project Keystone

Project Keystone

Deep beneath Mount Rushmore lies Project Keystone, a Cold War-era fallout shelter built by a shadow branch of the Freemasons. Officially labeled as a 'structural integrity vault', it houses an elite underground facility with a decontamination chamber, command room, archive vault, sleeping quarters, and an armory. The bunker is partially powered, with signs of recent activity and a lingering mystery surrounding its purpose and the fate of its last inhabitants.

Railway Yard Cache

Railway Yard Cache

This half-collapsed rail depot is a relic of a bygone era, filled with rusting tracks and scattered crates. Among the debris lie unexploded munitions, remnants of a conflict long forgotten, creating a dangerous yet intriguing atmosphere for adventurers. The ashguard say they control the area but they do not have firm security due to lacking the numbers they have stationed a 50 cal machine gun here to make up for it and a constant two man team manning it

Ranger’s Outpost

Ranger’s Outpost

A fortified log building that once served as a park ranger station, now transformed into the command center for survivors. Inside, a shortwave radio crackles with static, a map wall displays the surrounding area, and an old generator hums quietly, powered by dwindling gas supplies.

Rapid City Ruins

Rapid City Ruins

Once a bustling city, Rapid City now lies in ruins, overrun by the undead. The streets are littered with debris, and the remnants of civilization are scattered among the hordes of zombies that roam the area, making it a perilous place for anyone

Sewer System under Ironridge Prison

Sewer System under Ironridge Prison

A dark and damp labyrinth of tunnels beneath Ironridge Prison, the sewer system is a forgotten relic of the city's past. It serves as a hidden escape route for prisoners and a refuge for the desperate, filled with the echoes of dripping water and the distant sounds of scurrying creatures.

Sioux Falls Waterfall

Sioux Falls Waterfall

Nestled within what used to be Falls Park, the Sioux Falls waterfall still roars — a constant, deafening reminder that nature keeps moving, even when civilization collapses. The surrounding infrastructure has crumbled: rusted railings dangle over stone ledges, wooden observation decks are half-rotted and slick with moss, and graffiti covers every remaining standing wall. The visitor center is burnt out. No signs of life. Just water, stone, and wind.

Skyward Defenders' Outpost

Skyward Defenders' Outpost

The Town Hall stands partially collapsed, a grim reminder of the fierce battle that took place within its walls. Blood-soaked floors and scattered remnants of the Skyward Defenders tell the tale of a last stand against overwhelming odds, with makeshift barricades and battle-worn equipment strewn about.

Smithfield Horror Grounds

Smithfield Horror Grounds

Once a bustling facility, the Smithfield Horror Grounds are now a nightmarish site overrun by infected animals and the remnants of panicked workers. The air is thick with the stench of rot and old chemicals, while blood-slick floors make every step treacherous. Shadows lurk in the corners, and the echoes of distant growls send shivers down the spine of any who dare to enter.

South Dakota State University Ruins

South Dakota State University Ruins

The ruins of South Dakota State University stand as a haunting reminder of a once-thriving educational institution. Classrooms are frozen mid-lecture, with desks and chairs scattered, and snow has drifted through broken glass, creating a chilling atmosphere. The remnants of medical supplies and records may still be found among the debris, offering potential treasures or dangers to those who explore.

South Lake Clearing

South Lake Clearing

Nestled within the Black Hills National Forest, South Lake Clearing is a serene spot surrounded by towering pines and vibrant wildflowers. The crystal-clear waters of the lake reflect the sky, making it a perfect place for adventurers to rest and gather their thoughts before continuing their journey.

Spearfish

Spearfish

Spearfish is a small, resilient community that has banded together to form a survivor militia in the wake of recent turmoil. At the heart of the village lies a dam, which serves as both a potential power resource and a looming hazard, creating a sense of urgency and tension among the inhabitants.

The Black Requiem Base

The Black Requiem Base

An abandoned elementary school, eerily preserved as if time has stood still. Rumors swirl about its cursed nature and the hidden supplies within, drawing adventurers and treasure seekers alike to its locked doors.

The Black Requiem Tunnels

The Black Requiem Tunnels

A tight, claustrophobic network of underground tunnels that weave beneath the town, used by the Black Requiem for stealthy movements and clandestine operations. The air is damp and stale, with the faint echo of dripping water and the distant scurrying of unseen creatures.

The Bone Cathedral

The Bone Cathedral

A haunting ravine filled with the bleached bones of humans, animals, and the infected, arranged in eerie spiral patterns. Locals whisper that those who sleep nearby will hear the bones whispering secrets of the past and the horrors that lie within.

The Cave Beneath Sioux Falls

The Cave Beneath Sioux Falls

Hidden behind the thundering Sioux Falls waterfall, this cave features a narrow, sloping tunnel carved by time and water. The air is thick with damp rot, and the walls are adorned with faded graffiti from the 1980s and '90s, warning of dangers deeper within. As adventurers venture further, they encounter chilling signs of past visitors, including bloody handprints, empty shell casings, and strange dragging marks. Environmental hazards like unstable rock and underground gas pockets add to the peril, while local rumors speak of a survivalist's bunker and eerie sounds echoing from the depths.

The Coalition of Survival

The Coalition of Survival

Once a women's prison, this location has transformed into a makeshift sanctuary where former prisoners and guards have united to fend off the chaos of the outside world. The atmosphere is tense yet hopeful, as they work together to create a semblance of order amidst the turmoil.

The Convergence Hallway

The Convergence Hallway

A narrow, dimly lit corridor that connects the upper levels of Cellblock A and Cellblock C. The walls are lined with cold stone, and flickering torches cast eerie shadows, creating an unsettling atmosphere. The air is thick with the scent of dampness and echoes of distant whispers can be heard, hinting at the secrets held within the prison's walls.

The Dread Estate

The Dread Estate

The Dread Estate is a decaying mansion on the outskirts of the city, ruled by the enigmatic Von Draken family. This sinister faction offers refuge to the desperate in exchange for loyalty and blood donations, shrouding their secrets in an aura of dread that intrigues and terrifies the locals. there are ten members of the family 7 adults 2 children and one baby girl. The head of the family was a former Defense attorney in Pierre named Gabriel Von Draken.

The Petrified Nest

The Petrified Nest

Once a fossil dig site, The Petrified Nest has transformed into a breeding ground for a terrifying apex predator known as the Cougur Infected. The ground is littered with the fused bones of ancient beasts and modern victims, creating a haunting landscape that seems to pulse with a malevolent energy, as if the earth itself is scorched from within.

The Redline Wall

The Redline Wall

A makeshift barrier constructed from an eclectic mix of school buses, shipping containers, and metal fencing, The Redline Wall serves as both a fortification and a symbol of resilience. It stands tall against the encroaching dangers of the wasteland, with graffiti and murals depicting the stories of those who have sought refuge behind its walls.

The Shadowed Glade

The Shadowed Glade

The Shadowed Glade is a dense part of the Black Hills National Forest, where towering trees create a natural canopy, casting eerie shadows on the forest floor. This secluded area is known for its ambush potential, as well as the lurking threat of infected wildlife that roams the woods, making it a dangerous yet strategic location for survivors

The Watchers

The Watchers

A chilling sight awaits in this eerie location, where mannequins and corpses dressed as civilians are posed in the windows of abandoned buildings. These figures, believed to be markers left by the Black Requiem, serve as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking in the shadows, instilling fear in the hearts of those who dare to pass by.

Tool Shed Compound

Tool Shed Compound

A locked metal storage unit housing an array of power tools, chainsaws, axes, and gas cans. The structure bears the scars of a recent fire, with one wall scorched and partially collapsed, hinting at past dangers.

Wall Drug

Wall Drug

Once a bustling tourist trap, Wall Drug is now a potential haven or deathtrap. The promise of supplies and shelter draws survivors, but the potential for infected and raiders is high. The free ice water is long gone, but rumors of hidden caches and forgotten treasures persist.

Watertown – The Cradle of Fire

Watertown – The Cradle of Fire

Watertown, known as 'The Cradle of Fire', is a fortified survivor town that has transformed into a militarized haven under the control of the Ashguard, a local militia comprised of ex-firefighters, police officers, and citizen volunteers. The town is characterized by its makeshift defenses, including the Redline Wall made from repurposed vehicles and materials, and the Firehouse Fortress, which serves as the Ashguard's headquarters. The atmosphere is thick with the smell of burnt oil and gunpowder, with smoke stacks constantly burning infected bodies, creating a grim reminder of the town's harsh reality. Floodlights illuminate the streets at all hours, and a public gallows stands as a warning to those who might betray the community. Despite its defenses, internal tensions brew as some citizens yearn for a more democratic leadership, while rogue Ashguard squads patrol the outskirts, and infected herds roam the rail lines at night.

This work includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC . The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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