The Humans of Chernarus Survivor Photo Series, Part One

The beauty and depth of DayZ lies within player interaction and sometimes we get rewarded with great stories and personalities when we decide not to shoot. With “The Humans of Chernarus”, DUG team member Jari created a photo series captured on DayzUnderground, showing portraits of those who are out there, what they go through to survive and the stories they experienced along the way. All of these characters are real people and their stories tie into real events and group dynamics on DUG. The series was inspired by the iconic “Humans of New York“.

We are survivors – these are our stories.

Ghost – Firekeepers

I just needed to sit down and think about everything that’s happening… how it’s going to affect my brothers and sisters.

“I heard what was happening between Brotherhood, Duty, and Black Paw up north. I just needed to sit down and think about everything that’s happening… how it’s going to affect my brothers and sisters. I mean, I’m still upset about what the Brotherhood did to Tex and I, and now all of this? It’s just too much. I don’t really know the Black Paw and their members, or Duty’s. All of the thinking was really making me tired… Maybe if I just close my eyes for a little, I could think clearly.”

Smoke – Firekeepers

I wore the mask because it was a way I could disconnect from my past self.

“I haven’t been here for long, it’s been around 4 days. I was used to our old life, my brother and I worked black market jobs and when we arrived here we met with Tex and Jari. We knew we had to change, I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror. It was too painful and reminded me of the past, I wore the mask because it was a way I could disconnect from my past self. I hope to do more good to out way the bad of my past life, the mask helps with doing good, usually it would be the opposite. I hope to take it off one day but not now. I need it for now…”

Kyle Peyton – The Guardians

Man gives most when he feels he has taken most. Have I given enough?”

“When taking shelter from the cold and bitter rain, it gives a man time to recall all he has done. This is a dangerous thing for some. As for me, my mind falls back to a simple statement: Man gives most when he feels he has taken most. The question is… have I given enough?”

Blaze – Survivor

People always ask me about the equipment I wear.

“People always ask me about the equipment I wear. They don’t see how practical it is to wear something with less space than the typical military attire. I like it though, it keeps me from carrying too much and overburdening myself, plus it keeps me dry. Sure, I don’t blend in as much as the camo-clads, but since I threw this on I’ve always been plenty warm.”

Jari – Founder and former leader of the Guardians

I’ve worked hard to make the Northeast a sanctuary.

“I’ve worked hard to make the Northeast a sanctuary… a place people can look to, visit, and know the world still contains a bit of humanity. Where you can make a home, grow your crops, and enjoy life once again. We have all suffered greatly, and many continue to suffer within the giant pit of despair we have all befriended at some point. But, some of us have been able to leave that abhorrent place. And we owe it to those left inside to hold the ropes and help the others climb out.”