[Nymdok]

Welcome to nephew of Gef (Gef-phew?).

Sounds like your shipping him some solid advice.

I especially like 'try this for 4 sessions, see how it goes'.

As far as telling/hiding the Zombies, either is fine and dont fret about it so much. It doesnt sound like a proper horror story, so suspense may not hold as high a value. Cowboys and Railroaders popping brainpans is as good a basis for a game as anything else. Knowing whether or not there will be zombies matters less in the grand scope of things.

As to how long it will last, well it will last till Gef-phew or his players are done with it, which is as long as it should last.

Quick Hit advice

Im assuming you know what kind(s) of zombies youre gonna use. If not, nail that down.

You have a central conflict to start your story. Cowboy vs Cowboy with the Railraoad as a battleground. All cowboys kind of look alike to me, its not so easy to tell one side from the other so a way to quickly identify them will be a handy story telling aid. Hat shape, bandana color, brand on the horse, ANYTHING.

Im not 100% sure of the era and location, but allow me to offer these as suggestions.

Occupations
Gambler
Farmer
Doctor
Guide
Miner
Cowboy
Rustler
Preist/Preacher
Prostitute
Merchant

Locations
Mine
Graveyard
Town
Train Station
at least one ranch
Saloon
Church
Train Cars

Ethnicities
Chinese/Celestials
Indian/Native American
Europeans of all sorts

Nymdok