The Erwinian Roleplaying System: Mutant World

Mutant World began as an homage to TSR’s Gamma World, but swiftly evolved into an exciting and dangerous world of post-apocalyptic adventure all its own. Mutant World is set an unknown amount of time after a great cataclysm has destroyed the planet, shattering the super-culture which once dominated its surface. Those who survived did so by forming tribes and societies, slowly rebuilding the world over countless generations. Mutants, animal and human alike, have evolved to coexist alongside the New Humans, and new religions work to spread their faith. Much of the old world is covered under radioactive ash and years of soil, or drowned deep in the new oceans, but its touch is everywhere. Advanced technologies designed to operate for thousands of years can be found, and it is well known that whoever wields the power of the Ancients holds the keys to the new future...

Mutant World is a love letter to the classic post-apocalyptic adventure story. A framework of random mutations and ancient technology provide the basis for the new world, and from there the rules can be adapted to suit any manner of far-future scenario. In Mutant World, people are just as likely to wield swords and spears as blasters and flame-throwers. Only the powerful mutations of the New World can defend against the last stabs of the Old World.

Characters in Mutant World will be hardy survivors, mutants with deadly powers, or strange permutations of ancient creatures. Adventures will often take the form of defending settlements from dangerous mutant creatures, searching for ancient technologies in the unexplored places of the world, or embarking on missions to reclaim the frontier of a world that has long forgotten the touch of civilization.

The Erwinian Roleplaying System is a multi-generational labor of love initially created by Eric Erwin and his father Jim in the 1980s, developed through the 90s and 00s, compiled and edited by his son Joseph in the 10s, and finally published in the 2020s. The project has grown to include Joseph’s wife Emma and his brother Emmett. Borrowing some core concepts from the OSR tradition, Erwinian has since evolved into something all it’s own.

The Erwinian Roleplaying System is designed as a universal framework which can be adapted to many settings, both pre-made or created by the GM. The system thrives on flexibility and creativity, with GMs and players being given the freedom to interpret the rules in their own way and develop new rules through creative discussion. Using the Core Rules as a jumping off point, they are encouraged to make their own spells, their own programs, their own abilities and so much more.

For some more info on the system, visit: https://joseph-erwin-dm.com/the-erwinian-roleplaying-system/