"S" is for "Shockroach"

Shockroach

No. Enc.:  1d6 (3d12)

Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  120' (40')
          —Fly:  60' (20')
Armor Class:  5
Hit Dice:  2+3
Attacks:  1 (shock, or drain)
Damage:  1d8 (or 4d4—only against Androids / Robots)
Save:  L3
Morale:  7
Hoard Class:  VIII
XP:  83

Shockroaches are 2' long insects found almost exclusively in Ancient ruins, installations, and power plants.  They are drawn to, and feed off of, the electrical current and/or voltage contained in Ancient technology, making them the bane of traders, weaponsmiths, and Restorationists.

When threatened, shockroaches discharge an arc of electricity (usable every round, up to a distance of 20') at their foes.  And the vermin attack Androids on sight, latching on so as to consume the energy reserves contained within (meaning a successful hit requires no further attack rolls, with drain damage cumulative per round).  Furthermore, any powered item, weapon, or armor will lose 1d6 charges / shots / uses per round when in contact with a shockroach.

Rumors suggest some enterprising Restorationists have fashioned "living generators" out of shockroach nests.

Mutations:  Energy-Retaining Cell Structure, Reflective Epidermis (Electricity), Unique Sense (Detect Electricity/Voltage)

"P" is for "Phosfin"

Phosfin  ("Blisterfish")

No. Enc.:  0 (2d10)

Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  120' (40')
Armor Class:  7
Hit Dice:  2
Attacks:  1 (bite)
Damage:  1d6
Save:  L2
Morale:  9
Hoard Class:  None
XP:  47

Phosfins are predatory, 2' long fish that are equally at home in fresh- and saltwater environs.

When phosfins attack, they are so tenacious that a successful hit results in latching onto their target, automatically doing biting damage each successive round.  Not content to hunt only beneath the waves, phosfins can leap up to 10' above the surface to grab water-side or flying prey...and when exposed to the air in this fashion, they burst into luminous flame, causing an additional 1d8 damage per round to those in contact.  (Truly, being devoured by razor-sharp teeth while simultaneously roasting alive is one of the grislier fates in the Mutant Future.)  The only way to extinguish this flame is to either return the phosfin—usually along with its victim—to the water, or kill the fish.  Dead phosfins still burn for an additional 1d10 rounds after perishing.

Fishermen and waterborne traders dread phosfins, as one stray catch or errant leap can reduce a boat and its cargo to cinders; however, some pirates and warlords use them as living weapons.

Phosfins return annually to their spawning grounds, and migratory waterways and rivers blaze with the fury of hundreds (if not thousands) of leaping fish.

Mutations:  Aberrant Form (Fiery Slime), Reflective Epidermis (Heat)

"F" is for "Floralynx"

Floralynx

No. Enc.:  1d3 (1d6)

Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  150' (50')
Armor Class:  6
Hit Dice:  4
Attacks:  3 (2 claws, 1 bite)
Damage:  1d4 / 1d4 / 1d6
Save:  L2
Morale:  7
Hoard Class:  None
XP:  355

The lithe and lean floralynx (both singular and plural) stands 2'-3' tall at the shoulder, reaches nose-to-tail lengths of 7'-8' long, and weighs 150 pounds.  Ambush predators, they can be found anywhere with significant concealing vegetation:  jungles, forests, grasslands, and overgrown ruins.

Due to their markings and the flowery growths sprouting from their hides, floralynx are nigh-invisible in verdant terrain, and they will not be noticed 75% of the time by those using normal or ultraviolet vision; furthermore, they gain +1 to Initiative.  And those that fall under the thrall of a floralynx's hypnotic scent either lie down to passively await being devoured, or vigorously attack their companions.

Floralynx extracts are valued for medicinal purposes, and some jungle tribes have been rumored to domesticate the beasts as hunting companions and guards.

Mutations:  Epidermal Photosynthesis, Fragrance Development, Increased Balance, Regenerative Capability

Fun With Feedback — Spider-Goat Edition

To the esteemed Mr. Daniel "Theophage" Clark...


This is a spidergoat:

This is a groatch:

I'm just not seeing it.

"G" is for "Groatch"

Groatch—Domestic


No. Enc.:  0 (2d8)

Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  180' (60')
Armor Class:  7
Hit Dice:  3
Attacks:  1 (bite or heat-butt)
Damage:  1d4 or 1d6
Save:  L4
Morale:  6
Hoard Class:  None
XP:  95

The domesticated groatch is an herbivorous, six-limbed beast that averages 3' tall and weighs 75-125 pounds.

Popular livestock thanks to their hardiness (they are immune to all known toxins and diseases), groaches are raised for their meat, wool, milk, and hides.

Mutations:  Increased Sense (Smell), Increased Sense (Taste)


Groatch—Wild


No. Enc.:  1d8 (2d12)

Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  240' (80')
Armor Class:  5
Hit Dice:  5
Attacks:  2 or 1 (2 bites, or 1 head-butt)
Damage:  1d8 / 1d8, or 1d10
Save:  L6
Morale:  10
Hoard Class:  None
XP:  800

Wild groatches are larger (reaching heights of 4'-5' tall, and weights of 300 pounds), nastier, and more vicious than their domesticated cousins.  They are omnivores in the truest sense of the word—in addition to plant and animal matter, they devour paper, resins, electronics, metal, garbage, and toxic waste.  Wild groatches, too, are immune to all known poisons and diseases.

They are nocturnal, and avoid bright light (but aren't impaired by its presence).

Mutations:  Increased Sense (Smell), Increased Sense (Taste), Night Vision

"G" is for "Gorkilla"

Gorkilla  ("Fangphantom")

No. Enc.:  1 (1d6)

Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  120' (40')
Armor Class:  5
Hit Dice:  8
Attacks:  3 (2 claws, 1 bite)
Damage:  1d6 / 1d6 / 1d12
Save:  L5
Morale:  9
Hoard Class:  VIII
XP:  3,060

Gorkillas are muscular, bipedal predators that reach heights of 10'-12' tall and weigh 1,500 pounds, and they dwell in a variety of environs:  forests, jungles, grasslands, and even mountainous caves.  Their massive, toothy heads have 2d4 eyestalks that they use to pinpoint prey with unerring accuracy. 

While their fur is naturally a deep purplish-black color, it can become transparent and refractive, giving gorkillas the ability to flawlessly blend into their surroundings.  Their stealthiness and enhanced senses mean they are never Surprised, and they gain +2 to all Initiative rolls.

If both claws strike successfully in one round, the gorkilla squeezes its target for an additional 2d6 damage.

Gorkillas are primarily solitary hunters, but mated pairs and their offspring can be found in subterranean dens.  Being inquisitive creatures, their lairs are littered with assorted shiny objects scattered amongst the carcasses and skeletal remains of former meals.

Mutations:  Chameleon Epidermis, Incerased Sense (Smell), Increased Sense (Vision), Reflective Epidermis (Lasers/Light), Unique Sense (360-Degree Vision)

"B" is for "Brainwhale"

Brainwhale

No. Enc.:  0 (1d4)

Alignment:  Any (Lawful, Neutral, or Chaotic)
Movement:  180' (60')
Armor Class:  5
Hit Dice:  20
Attacks:  1 (bite)
Damage:  4d10
Save:  L12
Morale:  9
Hoard Class:  XXII
XP:  12,250 (+1,000 per additional Mental Mutation)

Brainwhales are enormous creatures that reach sizes of 40'-50' long, and weigh up to 25 tons.  They traverse the world's oceans, but prefer warm tropical seas to cold polar waters.

Words like "smart" or "gifted" or "ingenious" fail to do the creatures justice—they are perhaps the most brilliant race (average INT and WIL of 18+)  in the Mutant Future.  Their oversized lobes distend from their skulls, constantly throbbing, glowing, and sparking with powerful neuro-electric impulses.  Brainwhales all possess a wide array of Mental Mutations, and each has 1d4 extra that set them apart from their fellows.

They prefer attacking with their vast mental powers (particularly Mind Thrust and Neural Telekinesis) instead of physically, and while carnivores, Brainwhales disdain devouring fellow sentient beings...but they will do so when necessary (or when sufficiently annoyed).  They Swallow any creature equal to or lesser than human size on any attack roll least 4 higher than the number needed to strike, and those Swallowed suffer 2d8 damage each round thereafter until digested and drowned at the end of 4 rounds.

Like all sentients, Brainwhales have distinct personalities and agendas.  Some are pacifists prone to introspection and the quest for enlightenment, while others are adventurous and mercenary...but there is rumored to be a growing segment of their race that seeks to redress—in the most brutal manner possible—the slaughter of their ancestors by The Ancients.  These "Warwhales" may be involved in all manner of schemes:  those with Possession using it to infiltrate land-dweller cities so as to sabotage from within (through blatant acts of terrorism, or subtle, long-term political machinations), or enslaving lesser species to rebuild Doomsday Artifacts, or uniting various disparate species into a mighty undersea army...or even fashioning mighty vehicles so as to let them leave the water and roam the surface world with impunity.  This faction naturally lacks any compunction against devouring lesser beings....

Some Brainwhales have been seen in the company of squalruses; whether they view them as equals, allies, servants, or pets is unknown.  And they find the Killgrim to be ridiculously naive irritants (as many of the zealots who follow The Ingestion Gospels make pilgrimages to known Brainwhale territories, begging to be eaten alive).

Mutations:  Echolocation, Energy Ray (Electricity), Force Screen (Greater), Increased Sense (Hearing), Mental Barrier, Metaconcert, Mind Thrust, Neural Telekinesis, Neural Telepathy, Shriek (Greater)

"P" is for "Poxie"

Poxie  ("Leprokaun")

No. Enc.:  1d10 (8d8)

Alignment:  Chaotic

Movement:  45' (15')
          —Fly:  120' (40')
Armor Class:  3
Hit Dice:  2
Attacks:  2 or 1 (2 claws, or 1 bite, or 1 mini-spear)
Damage:  1d3 / 1d3, or 1d6, or 1d2
Save:  L8
Morale:  8
Hoard Class:  XVII
XP:  56

Poxies are a race of tiny, winged humanoids—males average 6-8" tall, females 9"-1' tall—that make up for their lack of size with an overabundance of nastiness, cruelty, and selfishness.  Base creatures, they live in squalor and filth, eschewing clothing and social niceties.  They are matriarchal (for what little organization they have), and a Poxie queen is a malevolent force, indeed.

The creatures swarm with all manner of contagions, parasites, and toxins (making them naturally immue to all poisons and forms of disease).  Any Poxie scratch or bite attack has a 50% chance of infecting a victim with a random sickness [see pages 48-49 of the Mutant Future Core Rules] upon the failure of a Saving Throw Versus Poison.   [Such illnesses are just the default options; the Mutant Lord should feel free to design his own, with a variety of effects:  Ability loss, induction of Mutation Drawbacks, etc.]  Even close physical contact with them is harmful.

Poxies tend to nest near isolated settlements so as to extort food, wealth, and other tribute from the residents—unless their demands are met, the creatures will befoul the water supply, contaminate food stores, infect livestock, and target children.  And the bullying imps are too cunning, too cruel, and too lazy to eradicate the villagers they target, as they have no desire to procure their own food, and relish in dragging out terror and torment.   Besieged communities have been known to hire adventures to eradicate Poxie hives.

Mutations:  Dermal Poison Slime (Class 5), Dwarfism, Toxic Weapon ("Viral Bite")

"S" is for "Shroo"

Shroo

No. Enc.:  4d6 (6d20)

Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  90' (30')
Armor Class:  5
Hit Dice:  1d3 hit points
Attacks:  2 (2 scratches)
Damage:  1 point / 1 point
Save:  L1
Morale:  5
Hoard Class:  None
XP:  7

Shroos are hairless, wrinkly-skinned, bipedal rodents that vary in size from 6"-8" tall.  Each has a trunk that branches into two separate snouts.

They are fond of the taste of the paper and inks of Ancient texts, and tend to infest abandoned libraries and record depositories (much to the dismay of Archivists, Restorationists, and collectors).

Given their inquisitiveness, relative docility, and amusing hopping movements, shroos make popular pets.

Mutations:  Extra Parts (Snouts), Increased Sense (Smell)

Field Guide Updates

In addition to today's newest mutant, a few notes:

1)  It's making the rounds, but Mutant Future gets a revised edition at year-end.  This blog wouldn't exist without Mr. Proctor and the Goblinoid crew, and I'll happily give them more money.

2)  I've gone back and added additional pics to many of the previous entries.  Take a gander!  (I'm particularly happy with the loaded-for-bear Meen'go.  Firepower-wielding, five-limbed flamingos are exactly why I fell in love with Gamma World in 1983.)

3)  I've also added "Reaction" buttons.  (I'd like to say it's for the noble purpose of figuring out what my audience likes, but it's really just to appease my vanity.  I'm not made of stone.)

4)  I'm thinking of statting up some of these critters for Gamma World 4e (or 7e, for us purists).  Just something to keep in mind.

"S" is for "Stiltfin"

Stiltfin

No. Enc.:  1d4 (2d8)

Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  150' (50')
      —Swim:  90' (30')
Armor Class:  6
Hit Dice:  3
Attacks:  1 (bite, or kick, or gore, or trample)
Damage:  1d4 or 1d6 or 2d4 or 3d4
Save:  L2
Morale:  8
Hoard Class:  None
XP:  80

Stiltfins are freshwater fish that reach lengths of 6'-9' long, and measure 3'-5' from pelvic fins to spines.  They are encountered in lakes, rivers, and even underground caverns.

While primarily aquatic, stiltfins can travel over land by elongating their fins (so as to attain total heights of 12'-15') for use as makeshift legs.  This allows them to not only reach fruits and leaves in tall treetops, but also chase down live prey.

During rainy seasons, large schools of stiltfins (containing from 1d00-3d00 members) migrate across the plains to spawn in isolated lagoons.  Such throngs of the graceful fish are a wondrous sight indeed, but they can leave swaths of devastation in their wake, stripping vegetation bare and devouring wildlife.  And settlements dread few things more than a stiltfin stampede (whose members naturally use the Trample maneuver).

Mutations:  Aberrant Form (Gills and Lungs), Aberrant Form (Locomotive Fins)

"B" is for "Beebra"

Beebra  ("Zeebee")

No. Enc.:  1d4 (3d12)

Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  150' (50')
          —Fly:  240' (80')
Armor Class:  6
Hit Dice:  3+2
Attacks:  1  (kick or sting)
Damage:  1d6, or 1d8 + poison
Save:  L2
Morale:  7 (or 12)
Hoard Class:  None
XP:   100

Beebras, standing 5' tall at the shoulder and weighing about 1,000 pounds, typically construct their skyscraper-esque hives in savannahs, forests, and jungles, but they also nest in abandoned ruins.  Skittish animals, they tend to avoid combat, but will furiously defend a hive (Morale 12 when attacked).  A beebra's stinger injects a Class 11 paralytic poison.

Young grubling beebras can be captured to be trained as mounts.  And the honeyed secretions of adult beebras have medicinal properties, healing 1d6 hit points per cup ingested.

Mutations:  Toxic Weapon (Venom)

"C" is for "Chromodo"

Chromodo

No. Enc.:  1 (1d6)

Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  150' (50')
Armor Class:  4
Hit Dice:  7
Attacks:  3 or 1 (2 claws, 1 bite, or 1 tail-slap)
Damage:  1d10 / 1d10 / 2d10 or 2d6
Save:  L5
Morale:  9
Hoard Class:  XI, XII, XIII
XP:  2,190

Chromodos are large, stocky lizards reaching lengths of 12'-16' long and weighing over a ton.  They are quicker and more agile than they look, and can scale all but the smoothest vertical surfaces.  They inhabit hot and dry environs, favoring deserts, wastelands, and savannahs.

While able to digest meat, chromodos primarily feed off of metal, and they can hone in on even the slightest amounts within five miles of their location.  In combat, they always attack Android PCs first, followed by the person(s) wearing and/or carrying the most metal objects.

Such a diet makes their scales shiny, dense, and impervious (meaning chromodos only take 1/4 damage from standard melee weapons and conventional firearms), and causes ore-like growths and nodules to erupt from their hides (representing their "treasure").  Because their bodies are comprised of so much metal, chromodos avoid water, and suffer 1d8 damage per round when doused or immersed due to "oxidation poisoning".

While primarily solitary, breeding pairs will nest in junkyards, abandoned installations, and vehicle graveyards.  The strange alloys comprising the shells of chromodo eggs can be melted down and forged into bladed weapons of such fine quality that they grant +2 to hit and +2 to damage.

Mutations:  Epidermal Susceptibility (Water) [D], Natural Armor (Extreme), Reflective Epidermis (Radiation), Unique Sense (Metal Detection)

"F" is for "Fizzfiend"

Fizzfiend  ("N-R-Genie")

No. Enc.:  1 (1d4)

Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  90' (30')
Armor Class:  0
Hit Dice:  12
Attacks:  2 or 1 (2 fists, or immersion)
Damage:  1d8 / 1d8, or 2d8 + special
Save:  L6
Morale:  10
Hoard Class:  XIV + 1d4 foodstuffs
XP:  6,800

The Ancients greedily guzzled high-caloric beverages infused with various electrolytes, stimulants, vitamins, anti-oxidants, and, ultimately, even nanites.  The strange radiations of the Mutant Future altered the remaining stockpiles of these liquids, giving rise to the malevolent fizzfiends.

Fizzfiends are aqeuous creatures found in comestible stockpiles (often trapped in cans and bottles seemingly too small to contain them), or storage tanks and vats in ruined bottling plants.  While they are ordinarily 7'-9' tall and 3'-5' wide, they have full control over their size and shape, being able to stretch, compress, elongate, and flow as need be.  They appear in a wide variety of unholy colors not found in nature, and reek of bizarre fruits and extracts.

They feed off the bio-electical energies of their prey.  In combat, a fizzfiend will either pummel with its fists, discharge a shocking jolt, or engulf the target so as to "drown" it with surging liquids.  Whenever this attack is used, the victim must make a Saving Throw Versus Poison to avoid permanently gaining the Quickness Physical Mutation, but at a severe cost: acquisition of a corresponding Frailty Drawback that manifests as jittering, debilitating insomnia.  For every day afflicted, the target suffers 1d10 damage, -1 to attack rolls, -1 to Saving Throws, and -10% to Technology Rolls; these effects are cumulative.  Even if somehow still alive at the end of 7 days, the victim perishes from sheer exhaustion.  Shamans and healers know of no cure for this condition.

Due to the complex chemical stew comprising their forms, fizzfiends' physical attacks do double damage against Plant-based foes.  They are immune to normal weapons and resistant to mental attacks, but vulnerable to temperature- and energy-based attacks and armaments.

Antzees are often drawn to fizzfiend lairs.

Mutations:  Density Alteration, Energy Ray (Electricity), Energy-Retaining Cell Structure, Mental Barrier, Toxic Weapon ("Insomnia Infusion")

"M" is for "Mawauro"

Mawauro

No. Enc.:  0 (1)

Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  90' (30')
Armor Class:  6
Hit Dice:  16
Attacks:  2 or 1 (2 bludgeons, or 1 bite)
Damage:  3d4 / 3d4, or 3d10
Save:  L9
Morale:  10
Hoard Class:  VI, VII, XVI
XP:  7,800

Mawauros are ambulatory, carnivorous cacti of gigantic size (20'-25' tall), rugged endurance, and rapacious appetite.  They stalk the deserts and badlands in a never-ending search for food, hunting by sight and with uncanny hearing.

Due to their spiky exteriors, attacking a mawauro bare-handed results in 1d6 damage on a successful hit.

Mawauros successfully excecute the Swallow maneuver on rolls of 16-20, and consumed victims take 1d12 damage per round until they die at the end of 6 rounds (or cut their way out beforehand).  And thanks to their highly specialized metabolisms, mawuaros don't excrete, so the belongings of consumed victims acculmulate in their body cavities.

In some tribal cultures, surviving an encounter with a mawauro is a rite of passage into adulthood.

Mutations:  Animal Organs (Eyes), Carnivore, Free Movement, Full Senses (Echolocation), Full Senses (Increased Hearing), Natural Vegetal Weapons (Thorns), Reflective Cellular Structure (Fire/Heat)

"S" is for "Skultch"

Skultch  ("Zombird")

No. Enc.:  0 (2d4)
Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  30' (10')
          —Fly:  90' (30')
Armor Class:  7
Hit Dice:  3
Attacks:  3 (2 claws, 1 peck)
Damage:  1d4 / 1d4 / 1d6
Save:  L4
Morale:  8
Hoard Class:  None
XP:  140

Resembling decomposing birds of prey, skultches are foul creatures that stand 3'-4' tall with 9'-12' wingspans.  Taught skin reveals their internal musculature, and bony spurs jut through their feathers.  They reek of corruption and decay.

Skultches are primarily scavengers, but they also have a particularly insidious method of hunting live prey:  they spit (up to a distance of 15', or sprayed downward while airborne) an oily fluid that, upon failure of a Saving Throw Versus Poison, causes the target to acquire the Prey Scent Physical Mutation Drawback.  They then take to the air and patiently circle high above their victims, awaiting larger predators to bring them down...whereupon the skultches descend to steal the spoils.  And flocks have been known to outright attack vulnerable targets.

They are immune to all known toxins and forms of disease.

Mutations:  Dermal Poison Slime (Class 4), Epidermal Susceptibility (Fire) [D], Regenerative Capability, Toxic Weapon ("Prey-Spray")

"G" is for "Glowbra"

Glowbra

No. Enc.:  1 (1d6)
Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  75' (25') 
Armor Class:  6
Hit Dice:  6
Attacks:  1 (bite)
Damage:  1d6 + poison
Save:  L5
Morale:  9
Hoard Class:  None
XP:  1,320

Glowbras are thick, muscular serpents that reach lengths of 12'-15' long, and they continually emanate a cobalt-blue light.  Resilient creatures, they thrive in the most polluted and toxic environs.

The bite of a glowbra is one of the deadliest in all the Mutant Future, as it injects a lethal radioactive venom.  A victim must make a successful Saving Throw Versus Poison, or die 1d4 turns later (from the Class 20 poison, with delay).  Even if the Save is made, the victim still suffers a permanent loss of 1d6 CON.

Glowbra eggs are highly prized amongst those sects of Mutant Humans that worship radiation, as ingesting the raw yolk bestows 1d3 random Mutations.

Mutations:  Accumulated Resistance (Pollutants), Optic Emissions (Radiation), Reflective Epidermis (Radiation), Toxic Weapon (Venom)

"K" is for "Krillgrim"

Krillgrim

No. Enc.:  1d6 (3d6)

Alignment:  Lawful
Movement:  60' (20')
     —Swim:  90' (30')
Armor Class:  4
Hit Dice:  3
Attacks:  4 or 3 (4 claws, or 2 claws, 1 weapon)
Damage:  1d4 / 1d4 / 1d4 / 1d4 or 1d4 / 1d4 (and by weapon)
Save:  L3
Morale:  8
Hoard Class:  XIX
XP:  125

The Krillgrim are sentient, 10-limbed crustaceans that reach 5'-7' tall.  They are a proud, generous, and kind people, being both strong-willed and charismatic (average WIL 16; average CHA 17).

Krillgrim live as missionaries, priests, healers, and traders that all promulgate an eccentric religion, The Ingestion Gospels.  The tenets state that all organisms are united through unbreakable cosmic ties, and it is the overall duty—and greatest spritual joy—for every living thing to be devoured by a larger entity so as to maintain the pure cycle of existence.  Krillgrim priests lead bands of followers up from the briny depths and march as deep landward as they can, with the overall goal of reaching the domains of large predators...where they lay down their arms and await the sweet embrace of death.

This is not to say that they are strictly pacifists, however.  Krillgrim believe that they can only advance into the Afterlife if they are killed and eaten by something larger than themselves.  This means that they will actively defend against attacks by equal-sized or smaller beings and creatures.

For obvious reasons, many in the Mutant Future fail to see the allure of The Ingestion Gospels...but because they are so persuasive, Killgrim missionaries never suffer a lack of converts; any group will be accompanied by 3d6 followers and retainers consisting of all character races but Androids.  And because they are skilled healers, most communities welcome Killgrim bands with open arms.

Ironically, Killgrim are photosynthetic, and have no need themselves to eat.

Mutations:  Aberrant Form (Gills and Lungs), Empathy, Epidermal Photosynthesis, Increased Willpower, Natural Armor (Extreme)

Why I Love Mutant Futures, Gamma Worlds, and Assorted Post-Apocalyptic Wastelands

Thanks to a random Googling, I found this Gamma World essay/retrospective by Jared von Hindman.  He lovingly goes through the history of the game, and hits each and every note as to why I adore the genre so very, very much.

The article is called Gamma World: Over 30 Years Of I Have No Idea What Is Going On.  It's well worth the read.

(And I, too, was in the same GenCon 2010 seminar which prompted the entire piece.  His recollections about the the griping are dead-on.)

"S" is for "Squalrus"

Squalrus

No. Enc.:  0 (3d6)

Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  18' (6')
      —Swim:  180' (60')
Armor Class:  4
Hit Dice:  6
Attacks:  1 (bite)
Damage:  2d8
Save:  L3
Morale:  10
Hoard Class:  None
XP:  1,320

While ungainly on land, the stocky, blubbery squalruses are perfectly suited to life at sea, and they are equally at home in both the waters of the frigid poles and the tropical coasts.  They reach lengths of 12'-15' long, and can weigh between 1 and 2 tons.

Squalruses hunt in organized packs, using rows of razor-sharp teeth and piercing tusks to bring down prey...and their highly-developed minds make them even more dangerous.  They have been known to attack water vessels.

Unlike most mammals, squalruses lay small clutches of 1d6 eggs.  These eggs are highly prized amongst coastal and seafaring tribes, as hatchlings can be trained to serve as loyal guards, hunting companions, and trackers.

Young squalruses are a favorite prey of polar molebears.

Mutations:  Combat Empathy, Increased Sense (Smell), Metaconcert, Reflective Epidermis (Cold)

"V" is for "Vark"

Vark

No. Enc.:  0 (4d10)

Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  120' (40')
Armor Class:  7
Hit Dice:  4
Attacks:  1 (heatbutt)
Damage:  1d8
Save:  L5
Morale:  6
Hoard Class:  None
XP:  135

Varks are migratory herd animals that stand between 5'-6' tall, reach lengths of 12' (nose to stumpy tail), and weigh about a ton.  Relatively docile herbivores, they normally flee from predators; however, larger males may try to protect the females and young.  (In any big group, there are 4 females/young per male.  Adult males have 1d4 more hit points than normal, and all young have half the standard adult hit points.)  A fleeing herd, or aggressive male, may perform the Trample maneuver.

Domesticated varks are raised for their meat and milk, and used as beasts of burden.

Varks are one of the hardiest and most adaptable species in the Mutant Future, and the harsh and twisted environmental conditions have spawned several subspecies, including:  aarborvarks, chaarvarks, haardvarks, haarmvarks, and shaardvarks.

Mutations:  Dual-Headed

"O" is for "Owlig"

Owlig

No. Enc.:  1d4 (1d10)

Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  60' (20')
          —Fly:  150' (50')
          —Swim:  90' (30')
Armor Class:  4
Hit Dice:  5
Attacks:  3 or 1 (2 talons, 1 bite, or 1 tail-slap)
Damage:  1d4 / 1d4 / 1d8 or 1d6
Save:  L4
Morale:  8
Hoard Class:  VI
XP:  950

Owligs are resilient, 5' tall nocturnal carnivores that nest and hunt in a varitety of environs:  forests, swamps, rivers, overgrown ruins, and abandoned sewers.  They are ambush predators, and equally adept at attacking from land, water, and the air (frequently using the Dive maneuver); in almost every instance, the last thing a victim sees is the luminous glow of an owlig's bulbous eyes.

Hours after feeding, owligs cough up large, gory pellets containing the undigestible portions of their prey...making scrounging for their "treasure" an unpleasant endeavor.  

Mutations:  Optic Emissions (Bright Eyes), Natural Armor (Extreme), Night Vision, Regenerative Capability, Unique Sense (360-Degree Vision)

"M" is for "Molebear"

Molebear

No. Enc.:  1 (1d2)
Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  75' (25')
  —Burrow:  150' (50')
Armor Class:  3
Hit Dice:  10
Attacks:  3 (2 claws, 1 bite)
Damage:  1d10 / 1d10 / 1d6
Save:  L5
Morale:  10
Hoard Class:  VI, VII
XP:  3,800

Molebears are voracious omnivores that reach over 6' tall at the shoulder, and over 15' when standing on their hind legs.  Their enormous front paws allow them to tunnel through even the densest earth, and they lair in subterranean dens and caves.

A molebear's preferred method of hunting is to burst forth from the ground beneath an unsuspecting target.  The speed and ferocity of this maneuver grants the molebear +1 to both Surprise and Initiative rolls, and a +2 To Hit bonus.  They attack with claws and bite, and if both paws successfully strike in the same round, the molebear then crushes its prey in a hug for an additional 3d6 damage.

Molebears use the unique sense organs on their snouths to effortlessly track prey both below and above the ground...and even if a target flees, it isn't safe for very long.  Once a molebear tastes the blood of a particular victim, it relentlessly stalks the escapee across the wastelands, no matter how long it takes.  Stories suggest that not even vast bodies of water can keep a molebear from its prey.

Mutations:  Increased Sense (Smell), Increased Caloric Needs [D], Unique Sense (Detect Vibrations), Unique Sense ("Prey-Sense")

Molebear — Polar Molebear

No. Enc.:  1 (1d2)
Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  75' (25')
  —Burrow:  150' (50')
Armor Class:  3
Hit Dice:  13
Attacks:  3 (2 claws, 1 bite)
Damage:  2d6 / 2d6 / 1d8
Save:  L7
Morale:  11
Hoard Class:  VI, VII
XP:  6,000

Found in frigid climes, polar molebears are bigger and more vicious than the standard variety.

Their squeeze does an additional 3d8 damage.

Mutations:  Increased Sense (Smell), Increased Caloric Needs [D], Reflective Epidermis (Cold), Unique Sense (Detect Vibrations), Unique Sense ("Prey-Sense")

"M" is for "Mooze"

Mooze

No. Enc.:  1 (1d3)
Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  60' (20')
Armor Class:  5
Hit Dice:  8
Attacks:  1 or 2 (gore, or 2 pseudopods)
Damage:  1d8, or 1d6 / 1d6 + enzymes
Save:  L4
Morale:  10
Hoard Class:  None
XP:  2,060

Moozes are fleshy, amorphous creatures that reach sizes of 10'-15' in diameter.  They can be found in almost any environment except those with the most extreme temperatures.  They crawl along vertical surfaces and ceilings with ease, and can squeeze through even the narrowest openings.

Moozes are indescriminate omnivores that absorb plant and animal matter alike.  When encountering prey, they lash out with sticky, club-like pseudopods, and each successful strike means that particular psuedopod has adhered to the target.  Their digestive enzymes dissolve through cloth, wood, and leather in 1 round, and concrete and plastic in 1 turn.  After eating through armor, contact with bare flesh does 2d8 continual damage per round.  Moozes can attack two different targets, and apply damage accordingly.

They are immune to damage from conventional weapons, and only take damage from fire, cold, and energy attacks.

If more than 1 mooze is encountered, the others will be smaller, antler-less "moozelings" with 3 Hit Dice.  These smaller specimens do 1d3 damage with their psuedopods, and 1d6 damage per round with their secretions.

Mutations:  Aberrant Form (Amorphousness), Toxic Weapon (Digestive Enzymes)

"O" is for "Oscreech"

Oscreech

No. Enc.:  0 (2d8)
Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  240' (80')
Armor Class:  5
Hit Dice:  5
Attacks:  3 (2 claws, 1 bite)
Damage:  1d8 / 1d8 / 1d6
Save:  L3
Morale:  9
Hoard Class:  None
XP:  950

Oscreeches are 8' tall, flightless predators that stalk the praries and grasslands of the Mutant Future.  They are quick and cunning pack hunters, and often herd unsuspecting prey into ambushes.

Some believe that their constant squawking and chattering indiciates that they possess a language all their own, and may be sentient.

Mutations:  Increased Sense (Vision), Reflective Epidermis (Sonics), Shriek (Greater) (x3)

"F" is for "Fanghen"

Fanghen  ("Poulraña")

No. Enc.:  2d6 (4d10)
Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  105' (35')
      —Swim:  60' (20')
Armor Class:  7
Hit Dice:  4 hp
Attacks:  1 (bite)
Damage:  1d4+1
Save:  L1
Morale:  8
Hoard Class:  None
XP:  6

A fanghen (pronounced fān-ghen) is a 1' tall, flightless carnivore festooned in both bright feathers and scales.  They are equally at home on land or in fresh water.  Fanghens typically hunt small prey, but large broods will attack creatures many time their size.

Despite their nasty dispositions, fanghens and their highly nutritious eggs are staple food sources in many settlements.  Domestic fanghens are often allowed to roam free, so as to keep gardens, fields, and dwellings free of vermin.  Young children who fancy all their digits learn to stay away from them, however.

Mutations:  Aberrant Form (Gills and Lungs)