Evolved Adventures

Mutation: An Introduction The potential for mutation lies dormant in the genes of all living things. At times this potential will remain dormant for an entire lifespan never manifesting itself either because the host never has need of it or does not know of the potential within. However, there are cases when a creature gleans their potential, either through chance or self-introspection. At these times one can tap into their potential driving them to the forefront of the evolutionary ladder. It is unclear what separates the various types of mutants. Perhaps it is unconscious choice or maybe instinct, but the difference is quite evident as the mutation continues to develop. There are three means for mutation to become active. These include the Evolutionary Heritage feat, one of the mutant base classes, or by selecting a mutant race. The Evolutionary Heritage feat most often occurs when a mutant bears a child or when a child is borne into a harsh or unstable environment. A creature with this feat cannot take any of the mutant base classes. They can however select one of the Evolutionary Prestige classes upon meeting the prerequisites. The mutant base classes advance your mutation as your class level increases. These allow you to select a combination of Physical anomalies, Power categories, and abilities based on class progression. Mutant classes may be selected anytime a character levels up like any other class and can be used without restriction to multi-class characters with other classes (however a GM may choose to restrict access based on plot events or other game mechanics.) A character may not have levels from more than one mutant base class. Additionally, when a character selects one of the Mutant prestige classes they may not take levels in a different Mutant prestige class. It is important to note that if a character gains the same ability from different sources the effects do not stack. For example; the base bonus of Energy Converter does not stack with the Absorb/release kinetics ability from Kinetic energy manipulation. In this case, Absorb/release kinetics is meant to allow a secondary route to a similar ability, not to double up on one power. Finally, at the GM’s discretion, a character can be a mutant by generating or selecting a race with evolutionary racial traits. When creating an evolved race it is important to keep in mind the rules on players using advanced races since mutant racial traits may significantly increase the power of the character. More details on this can be found in Chapter 2: New Races.