Mutants

Mutants are the individuals who have been warped and changed in the aftermath of the Great Decay. This is most often the result of exposure to the lingering radiation of the nuclear weapons detonated in cities, known as the 'dread miasma'.

Mutants come in varying shapes and sizes, from the still human to the disgusting and bloblike. Minor 'mutants' might not even have mutations, but rather scars from radiation burns, while major mutants can sport horrific features such as long claws, extra limbs, and pus-filled boils.

Minor mutants can often pass their scars as the result of sunburns or working with fire, but any with too obvious mutations are feared and shunned by the rest of society, and will usually be relocated to mutant colonies away from settlements, into old city outskirts or out into the countryside. At worst, insane or horrific mutants are often shot and forced to flee to more radioactive or dangerous areas.

Mutation Levels
The horrific radiation which is spread out across California as a result of the Great Decay has caused various changes in the physiological structure of almost all creatures who survived exposure to the dread miasma. It is possible to increase one's mutation level through exposure to more intense levels of radiation or chemical contamination, but more often than not, this merely results in the death of any unfortunate individual who is exposed.

Level 1
A mutation level of 1 indicates that an entity has not undergone any mutation as a result of radiation. As a result, they are unable to survive the irradiated surface without environmental gear, and will die in a period of time ranging from mere seconds to hours when exposed to the radioactive environment. Even light exposure is capable of fatally poisoning them.

Level 2
Level 2 mutations do not result in any noticeable physiological changes in those possessing them, bar one. Those at this mutation levels are able to safely withstand exposure to the standard levels of radiation found throughout the surface, with this being the most common mutation level. However, Level 2 mutants are unable to survive the more harshly irradiated regions, such as large cities, for more than extremely brief periods of time without some form of protective gear.

Level 3
Mutations of the third level typically do not result in noticeable physiological alterations. However, on very rare occasions, reproduction between specimens at this mutation level results in offspring with birth defects. Level 3 mutants also boast a stronger resistance to radiation, and can typically survive in heavily irradiated areas for extended periods of time without negative repercussions. Furthermore, this mutation level will sometimes result in subjects possessing minor abnormal abilities, such as weak telepathic powers or an enhanced reaction time. This mutation level is the second rarest in existence.

Level 4
A mutation level of 4 signifies that there has been a noticeable physiological alteration as a result of radiation exposure. Such alterations usually do not totally distort a specimen's original form, entailing something like skin that is green or patterned similar to that of a burn victim in humans, or feral dogs lacking in fur, but possessed of spines along their back. The benefits of such a condition, however, is near complete immunity to all forms of radiation, and individuals at such level may carry mild abnormal abilities, such as faster healing or the ability to influence emotions through pheromone secretion. However, it should be noted that mental deterioration is not uncommon at this mutation level.

Level 5
Level 5 mutants are noticeably altered from their normal form, even from a distance. A man might be transformed into a hulking, eight foot monster with green skin, or a duck might gain a razor sharp bill filled with serrated teeth and a set of quills it can fire from its wings. This level of mutation also confers radiation immunity, and can result in fairly strong abnormal abilities, such as massively potent regenerative properties, or the ability to unleash a telepathic blast of fear. Unfortunately, mental deterioration at this level is quite common.

Level 6
Mutants at level 6 mutations are extremely warped from their physical form, often being barely recognizable as their original species. Such alterations include extra limbs, spiky growths popping up, or extra sets of internal organs. Creatures of this level, in addition to their radiation immunity, also may boast very powerful abilities, such as virtual immunity to aging, and potent mind control. However, the vast majority of beings at this level are extremely mentally damaged.

Level 7
This astounding level of radiation is absolutely horrific to behold. Not only are the bodies of such creatures warped beyond recognition, but they mostly undergo constant metamorphosis, mutating continuously over the span of time. Furthermore, in addition to powerful abilities granted to such mutants, creatures at a Level 7 mutation are so irradiated that they themselves give off radiation, which is capable of contaminating their environment.