A Review of the Role Playing Game Supplement Wisdom from the Wastelands Issue #40: New Races 2

Wisdom from the Wastelands Issue #40: New Races 2 is a role playing game supplement published by Skirmisher Publishing for use with the Mutant Future system. As such, it is covered by the Open Game License though no parts are considered to be Open Game Content as a result. The Wisdom from the Wastelands series introduces new options for Mutant Future and this supplement has several new playable races.

The supplement is available as a seven-page PDF on DriveThruRPG for $0.99 but was purchased at a reduced price as part of a special bundle. One page is the Open Game License and front matter and one is ads.

The opening paragraph explains that Issue #4 introduced new racial possibilities and that this one has more and new mutations.

Avians are two human subgroups modified to give them wings. The changes make them subject to AI recognition, as discussed in Issue #4. The first type of Avian are humans with wings, though the wings can be of different types. The second is an offshoot of the Exotics from Issue #4; though they are considered pure humans, their appearance is anything but, with angels and demons being the most common. Avians have wings, can fly and have hollow bones, making them lighter and faster but more vulnerable to certain attacks.

Damaged are mutants who have become what are considered to be hideous monsters, and no two are alike. They have more drawbacks, but more beneficial mutations too, and are generally viewed as repulsive by other creatures.

Lagrangers are humans from outposts around the solar system who were genetically altered to survive life in space, with prehensile feet and the ability to detect radiation. They are also stronger and hardier, oddly enough.

Shifters are two types of creatures able to shapechange. The first type was created by alien visitors, and are where the were legends come from, and are known as Weres. The second are Dopplers, who can change their shape to resemble another person.

Uploaded Intelligences are Ancients who uploaded their minds to computer systems to become immortal. They can upload to robotic bodies and others computer systems; whilst such can be accessed, they cannot die, though EMPs are dangerous.

New Mutations has four new mutations used by the new races.

Wisdom from the Wastelands Issue #40: New Races 2 in Review

The PDF is bookmarked, with major sections linked. Navigation is okay. The text maintains a two-column format and appeared to be free of errors. There are some stock tweaked colour images. Presentation is okay.

This supplement does what it sets out to do; adds new options for creatures that players can play. Some of them are perhaps a little too specialised to always be useful, but they do all have new features that make a difference. Wisdom from the Wastelands Issue #40: New Races 2 can be found by clicking here.