Mutant Origin

Origins vs. Backgrounds

The origin described below applies to characters in modern, super-heroic settings.

Deviants are the result of a variety of different events. While the Rise is responsible for bringing deviants to the forefront, there are a multitude of other reasons why people gained these powers.

This takes on the form of The Rise speeding up evolution in some, changing and mutating a creature on a molecular level, or supercharging someone during an accident that would otherwise be a mundane issue. Because of this, they come from a multitude of different origins. Some may gain the powers from being bitten by a radioactive insect, their keen intellect and wealth may allow them to create powerful suits of armor, or they are the result of laboratory experiments to create the ultimate soldier. The origins of heroes are nearly endless. Thus, it makes for an opportunity to build on your character’s story and powers.

It’s important to note that while the origin of your character’s powers grants them extraordinary gifts, it’s not the only thing that defines them.

Mutant

Evolution is a natural and necessary aspect found within the organic world, but “The Rise” acutely accelerated this evolution. Because of this, some unwitting humans have unwillingly begun to take steps in progressing their evolutionary line in historically unnatural ways. These evolutionary advancements often reveal themselves through various circumstances, such as powers that manifest alongside an adolescent’s pubescent development or during moments of immense stress. However, there doesn’t necessarily seem to be a rhyme or reason for such developments, as powers can begin to appear seemingly from nowhere. While there are some mutations that are easily visible, such as metallic skin or angelic wings, some mutations manifest through means of mental acuity, as well. Such mutants are able to read others’ minds and even manipulate matter through telekinesis.

The rapid evolution of the mutants is perhaps the most common and well-known of the origins that were instigated by “The Rise,” and so being has brought them to the forefront of humanity’s social and political arenas.

Mutant Traits

Much like the Inhumans, the variety of traits that manifest within and without of mutants is nearly limitless, and more new abilities are reported on almost daily. However, unlike Inhumans, mutants are the products of acute evolutionary developments strictly within humans. These evolutionary developments have thrust these unwitting mutants into a life radically different than that of their unaffected peers. Unfortunately, this has often resulted in an abrupt othering and marginalization from the traditional human experience. Living lives that aren’t fully human yet are still distinctly relative to the humanity they originated within, mutants must regularly adapt quickly and make choices that predicate their survival. This has left them sharp and quick-witted, but not without an overbearing sense of trauma that comes readily packaged with the prerequisite of self-preservation. They are at the forefront of humanity’s consciousness, and with public perception in the ever-shifting balance, the stress of marginalization takes a heavy toll.

Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 2, and one other ability score of your choice increases by 1.

Size. Medium.

Speed. 30 feet.

Languages. Common

Innate Mutation. Choose one At-will power of your choice. This does not count against the total number of A-will powers known. Once you activate this power, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.