Mutants and Magic: Getting Started

GOALS and PHILOSOPHY
Goal one is to keep it fun, of course. As an homage to ideas put forth in the first edition DM Guide, I'm hardly breaking new ground here.
Goal two is to keep it simple. So as long as anything I reorganize and combine is still playable I'll be satisfied.

As for philosophy, I working from the point of view that every rule is mutable. Things may get changed, removed or added. That is the beauty of these games. If a Dungeon Master doesn't like a particular bit of rules, they can change it.
And so it goes with these ideas. Expand, alter or eradicate any part as you will.

WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY

Gamma World fourth edition and Masque of the Red Death

Imagine an Appendix N, an inspirational bibliography, based on the works of authors such as Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley and others writing in the early science fiction, horror and fantasy fields.
The genres weren't even that well defined yet, I know.
The spirit and will of mankind against weird menaces of the unknown.

Gamma World is one of my favorite games. It's simple rules and the post apocalyptic struggle to survive in a world gone mad just hit a sweet spot.

Masque of the Red Death is a set that seems to get overlooked, in my opinion.
It reminds me of the old Hammer horror movies I enjoyed growing up.
For the purposes of this project it will stand in for Boot Hill.
These two games will form the core of the setting.

Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Second Edition

Legends from every culture throughout the ages say there is another world. A hidden realm made from the stuff of dreams...and nightmares.

Most of the paths and gates to this world have been obscured or locked for millennia. Now strange magics on Earth have spoiled  and eroded open many portals to this mystic world.

Elves, dwarves and other beings of myth and fable have come through to find Earth, which they claim is their ancient home, infected by an alien abomination.
And many hold mankind responsible for what has happened.

Danger Quest and OGL Steampunk

I'm also using a few ideas about character backgrounds and occupations from these games.

Danger Quest by Torchlight Games is all about weird pulp adventures in the distant future.
OGL Steampunk by Mongoose Publishing is about, well, steampunk.

You will also need pencils, paper and polyhedral dice which you may find at the store which you bought your games.

NEXT TIME: How to Play a Role Playing Game.

(just kidding)