Mutants: The Chosen of the New Order

In the devastated world of *Blastborn*, the Mutants represent a faction that, while born from the remnants of humanity, has evolved to embrace the apocalypse and the transformations it brought. These beings, survivors of the nuclear cataclysm and radiation that ravaged the planet, have undergone physical and mental changes, adapting to the extreme conditions of the new world. More than mere survivors, the Mutants believe they are destined to inherit the Earth, viewing their transformation not as a curse but as a sign of their sacred fate.

The Mutant Context

After the spread of the deadly NT Virus and the nuclear war that followed, a portion of humanity survived, but not without change. Intense radiation and genetic mutation caused by adverse environmental conditions transformed many of these survivors, creating a new race: the Mutants. While some show barely noticeable signs of mutation, others have undergone extreme physical alterations, with deformed bodies or supernatural powers.

Instead of rejecting these changes, the Mutants embraced them as a divine blessing, convinced that these transformations are proof they are destined to inherit the new world. Organised into tribes with a strong religious and mystical orientation, the Mutants believe their connection to radiation and the post-apocalyptic nature has made them superior to "pure" humans, whom they view as weak and obsolete.

The Philosophy of the Mutants: The Chosen of Chaos

Mutants do not seek to restore the old world or follow the rules of the civilization that once governed the planet. For them, the apocalypse was a rebirth, a purge that separated the weak from the strong. They believe radiation is a mystical force that has granted them powers and a new vision of the world. Their spiritual leaders, known as shamans, preach that Mutants are the superior race, the true heirs of the Earth, destined to destroy what remains of the old civilization and establish a new order.

This strong belief in their destiny is reflected in their almost tribal and religious approach, where rituals, ceremonies, and veneration of radiation play a central role in their daily lives. They see the mutated nature as sacred and radiation as a symbol of their power. Mutants are beings deeply connected to the world around them, using the hostile environment and the energies of the apocalypse to their advantage.

Mutant Playstyle in Blastborn

The Mutants are a chaotic but powerful faction, characterised by their ability to quickly adapt to any situation and exploit their opponents' weaknesses. Unlike Humans, who rely on careful planning and advanced technology, the Mutants take a more brutal, instinctive, and fast-paced approach. They rely on their numerical strength, mystical connection to radiation, and ability to change and adapt as the game progresses. Although their units are cheaper and have lower attack and health, their superior mobility and large numbers allow them to overwhelm their rivals through rapid and relentless assaults.

Adaptability and Flexibility

One of the primary strengths of the Mutants is their ability to quickly adapt to changing battlefield conditions. Thanks to their mutant nature, many of their units have the ability to evolve or mutate as the game progresses, becoming more powerful and developing unique abilities. While their units tend to be weaker in terms of attack and health, players choosing the Mutants can expect a versatile and dynamic playstyle, where units start as basic creatures but can transform into formidable forces of nature as the match unfolds. Their capacity to move troops quickly and in large numbers gives them a significant tactical edge on the battlefield.

Tribalism and Spiritual Unity

The tribal structure of the Mutants is reflected in their playstyle, where synergy between units is key to maximising their potential. Although individually weaker, Mutant cards often complement one another, enhancing each other's abilities and mutations, mirroring how Mutant tribes operate as a unified collective. Ritual and shaman cards allow mutant units to harness ambient radiation to enhance their capabilities or activate special abilities.

Additionally, cards based on their mystical faith grant spiritual benefits that can turn the tide of a match, with effects such as regeneration, summoning mutated creatures, or developing resistances to enemy attacks. Mutant shamans act as spiritual leaders on the battlefield, channelling the power of radiation to strengthen their troops and amplify their effectiveness as a cohesive force.

Brute Force and Savage Attacks

Mutants do not excel in sophistication or structured defences. Instead, their approach focuses on wild, uncontrolled attacks, leveraging their physical superiority, vast number of units, and rapid mobilisation to overwhelm enemy lines. Their cards often emphasise fast and direct attacks, where units can overload their abilities to inflict massive damage in a short period. While they have less offensive and defensive power compared to Humans, Mutants favour pure offense, using chaos and speed to destabilise their opponents and prevent solid defensive planning.

Connection to Radiation

Radiation is not only part of their identity but also a key tool in their playstyle. Many Mutant cards interact with battlefield radiation, granting them bonuses in contaminated zones or allowing their units to absorb radioactive energy for additional advantages. While they lack the structured defence of Humans, this capability grants them significant resilience, enabling their troops to survive and regenerate in situations that would destroy other factions. As mutant units absorb radiation, they can develop temporary or permanent enhancements, making them even more dangerous in combat.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Adaptability: Mutants can evolve and mutate throughout the match, allowing them to quickly adapt to their opponent's strategies and surprise with new abilities. Their ability to change based on the environment makes them a versatile faction.
• Mobility and Numbers: Mutant units are faster and more numerous, enabling them to quickly take control of the battlefield and overwhelm their opponents with constant waves of troops.
• Fast and Savage Attacks: Although their units have lower attack and defence, Mutants compensate with fast and devastating attacks in large numbers. Their focus on pure offense allows them to destabilise enemy lines and use chaos to maintain pressure.
• Connection to Radiation: Their ability to harness battlefield radiation grants them regeneration and other bonuses, making them resilient in adverse conditions. Mutant units can gain bonuses in contaminated zones, giving them an advantage in certain terrains.

Weaknesses

• Lower Individual Power: While they have superior numbers, mutant units tend to be weaker in terms of attack and defence, making them vulnerable in prolonged direct engagements, especially against factions with more powerful and well-equipped units.
• Lack of Control: Due to their focus on uncontrolled attacks, Mutants can be challenging to manage. Their chaotic strategy can make them unpredictable and vulnerable to more organised and strategic opponents.
• Lack of Structural Defence: Unlike other factions, Mutants do not excel in defence or fortification. Relying heavily on their numbers and speed, their strategy weakens if they fail to maintain offensive pressure, leaving them exposed to counterattacks if their initial assaults are not decisive.

Will You Lead the Rise of the Chosen?

Mutants view the apocalypse as the beginning of a new era, where the strong will inherit the Earth. Their mission is to destroy what remains of the old civilisation and establish a new order, where the mutated will be the sole survivors and rulers of the planet. The battle for the future is both physical and spiritual, and the Mutants are determined to prove they are the true chosen ones of the post-apocalyptic world.

As a player, your challenge will be to harness the chaotic yet powerful nature of the Mutants to adapt and overcome your opponents. Will you be able to lead the Mutants to fulfil their divine destiny and claim the new world? Chaos is your ally, and only the strongest will survive.