The Fungus Forest appears to be a recent phenomena, as previous Map Reconnaissance did not report its existence. Lau Expedition Control recommends caution when entering the forest, and the use of respiratory filters or gas masks to reduce the risk of infection from errant spores.
As described in the Surface Inhabitants entry in the Mission Overview, for the majority of the planet’s population there was no shelter from the effects of Creep. Although usually weaker than healthy humans, Surface Expedition Teams have been overwhelmed by groups of mutants when caught by surprise…
(Art by Virgil Finlay, courtesy of Monster Brains. Click to embiggen.)
From: Andor, Vault Elder
To: Surface Expedition Team Members
Fellow Scavengers,
I have a secret to reveal: Lau is dying.
For many years, I have watched the decline of our community. In fact, for the last generation it is only the valiant efforts of our Surface Expedition Teams that have allowed us to maintain our life underground. However, soon we will be forced to abandon Lau to survive on the surface… or perish.
This year the community of Lau has chosen you, our bravest souls, to leave the safety of the subterranean vault and explore the ruins of the once great civilization that existed prior to the Fall. Although it is an honour to be selected as a Scavenger, it requires great courage, as you must travel over unknown terrain, battle mutant creatures, and experience fierce radiation zones in search of any useful materials that will allow all of us to escape from our pathetic existence.
As you must know, many of the Scavengers sent out do not return, and some of those that do have suffered mutations and sickness. This is the risk you take, the sacrifice you are all willing to make for your people. Knowing the odds, you will bid your family and friends good-bye and venture into the land of your forefathers. Good luck to you all. The people of Lau will await your safe return.
From: Dr. Ben Van, Mutation Expert
To: Surface Expedition Team Members
A common result of Creep exposure is the development of a mutation. Our scientists have been left baffled as to how mutagenic agents can lead to such immediate and drastic effects. We postulate that the interplay between radiation, genetically-engineered viruses, and the remnants of nanotechnology are somehow to blame.
There are many different forms that a mutation may take. All mutations are classified as either mutant perks or mutant flaws. Perks are beneficial, while flaws are baneful. You are about twice as likely to develop a flaw than a perk.
Not all mutations are equal; some are more powerful (or detrimental) than others. Perks and flaws are broken down into three grades: minor, medium, and major. Minor mutations seem more common than medium mutations, which themselves are more common than major mutations. And, of course, there is always the “ultimate mutation” – death.
Although our scientists have not yet found a cure for the development of mutation, some Scavengers have reported that re-exposure to Creep can, on rare occasions, reverse the effect of the initial exposure. We do not recommend this method of treatment, as it generally causes additional mutations to occur.
From: Kelvin Klyne, Creep Consultant
To: Surface Expedition Team Members
In the decades since the Fall, the myriad of mutant plagues, environmental poisons, and radionucleotides have mingled to the point where – in regard to their impact on living beings – they are all the same global ailment. To the folks who roam the wastes, the effects of all the toxic goops and lethal pathogens are thought of as a single plague: the Creep.
In truth, the Creep can stem from nearly any source of radiation, man-made biological agents, or toxic substance. Although the genetic mechanisms are not well understood, exposure to the Creep will eventually lead to mutations in almost all subjects. The specific effects may vary based on the substance encountered or environment braved, but the overall effects are the same: mutation.
Creep accumulates in characters following periods of exposure to Creep-inducing agents. Although you may recover from the immediate effects of these agents, the Creep will almost certainly be with you until you die. As the Creep accumulates in your system, more radical effects emerge. In the short-term, some effects might seem beneficial, but everyone with the Creep is ultimately heading to the same place…
Since the Creep is generally invisible and undetectable without special equipment it will be your most insidious threat. Each of you has been equipped with a ‘rad tab’ which measures your Creep exposure. The strip changes color when you come close to dangerous contamination. After exposure to Creep, a rad tab cannot be used again. Instead, once your tab is exhausted (and if you survive the effects of the exposure), you will simply be issued a new rad tab.
