A post-apocalyptic world of strange mutant beings, ancient high technology, and factions vying for the future of the world's development.
Type: Blossom
Radiation in Gamma World is said to cause the wild mutations that happen in the native life, but that is only partially true. Visitors from other worlds will find the radiation to be much like radiation everywhere else: it leads to burns and sickness, though it isn't quite as lethal as radiation in most worlds.
Mutations in Gamma World are not just changes in the body that lead to a simple alteration, but can result in otherworldly or even extradimensional powers. These are gained most often by exposure to radiation, but this only happens to natives of the Gamma World in almost all cases. Some biological weapons exist which can create mutations that are temporary, usually, in anyone including offworlders, but whatever mysterious quirk of the world that allows for mutations is not present in most offworlders.
Many different factions seek to establish what the new world will be like. The most popular of these, the Restorationists, seek to recover the old technology and create a society of equality and advancement for all. The Restorationists are most eager to learn from the World Tree, and have organized diplomatic groups to exchange information and culture, attempting to slowly grow their influence and calm the wilderness of their own world by taking lessons from others, while also keeping watch for external threats.
The Knights of Genetic Purity believe mutations are evil and the cause of strife, and obsessively hunt down and kill mutants. They seek to bargain with offworlders for powerful technology, and enlist aid in their cause, though some of the more moderate members have considered simply moving to a world where mutants aren't a thing.
The Seekers believe technology is responsible for the fall of society, and obsessively seek out and destroy old world tech. They believe the Vines are another curse on the world, and actively hunt down offworlders whenever possible. Fortunately, the Seekers are rare and most denizens of Gamma World think they are crazy too.
The Ranks of the Fit are a militaristic society believing that mutated animals will rule the new world. They have a powerful army, but are willing to work with humans of other worlds. Many find their superiority complex offputting, and they regularly seek to raid other worlds for their tech.
There are other societies, of varying influence and motivations, some isolationist and others extending feelers into the World Tree, but the above is a good representative sample.
The average level of technology around the planet is late middle ages to early renaissance or so, but enclaves of lower, stone age tech or higher level technology approaching early to mid 20th century can be found. Most people do not understand anything more complex than gunpowder, and more advanced technology like robotics and space travel, or lasers and ray guns, are simply incomprehensible.
This does result in a strange view on magic. While robots and high technology may sometimes be referred to as 'magic' by the natives of Gamma World, most of them do know it is simply technology beyond their understanding. This means that most of the world does not believe in actual, true magic, and similar non-technological things, are assumed by most to simply be ancient technology they do not understand, or the result of mutations. When encountering offworlders, it is a strange twist that only the most educated and intelligent of Gamma World natives are likely to believe in real magic.
Most of the technology available is recognizeably Earth in nature. Even advanced technology such as robots, lasers, and blasters follow the vague concepts of established science. However, some extremely rare advanced technology operates on entirely different concepts than the rest, using a crystalline or organic base with few discernible means of operation. Also, many devices of advanced tech whose function is relatively simple are not very clear on initial examination, easily resulting in misunderstandings in function.