The “Generators” page now lists a 2025 Beta version of the Soulgen. You can also read some of the new rules (especially for the new spell casting system). Please let us know what you think.
“Shape Change” for Nature Spirits and Animal Spirits
Two new Errata sections add “Shape Change” (as modified by the Errata) to the permissible Divine Intervention spells for Nature Spirits and Animal Spirits.
Super Strength!!!
The Errata section now includes rules for the new Power Peculiarity “Super Strength” (for “Heroic Games” only). Characters in superhero games (and the like) will now be able to lift and throw cars, dumpsters, and boulders, without actually increasing their Body or Strength scores to ridiculous levels. This Peculiarity has been added to the latest Soulgen.
New FAQs and Errata
New FAQs have been added regarding “Non-Combat Speed” and “Automatic Reduction of Injury Condition.” Additionally, the “Shape Change” spell group has been significantly revised (see Errata).
Save on Potions & Chemicals!!!
The cost of all chemicals, potions, chemical supplies, and potion supplies have been drastically reduced. See the Errata for the new tables. [All new costs are reflected in the Character Generator.]
MiniWarGamer Dave Discovers “The Savage Soul”
MiniWarGaming has posted a demo of “The Savage Soul” and an interview with its creator, Bogo. Dave Discovers The Savage Soul (youtube.com)
New Peculiarities: “Mindless Hunger,” “Mindless Rage,” “Soft Spot,” and “SK: Savant”
The Errata section describes two new Peculiarities, “Mindless Hunger,” “Mindless Rage,” “Soft Spot,” and “Savant.” These Peculiarities will provide greater flexibility in character design.
New FAQ and Errata re: Divisible
There is a new FAQ pertaining to gaining “Divisible” through “Shape Change” or “Animal Form” (Spoiler: It won’t work). There is also a new errata adjusting the cost of “Divisible.”
NPC Interaction with Mutants
While every GM is free to define his world and his NPCs as he sees fit, the “default” setting of The Savage Soul (i.e., the aftermath of Yellow Mike and the Great Destruction) envisions a world where mutants are universally feared and hated by non-mutant humans. As a result, when a character has any “Mutation” Peculiarity, it comes with the built-in disadvantage of widespread prejudice. This is why Peculiarities such as “PW: Deceptive Appearance (1)” and “SP: Non-Mutant Augmentation” are valuable.
For each group of NPCs in his world, the GM must decide that group’s typical attitude toward mutants, which may range from murderous hostility to (in very rare cases) tolerance and acceptance. A group like the Combine (Section 2.7.8), for example, is openly hostile toward all mutants and seeks to eradicate them. This does not necessarily mean any given Combine member will mindlessly attack any mutant he sees (although he might); he will, however, likely refuse to associate with the mutant, subject the mutant to rude behavior, and seek opportunities to bring about the mutant’s eventual demise (possibly by reporting the mutant’s existence and whereabouts to Combine units better suited to engage with lethal force).
Most NPC groups (the average human settlement, for example) will not be quite so hostile toward mutants; but most (if not all) will genuinely believe one or more of the following:
- Mutants are dangerous and unpredictable and cannot be trusted.
- All mutants are secretly (if not openly) evil.
- All mutants secretly (if not openly) hate non-mutant humans.
- Mutants are unclean (or cursed) and exposure to mutants can cause disease or other maladies.
Keeping these deeply held beliefs in mind will help the GM decide how any given NPC would likely react to any given mutant. For example: On an ordinary day, merchants, innkeepers, bartenders, and the like might refuse service to mutants, and townspeople might seek to drive mutants away. In desperate times, however, these same proprietors and townspeople might grudgingly tolerate mutants that are willing to help solve problems . . . but be quick to fall back upon old prejudices once those problems are solved.
In any case, being a mutant should not be something a character can easily disregard. And the GM should make a point of reminding such characters that, for them, few places in the world are truly friendly.
Tutorial 3: Actions & Reactions
Please check out the latest installment in the “How to Play The Savage Soul” series. This one explains every Action and Reaction a character can perform during a Savage Soul combat round. Enjoy!