The Erwinian Roleplaying System: Nihimana

Long ago, the world went dark.

Communication ceased, the lights went out, and a period of terror and darkness followed.

Nihimana is a post-apocalyptic setting akin to Mutant World. However, this world is both darker and harsher... Far in the future, after a near-total collapse of the planet’s environment, the surviving fragments of humanity were driven into a period of wandering savagery. After centuries of aimlessness, there arose a beacon of gleaming hope in all that burning waste; the City of Nihimana, the last fragment of the old world. Equipped with powerful renewable technology and protected from the worst effects of the shattered ozone layer, a new chapter in the dark history of humanity begins.

Characters might take on the rolls of “Pure” humans, who maintain a powerful grip on the city and its resources, or of Mutants, whose twisted sad forms dot the gutters of the domed city. Genetic disease and cancer plague all but the luckiest, and life of the downtrodden is cheap. Yet secret societies strive to gain power, seeking to turn the path of the future to their own designs. It is a time of change and survival in a cruel and harsh world, the few moments of honor and bravery shining all the brighter.

The Erwinian Roleplaying System is a multi-generational labor of love initially created by Eric Erwin and his father Jim in the 1980s, developed through the 90s and 00s, compiled and edited by his son Joseph in the 10s, and finally published in the 2020s. The project has grown to include Joseph’s wife Emma and his brother Emmett. Borrowing some core concepts from the OSR tradition, Erwinian has since evolved into something all it’s own.

The Erwinian Roleplaying System is designed as a universal framework which can be adapted to many settings, both pre-made or created by the GM. The system thrives on flexibility and creativity, with GMs and players being given the freedom to interpret the rules in their own way and develop new rules through creative discussion. Using the Core Rules as a jumping off point, they are encouraged to make their own spells, their own programs, their own abilities and so much more.

For some more info on the system, visit: https://joseph-erwin-dm.com/the-erwinian-roleplaying-system/