Mazes RPG: A Modern Take on Classic Dungeon Crawling
If you are looking for a new and exciting way to experience the thrill of dungeon crawling, you might want to check out Mazes RPG. Mazes is a fantasy roleplaying game that combines the nostalgia of classic sword and sorcery adventures with the simplicity and elegance of modern rules. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Mazes RPG, including what it is, how to play it, and where to get it.
What is Mazes RPG?
Mazes RPG is a tabletop roleplaying game created by Chris O'Neill and published by 9th Level Games. It is based on the polymorph system, which uses a single die to represent your character and resolve actions. Mazes RPG is designed for episodic play, making it ideal for one-shots and conventions. It is also a great introduction for those new to roleplaying, as well as a fun challenge for veterans who want to try something different.
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The Polymorph System
The polymorph system is the core mechanic of Mazes RPG. It is a compact yet comprehensive rules framework that provides the full experience of a crunchy RPG, but with minimal setup and prep. In a polymorph game, each player only ever uses a specific polyhedral die a d4, a d6, a d8, or a d10. Each die represents a different way to play or a different role that they have in the group.
Whenever a player asks can I do something, they roll their die and with a quick glance at their character sheet to know if they succeed. There is NEVER any math involved (no modifiers, no masters). Depending on the game world and what kind of character that you are playing you may roll with advantage or disadvantage (or not need to roll at all); and the MC (the person running the game) never rolls dice. The MC has tools to control the flow of game, and resources like the players to ensure that game play is fast, fair, and fun - without needing to memorize a million rules.
The Setting and Style
Mazes RPG is set in a dark fantasy world inspired by classic dungeon crawlers. You will explore ancient ruins, fight monstrous creatures, and loot hidden treasures. You will also encounter mysterious factions, deadly traps, and twisted magic. Mazes RPG is not a grimdark or gritty game, but rather a pulpy and adventurous one. It has a sense of humor and whimsy, but also danger and drama.
Mazes RPG is also very flexible and adaptable. You can use it to create your own custom settings and scenarios, or use any of the published adventures for Mazes RPG. You can also use any OSR compatible modules with Mazes RPG, thanks to the easy conversion rules provided in the game.
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The Features and Benefits
Mazes RPG has many features and benefits that make it stand out from other fantasy roleplaying games. Here are some of them:
It is easy to learn and teach. You can start playing in minutes, without having to read a long rulebook or watch a tutorial video.
It is ready to play without a lot of prep. You don't need to create complex characters or plan elaborate plots. You can just grab some dice, pick a class, and open the door to adventure.
It is fun and engaging. You can use your creativity and imagination to narrate your actions and shape the story. You can also enjoy the thrill of rolling dice and seeing what happens next.
It is award-winning and acclaimed. Mazes RPG has won the IGDN Indie Groundbreaker Award for Best Rules in 2020, and was nominated for the ENnie Award for Best Rules in 2021. It has also received positive reviews from critics and players alike.
It is affordable and accessible. You can get Mazes RPG in various formats and prices, depending on your preference and budget. You can also support the creators and the community by joining their Patreon or Discord.
How to Play Mazes RPG?
Playing Mazes RPG is simple and straightforward. All you need is a group of friends, some dice, a character sheet, and a sense of adventure. Here are the basic steps to play Mazes RPG:
Character Creation
The first step is to create your character. You can choose from four classes: Fighter, Rogue, Mage, or Cleric. Each class has a different die type, a different set of skills, and a different role in the party. You can also customize your character by choosing their name, appearance, personality, background, and equipment.
Character creation in Mazes RPG is quick and easy. You don't need to worry about stats, attributes, or abilities. You just need to pick a class and fill in some details. You can also use the random tables provided in the game to generate your character on the fly.
Moves and Actions
The second step is to decide what you want to do in the game. You can do anything that makes sense for your character and the situation. You can talk to NPCs, explore the environment, use items, cast spells, or perform any other action that you can imagine.
Whenever you do something that has a chance of failure or a risk of danger, you make a move. A move is a simple way of resolving actions in Mazes RPG. To make a move, you roll your die and compare it to a target number. If you roll equal to or higher than the target number, you succeed. If you roll lower than the target number, you fail.
The target number depends on the difficulty of the action and the circumstances of the situation. The MC will tell you what the target number is before you roll. The default target number is 7 for most actions, but it can be higher or lower depending on various factors.
Combat and Exploration
The third step is to engage in combat and exploration. These are the two main modes of play in Mazes RPG. In combat mode, you fight against enemies and try to survive. In exploration mode, you discover new places and try to find treasure.
Combat and exploration in Mazes RPG are fast and dynamic. You don't need to use maps, grids, or miniatures. You just need to describe what you do and roll your die when needed. The MC will narrate the results and keep track of the enemy's health and actions.
In combat mode, you can use your skills, items, or spells to attack or defend yourself. You can also use your moves to do other things like dodge, hide, or flee. Combat ends when one side is defeated or escapes.
In exploration mode, you can use your skills, items, or spells to investigate or interact with the environment. You can also use your moves to do other things like search, trap, or open doors. Exploration ends when you reach your destination or encounter an obstacle.
Treasure and Darkness
The fourth step is to collect treasure and face darkness. These are the two main outcomes of playing Mazes RPG. Treasure is the reward for your efforts and risks. Darkness is the consequence for your failures and choices.
Treasure in Mazes RPG is not just gold and gems. It can also be magic items, secrets, allies, or anything else that is valuable or useful for your character. You can use treasure to improve your character's skills, equipment, or abilities.
Darkness in Mazes RPG is not just damage and death. It can also be curses, corruption, enemies, or anything else that is harmful or dangerous for your character. You can avoid darkness by succeeding on your moves or using your resources.
Where to Get Mazes RPG?
If you are interested in playing Mazes RPG, you have several options to get it. You can choose from different formats and prices that suit your needs and preferences.
The Hardcover Edition
The hardcover edition of Mazes RPG is a beautiful book that contains everything you need to play the game. It has 160 full-color pages with gorgeous illustrations and layout by John Wrot. It also has a ribbon bookmark and an embossed cover with foil stamping.
The hardcover edition of Mazes RPG costs $40 USD plus shipping. You can order it from the official website of 9th Level Games, or from your local game store.
The PDF Edition
The PDF edition of Mazes RPG is a digital file that contains everything you need to play the game. It has the same content as the hardcover edition, but in a convenient and portable format. You can read it on your computer, tablet, or phone. You can also print it out if you prefer.
The PDF edition of Mazes RPG costs $15 USD. You can buy it from the official website of 9th Level Games, or from online platforms like DriveThruRPG or itch.io.
The Roll20 Module Pack
The Roll20 module pack of Mazes RPG is a collection of online resources that allows you to play the game on the popular virtual tabletop platform. It includes a fully interactive character sheet, a set of custom dice, a selection of maps and tokens, and a sample adventure.
The Roll20 module pack of Mazes RPG costs $10 USD. You can purchase it from the Roll20 marketplace, or get it for free if you are a patron of 9th Level Games on Patreon.
The Soundtrack by Gnoll
The soundtrack by Gnoll is a musical album that accompanies Mazes RPG. It features 10 original tracks that capture the mood and atmosphere of the game. It is composed and performed by Gnoll, a talented musician and gamer who also created the music for other 9th Level Games products.
The soundtrack by Gnoll costs $5 USD. You can download it from Bandcamp, or stream it on Spotify or YouTube.
Conclusion and FAQs
Mazes RPG is a modern take on classic dungeon crawling that offers a fun and easy way to enjoy fantasy roleplaying. It has a unique and elegant system, a rich and diverse setting, and a variety of options and features. Whether you are new to RPGs or an experienced player, you will find something to love in Mazes RPG.
If you want to learn more about Mazes RPG, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Q: How many players do I need to play Mazes RPG?
A: You need at least two players to play Mazes RPG: one to be the MC (the person who runs the game) and one to be the PC (the person who plays the character). However, the game is more fun with more players. The recommended number of players is 3 to 6, including the MC.
Q: How long does a session of Mazes RPG last?
A: A session of Mazes RPG can last as long as you want, depending on how much time you have and how much you enjoy the game. However, the game is designed for episodic play, meaning that each session is a self-contained adventure that can be completed in one sitting. The average length of a session is 2 to 4 hours.
Q: What kind of dice do I need to play Mazes RPG?
A: You only need one type of dice to play Mazes RPG: polyhedral dice. These are the dice that have different numbers of sides, such as d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and d20. Each player needs one die that matches their class: d4 for Fighter, d6 for Rogue, d8 for Mage, or d10 for Cleric. The MC does not need any dice.
Q: Where can I find more adventures and resources for Mazes RPG?
A: You can find more adventures and resources for Mazes RPG on the official website of 9th Level Games, or on their social media pages. You can also join their Patreon or Discord to get access to exclusive content and community support. Additionally, you can use any OSR compatible modules with Mazes RPG, or create your own adventures using the guidelines provided in the game.
Q: How can I support Mazes RPG and its creators?
A: You can support Mazes RPG and its creators by buying their products, leaving reviews and ratings, sharing your feedback and suggestions, spreading the word about the game, joining their Patreon or Discord, or simply playing and enjoying the game.
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