Mazes Fantasy Roleplaying Fantasy;Sword-and-Sorcery;Streamlined;Low Prep;Quick-Play;Rules Lite;Class-based
At‑a‑glance: Sword‑and‑Sorcery • Single‑die polymorph tests • 2–5 + GM • Low prep • Rules‑lite • 2–3h sessions
Theme and Setting
Mazes leans into classic sword‑and‑sorcery dungeon crawling: grim corridors, torchlight, and hard choices. The tone is Saturday‑night pulp rather than encyclopedic worldbuilding, favoring brisk adventures over heavy lore. Tables can tune the vibe from gleaming heroics to grittier, old‑school peril.
Core Mechanics and Rules
The system’s hallmark is polymorph resolution: each role uses a single polyhedral die (d4/d6/d8/d10). You pick your approach, roll your role’s die, and compare to a target. This keeps math minimal and spotlights the fiction: what you try matters more than stacking bonuses. Turns are structured and clear, inventory is concise, and the GM tools emphasize pacing and rulings‑over‑rules where it speeds play.
Combat is quick and readable. Positioning, resource risks, and consequences drive decisions rather than counting modifiers. The class‑based chassis gives immediate identity without deep build math, so new players can jump in after a short brief.
What Makes It Unique
Mazes modernizes the classic dungeon delve with a crisp, one‑die core per role. That single choice threads through exploration, conflict, and consequence, which makes the system both teachable and memorable. It’s designed for episodic tables—perfect for convention slots or weeknights—while still supporting short campaigns with evolving stakes and gear.
Target Audience and Player Experience
If you want fast starts, clear procedures, and low overhead, Mazes delivers. It’s excellent for one‑shots, introducing TTRPGs, or keeping a rotating group engaged. Veterans who enjoy OSR pacing and “rulings when it helps” will find familiar rhythms, while newcomers appreciate the tidy play loop and minimal prep.
