Maze Rats by Ben Milton is a role playing game supplement published by Questing Beast Games. This is the core book for a rules-lite system and it’s released under the CC BY 4.0 license.
The supplement is available from DriveThruRPG for $2.99 although it was Pay What You Want when purchased. The supplement comes as a 12-page landscape PDF and as a 14-page portrait PDF that has character sheets included and also comes with a separate 1-page PDF that has the character sheets.
The Introduction explains that this is a fantasy role playing game and gives a brief overview of such.
Playing the Game explains the rules. This is a d6 game with 2d6 rolled for things. Characters have three stats; Strength, Dexterity and Will. Most matters should be resolved by description; when they are risky or difficult to resolve that way, Danger Rolls are made. 10 or higher, including bonuses, is needed to resolve danger. In some cases, there is advantage. Initiative, combat and healing also covers armour. Items are handled through a simple location system; places can hold a specific number of items. Experience is gained for various actions and the game does have levels. The entire mechanics of the game is covered on a single page.
Character Creation is a 12-step process. Seven of these are tables with 36 entries; one d6 is rolled to pick the list of six, the second the result in that list. Abilities are rolled and gear is chosen.
Magic also has tables with 36 results handled the same way. Spells are rolled randomly, with each table having a list of short results that are combined to create a spell.
Monsters & Animals are created in a similar way to spells, but with stats as well.
Characters has more 36 result tables for creating NPCs.
Treasure & Equipment has a brief list of items and then more 36 result tables for creating more items and treasure.
The City uses the same table format to create cities and factions.
The Wild is similar to The City, but in the wilderness.
The Maze again follows the same process for creating dungeons.
Gamemaster’s Guide starts with an example of play. It has suggestions on prepping and running the game, as well as on building the world. referencing the sections on dungeons, cities and the wilderness.
Maze Rats in Review
Neither PDF has bookmarks. The supplements are short but there are enough different sections that they would have been useful. Navigation could be better. The text is either a four-column landscape format or two column portrait and appeared to be free of errors. Apart from the character sheets, there are no illustrations. Presentation is very simple.
This is a basic, easy to learn, no-frills rules-lite role playing game. Though it shouldn’t be difficult for a new player to learn, GMs who expect a bit more explanation or who aren’t good at making stuff up on the fly from random results may find it more of a struggle. Maze Rats is a simple, cheap role playing game and it can be found by clicking here.
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