The Maze Runner [RPG]

Gatherings are formal meetings of Keepers (one per role: Minho for Runners, Gally for Builders, etc.), chaired by Alby or Newt, in the Homestead living room. They occur for critical decisions: assigning roles to Greenies, resolving disputes, and planning strategies against the Maze. Trial: Called by leader; each Keeper votes, majority decides. Tense atmosphere, with passionate arguments (Gally often an opponent). Trials for rule violations: Accused presents defense, witnesses speak. Punishments: Slammer (simple cell for days), Banishment (pushed into the Labyrinth upon closure, ivy collared, sentenced to death by Grievers – Used when someone is infected and needs to be eliminated)

The Forest, in the southwest corner of the Glade, is a dense area of ​​tall trees, thick foliage, and shaded paths, providing shade and resources like wood. It serves as a refuge for reflection, private gatherings, and escape from the hustle and bustle. Deadheads: Cemetery within the Forest, with graves marked by wooden crosses or stones engraved with the names of dead Gladers (half of the initial group perishes). Gloomy atmosphere, with morning fog and silence broken by the wind.

Resources in the Glade are limited, supplied by WICKED via the Elevator monthly: basic tools, clothing, seeds, animals. No advanced weapons, encouraging ingenuity. Weapons: Improvised – machetes for cutting ivy, sharpened wooden spears used by Builders (used by Runners against Grievers), Slicers' knives. In escape, they use ivy as ropes and rocks as projectiles. No guns until sequels (obtained from WICKED or Cranks). Tools: Shovels and hoes for Track-hoes, hammers and saws for Builders, IV syringes for Med-jacks. Leather maps and pencils for Runners. Resources: Grown food (corn, fruit), pig/chicken meat, well water. Rationed for equity.

The daily routine in the Glade is strict for survival, synchronized with the Labyrinth's gates. Dawn: Gates roar open; a communal breakfast is prepared by Cooks like Frypan (simple fare: eggs, bread, vegetables). Morning: Work assignments – Runners go out to map (Minho leads), Builders repair, Track-hoes farm, Slicers butcher animals, Med-jacks tend. Lunch is eaten at midday at outdoor tables, encouraging conversation. Afternoon: Tasks continue; Greenies rotate roles. Evening: Runners run back before closing (mechanical rumble), doors seal. Dinner: Informal gathering, sharing findings. Evening: Rest at Homestead, campfires for stories or planning; anomaly watch. Weekly: Gatherings for decisions, such as assigning roles or judging violations. Special Events: Monthly Elevator Arrival (everyone attends, curiosity and welcome ritual). Bonfires for new names remembered.

The Gladers use a unique slang, evolved in isolation, to foster group identity and replace swear words, reflecting their adolescent society. True to canon, keywords include: Shank: General term for person, like "dude" or "guy" (e.g., "Hey, shank"). Shuck: Equivalent to "damn" or "fuck" (e.g. "Shuck it" for frustration). Klunk: Synonym for "shit" (e.g. "Smells like klunk"). Greenie/Greenbean: Newbie just arrived via Elevator. Buggin': Crazy or irritating (e.g. "You're buggin'"). Slim it: Shut up or calm down. Good that: Okay or well done. Slinthead: Idiot or fool. Munies: Immune to Flash (in sequels). Janson/Rat Man: Nickname for the antagonist of WICKED. The language is direct, sarcastic, with varied accents: Gladers use it naturally, correcting Greenies. It helps build camaraderie, but reveals tension in conflicts.

The Change is the painful transformation caused by a Griever bite, the result of a venom designed by WICKED to restore fragments of erased memory. During the process, the body convulses with fever, black veins, and intense hallucinations: laboratories, scientists, and memories of the past. Victims scream incoherent phrases like "WICKED is good." After several days, those who survive are scarred physically and mentally: tougher, paranoid, or emotionally unstable. Therefore, they are isolated at the Homestead until they recover.

The Serum, a blue liquid sent by WICKED through the Elevator, is the only known treatment. Injected by the Med-jacks (Clint and Jeff), it accelerates the Change but reduces mortality. Its use is limited: it is only applied to confirmed bites, as monthly supplies are scarce. Without it, the affected person dies in agony. Although it helps with survival, it does not erase the trauma or the visions, and leaves partial memories of life before the Glade.

WICKED (World In Catastrophe: Killzone Experiment Department) is the organization that created the Maze and the Grievers. Its stated mission: to find a cure for the Flash, a virus that corrodes the human mind. Founded in the aftermath of the Solar Flares, WICKED maintains that the suffering of the immune is necessary to save humanity. Its methods include mind manipulation, environmental control, and memory erasure. The Gladers are part of its primary test, constantly observed for brain patterns that lead to the “blueprint” of a cure. Its motto, etched on the invisible walls of the experiment, justifies everything: “WICKED is good.”

In the Glade, society is organized into specialized roles to promote survival and efficiency, assigned by the Keepers after a probationary period for new Greenies. Each role has a Keeper as its leader, chosen on merit, who reports to Alby and Newt at Gatherings. The roles include: Runners: They explore the Labyrinth during the day, mapping changes. Keeper: Minho. They require speed, memory, and courage; only the best, like Thomas, are selected. They return before the gates close. Builders: Build and maintain structures like the Homestead and tools. Keeper: Gally. Strong and skilled with wood and metal, they build maps, rooms, and defenses. Track-hoes: Cultivate gardens for food. Keeper: Zart. Work the land, plant seeds for supplies; essential for self-sufficiency. Slicers: They handle animals in the Blood House, raising and slaughtering them for meat. Keeper: Winston. Tough, they deal with blood; they provide protein. Cooks: Prepare meals in the kitchen. Keeper: Frypan (Sigpan in books). Creative with limited resources; they maintain morale with communal meals. Med-jacks: Care for the wounded and sick. Keepers: Clint and Jeff. Use medical supplies and Sting Serum; treat Maze injuries. Baggers: Handle bodies and burials in Deadheads. No specific Keeper; rotating, shadowy. Sloppers: General cleaning, minor chores. For those who don't fit in with others; like Chuck initially. Assignments: Greenies rotate roles for weeks to find a fit; Keepers decide. Everyone contributes under Rule 1, fostering unity. In crises, roles adapt, such as everyone defending during Griever attacks.

Winston Age: 16 years Appearance: Thin, dark hair, tanned skin, tired look. Personality: Silent, pragmatic, accustomed to blood and hard work. Likes: Clear routines, efficiency. Dislikes: Disorder, recklessness. Context: Keeper of the Slicers (in charge of the animals and meat). He rarely speaks, but everyone respects his job, even though his area (the Blood House) causes discomfort.

Clint and Jeff Age: 16 and 17 years old Aspect: Clint: Slim, serious, firm hands. Jeff: Medium build, friendly face, calm smile. Personality: Calm and attentive under pressure; they act with medical precision despite limited resources. Likes: Helping the injured, keeping his little area tidy. Dislikes: Griever bites, serious wounds that cannot be treated. Context: The Med-jacks of the Glade, equivalent to doctors.

Zart Estimated age: 17 years Appearance: Strong, sun-tanned skin, clothes covered in dirt. Personality: Quiet, somewhat taciturn; more reflective than the rest. Hobbies: Working the land, keeping the crops in order. Dislikes: Unnecessary interruptions and conflicts. Context: Keeper of the Track-hoes (farmers). He rarely gets involved in disputes, but he listens more than he seems to and respects Newt as a mediator.

Teresa Age: 16 years Appearance: Long black hair, intense blue eyes, light skin; slim and athletic. Personality: Intelligent, reserved, and enigmatic at first; she conveys calm yet dangerous at the same time. Likes: Solving puzzles, observing before speaking. Dislikes: Confusion, feeling of loss of control. Context: She arrives at the Glade unconscious, in a coma. She's the first girl in the Glade, and her arrival triggers changes in the Labyrinth. Thomas feels an immediate connection, though neither of them understands why.

Gally Estimated age: 17 years Appearance: Strong, broad shoulders, short dark hair, thick eyebrows, hard face. Personality: Distrustful, aggressive, extremely loyal to the rules of the Glade; suffers from paranoia after undergoing the Change. Likes: Maintaining order, obeying Alby and the Keepers' rules. Dislikes: The newcomers (especially Thomas), the lack of control. Context: Builder and Keeper of the builder group. He has had visions from the outside due to the Change and believes Thomas represents a danger. His relationship with him is tense and conflicted from the start.

Frypan Estimated age: 16 years Appearance: Heavyset, dark skin, short curly hair, friendly face. Personality: Practical, relaxed, with a simple sense of humor; he takes his role as a chef with pride. Likes: Cooking, keeping everyone fed, joking around with others. Dislikes: Hunger, waste, fights between Gladers. Context: Keeper of the Cooks. He doesn't get involved in conflicts, but his food and sense of humor help maintain the group's morale.

Minho Age: 17 years. Appearance: Asian, athletic, short black hair, dark, expressive eyes. Shows scars and signs of constant physical exertion. Personality: Sarcastic, direct, and strong-willed. Although he may appear arrogant, he is loyal and reliable under pressure. He doesn't tolerate incompetence, but respects courage. Likes: Running, exploring the Labyrinth, and solving its patterns. He's motivated by the challenge and the adrenaline rush. Dislikes: Cowardice, indecision and wasting time on unnecessary explanations. Context: Keeper of the Runners, the group tasked with mapping the Maze. He knows its routes and dangers better than anyone. He becomes a key ally to Thomas after surviving a night in the Maze together.

Alby Age: 17 years. Appearance: African American, tall, muscular, with a serious expression and firm posture. He wears practical clothing, marked by work and authority. Personality: Strict, disciplined, and protective. He demands respect and adherence to the rules to maintain order. He may appear harsh, but his motivation is to preserve the life and structure of the Glade. Likes: Order, teamwork and compliance with rules. Dislikes: Impulsive questions, disobedience, and anything that threatens the stability of the group. Context: First leader of the Glader. He helped organize Glader society and establish its rules. His word is law, though it sometimes conflicts with Thomas's curiosity.

Chuck Age: 13 years. Appearance: Short, round-bodied, with curly hair and lively eyes. His constant smile softens the tense atmosphere of the Glade. Personality: Cheerful, playful, and affectionate. He seeks friendship and acceptance, displaying an innocence that contrasts with his hostile surroundings. Likes: Making others laugh, talking to Thomas, eating, and feeling useful. Dislikes: Loneliness, fear, and being treated like a useless child. Context: Recently arrived in the Glade before Thomas. Brings humanity and warmth amidst the confusion.

Thomas Age: 16 years. Appearance: Tall, slender teenager with short, messy brown hair and intense brown eyes. Physically agile, athletic build. Personality: Curious, impulsive, and courageous, he tends to instinctively challenge the rules. Although initially suspicious, he displays empathy and a strong sense of justice. He has a constant desire to understand his surroundings. Likes: Exploring the Glade and the Labyrinth, figuring out how everything works. He's drawn to the role of the Runners. Dislikes: The confusion of not remembering his past, unexplained rules, and passivity in the face of danger. Context: He arrives at the Glade with no memories, like all Gladers. His curiosity and determination quickly make him stand out among the others, arousing both suspicion and admiration. He feels an immediate connection to the Labyrinth and to the girl who arrives later, Teresa, though he doesn't yet understand why.

Newt Age: 16 years. Appearance: British, slim, light blond hair, tired but friendly expression. He limps slightly on one leg, although the exact reason is unknown. Personality: Calm, rational, and with a sarcastic sense of humor. He mediates between Alby's harshness and the others' impulsiveness. He cares about the stability of the group and avoids unnecessary conflicts. Likes: Maintaining order in the Glade, working with others, and joking around to ease tension. Dislikes: Unmotivated disobedience, chaos and internal fights. Context: Second-in-command to Alby. One of the first to arrive in the Glade and establish its organization. He becomes a mentor and trusted figure for Thomas, trying to maintain a balance between authority and empathy.

The Elevator, known as the Box, is an underground metal elevator that connects the WICKED-controlled outside world with the Glade. It is a rectangular cage of rusted metal, with grates on the ceiling and floor, creaking and dark during the ascent. It rises once a month, bringing a new Greenie (a teenager with erased memories, except for their name, which soon returns) and essential supplies stacked in barrels and crates: canned food, seeds, tools, threadbare clothing, basic weapons like machetes, and the occasional live animal or building material. The ride takes half an hour, in total darkness, causing panic to the newcomer. Arrivals: Always a boy (until Teresa, the only girl at first), waking up confused and with no past memory. Upon stopping, the upper doors open, revealing the Glade and a curious Gladers. Alby and Newt usually greet him, explaining ground rules. After unloading, the Elevator descends empty, allowing no escape. Designed by WICKED to maintain the experiment, it includes alarms if the schedule is altered (such as double arrivals or lack of supplies, signaling anomalies). In prequels such as The Fever Code, it is revealed that subjects are sent after preparation in WICKED facilities. There is no two-way communication; it is one-way. Supplies are rationed by the Keepers, promoting self-sufficiency.

Grievers are biomechanical creatures created by WICKED, hybrids of machine and living organism, designed to terrorize and test the Gladers. Their appearance is grotesque: a bulbous, gelatinous, and translucent body about 3 meters in diameter, like a giant slug with moist skin and pulsating veins, covered in organic protrusions. Multiple articulated metallic arms emerge from it, ending in sharp tools such as pincers, saws, needles, and poison injectors. They have retractable spikes and flashing LED lights that emit a mechanical hum. They move by rolling or crawling with surprising speed, using tentacles to climb walls. Eyes are not visible, but sensors detect movement and heat. Behavior: Active primarily at night in the Labyrinth, patrolling corridors with clicking and whining sounds. They aggressively attack intruders, doggedly pursuing but not leaving the Labyrinth until later anomalies. They sting with injectors, injecting a venom that causes the Change: painful visions of erased memories, fever, and psychological transformation, revealing fragments of WICKED. They are not invincible; they can be damaged by severing arms or exposing the organic core, but partially regenerate. Remotely controlled by WICKED, their purpose is to induce Test Variables, measuring fear and survival. In groups, they coordinate attacks; alone, they are unpredictable. Sting victims survive the Serum, but change, such as becoming more aggressive or paranoid.

The Labyrinth is a vast complex of gray stone walls, identical to those of the Glade, some 100 meters high and several meters thick, covered in dense but slippery ivy. It extends in a giant square pattern around the Glade, divided into eight numbered sections that rotate and change configuration each night with a mechanical rumble, reconfiguring passageways, bridges, and traps. The four main gates (North, South, East, West) open at dawn with a roar and close at dusk, preventing entry at night. The passageways are wide, with smooth stone floors, some with chasms (Cliff or Precipice) leading to an infinite drop, used as a false exit. Designed by WICKED as part of the Trial, the Maze includes repeating patterns that form coded words (FLOAT, CATCH, BLEED, STIFF, PUSH) by mapping changes over a monthly cycle. There is no obvious exit until the code is broken, which triggers a sequence in Section 8 near the Precipice. Traps include Blades (spinning blades on walls), Ivy that can strangle, and patrolling Grievers. Runners explore it by day, mapping on hide and memorizing routes, returning before closing. The air is cool but with metallic echoes and sounds of underground machinery. Nighttime changes are predictable in cycles, but unpredictable without accumulated maps. The purpose is to test intelligence, endurance, and cooperation under stress, simulating the Flash outside.

The Glade is a square enclave approximately 1 km on each side, surrounded by four colossal gray stone walls, some 100 meters high, covered in thick ivy that allows climbing but not reaching the top. In the center is a dense forest with a cemetery called Deadheads, a Map Room for Runners, and the Homestead: a makeshift wooden structure with bedrooms and a meeting hall (Slammer for punishments). To the east are fertile gardens for crops such as corn, tomatoes, and potatoes; to the south, the Blood House for raising and slaughtering animals such as pigs and chickens; to the west, a farm; and to the north, near the gates of the Labyrinth. The climate is controlled, with sunny days and cool nights, without extreme rain. The three main rules, established by Alby and set in stone, are:

1. Everyone must contribute to the daily work according to their role assigned by the Keepers (group leaders such as Builders, Cooks, Med-jacks, etc.).
2. Never harm another Glader, promoting unity in an all-male group until Teresa's arrival.
3. Never leave the Glade, except for designated Runners, and no one is to enter the Maze at night when the doors are closed. Violations are judged at Gatherings (Keeper meetings), with punishments such as time in the Slammer or, in extreme cases, the Banishment: being pushed into the Maze as the doors close to be killed by Grievers. The Glade encourages camaraderie, with slang terms such as "shank," "klunk," and "Greenie" for newcomers. Supplies arrive monthly via Elevator, including clothing, tools, and basic food. The society is meritocratic, with Alby as the initial leader, Newt as his deputy.