Many people say RPGs began in the early 70s when
Chainmail
evolved into
Dungeons & Dragons. A few revisionists
may say otherwise, citing the letters between Anne and Emily
Bronte concerning adventures of characters whose adventurous
lives took place in the Nations of Angria and Gondal.
The truth, we now learn is that Baron Munchausen devised
the first roleplaying game in 1798, but due to the lack of
vision of the Baron's publisher, the game was not released
until this very year.
Munchausen's game can be described as mechanically light,
if not mechanically destitute. It most certainly is a drinking
game and one should be ready to toast many things during
play.
One tells a tale. Other players may attempt to add
elements to the story being told, though this could result
in having to fight a duel with the story teller.
The game provides an alternative way to fight the duel
without resorting to combat, should there be cowards amongh
the players or if other reasons for not duelling exist.
The good Baron could not have forseen one reason. An
act by the California legislature bars anyone who participates
in a duel, even as a second or as a willing witness anywhere on the Face of the Earth, from ever being allowed to run for or hold the
office of Governor. In lieu of this unfortunate law, it
is recommended by this reviewer that actual battle be fought using
LARP or even (EGAD!) toy weaponry, lest the political fortunes of all the players be unduly injured.
Play scores are measured by money wagered, with no player
allowed to place their final vote upon themselves or their
significant other, and the storyteller who garners the greates
number of coins is the winner and the obligatory purchaser
of the next round of drinks.
[Sigh] The lawful realities of today's world require me
to state that real money is not required to change hands
to play the game, and such transfers of real funds in
play could induce a state of incarceration upon the
participants. I fear the Good Baron would not be pleased
at all with such a state of affairs.
The game is fun, at least for those with wit enough to
improvise enjoyable stories of a fantastic nature (Example:
"How and why it was that you had to fight a duel with yourself
- to the Death!"). I rather fear those who cannot think on
their feet will find this game daunting, if not humiliating.
Fortunately any player can pass the burden of the tale
to the next in line, at the trifle cost of buying a round
for all at the table.
All in all, a fine game, one that might bring the card collecting
addicts to a roleplaying game table.
Style: 5 (Excellent!)
Substance: 3 (Average)
