Here's the situation: you and your gaming group have killed dragons, bashed pirates, cracked spy rings, changed the course of a few wars, and gone where no one has gone before. So what's left to life? Humor games! I know, I've heard it a million times, "humor games are dumb" or "they're just for kids." Think again.

In a humor game a lot of the pressures of other game types are gone. If your character dies, who really cares? Especially if the PC's death was funny. In many games your character can't die. That opens opportunities you always wanted; remember that crazy idea you had about calling the local figurehead of terror a "flower child"? Or maybe you wanted to tell the king what he could do with his taxes. Do it! What could they do to you?

What if you could do almost anything? Want to be shaped like an accordion by a falling anvil? Want to laugh with your fellow players when their characters get squashed or exploded? How about walking on air? You can always flap you arms and fly. Stop bullets in mid-air just by "biting the bullet," and you can always split into several small images of your former self.

I'll be the first to admit that it isn't easy to get used to such humor games. It isn't that the rules are hard: they are usually easier than most games. One has to be in the right mood, however. You can't take it seriously and have fun, and one of the most important things is that you have to be open to new ideas. I have tried to play with a judge who gets mad when you make a joke in a regular game and it didn't work out. He could never get into the spirit of a humor game. On the other hand, once I was just joking around with one of my friends, pulled out a copy of Bullwinkle And Rocky, and played one of the funniest games ever. I have done the same thing with TOON.

I'll give you a few tips nnw to help you play any humor-type game:

TIP #1: ALWAYS BE IN THE MOOD. If you are laughing and having a good time before you play, chances are it will be a good game. If you aren't having a good time before hand, watch a few cartoons. There is nothing like a fried rabbit or moose to get you laughing.

TIP #2: DON'T TAKE IT TOO SERIOUSLY. It is just a game, and a silly one at that. If you get too serious you will never have a good time.

TIP #3: KNOW THE RULES. I know this is a good tip for every game, but if you have to look up a chart it really breaks the mood in a humor game. If there is some obscure rule or chart, skip it. just have fun.

TIP #4: ALWAYS HAVE FOOD AROUND. You're thinking, "this guy is nuts. What does food have to do with a humor game?" Food has started many jokes when I have been playing, and a good dare always keeps people laughing. I remember a dare involving a lemon and shrimp pizza.

TIP #5: KNOW HOW TO THROW A PIE. I have found that lemon cream has the best balance and can cause the best effects. Avoid cherry; it doesn't squish well. Always remember - the more cream, the better!

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