written by james wallis, derek pearcy and michale cale
published by hogshead publishing,
24 pages
$5.95

The Extraordinary Adventures of Baron Munchausen is a game based on the fictional character Baron Munchausen. The Baron is famous for not only for his opinions, but also for his most unbelievable adventures. The Baron is a noble and is a shinning example of all things good and decent about nobility in the 18th century. As nobles of the age you strive to emulate the Baron. How? By telling stories.

Baron Munchausen is a game of telling stories - specifically, who can weave the most believable story and interesting story. The game is set in the 18th century, and the players take on the roles of nobles sitting around a table. Wine is flowing, and the players are passing the time entertaining each other with tales of their extraordinary adventures.

The rules of the game are simple. Each player has a purse of coins equal to the number of players at the table. One person starts by looking to his right and states: "So Baron, tell us how you managed to discover that the moon is made out of Swiss Cheese. " Then the player either tells the tale or passes. Players have 5 minutes to tell their tale, and can not stop. Simply you make it up as you go.

Other players are allowed to interrupt by playing a coin. The storyteller can take the coin and weave the interruption into the story, or block with a coin of his own. If an insult is thrown a the storyteller, then the matter is settled by a duel. Yes, there are rules for running the duel, but you have to read them for yourself to believe them.

The writing style of the game helps the players to get a feel of the game's tone. This tone is unbelievable adventures and self- important nobles. Munchausen is arrogant and condescending, but genuine in his story telling. His stories are true, though the details may be fuzzy. This is the role the players need to take when telling their stories. Some will find the writing style distracting, but it is some of the best writing I have ever read in a game.

Included in the game are over 200 adventures ready to he played. These really are not adventures, but story hooks to help less creative players. The hooks are helpful in giving you ideas, but you will soon be able to come up with your own. A summary of the rules, without the Baron's writings, is also included. You will he amazed how simple this game is once you read this summary.

Each time we've played, the table broke into fits of laughter. This is a game to play socially, or to relax in the company of friends. The key to this game is being creative. For six dollars you get a game that can be played time and again, whether you like role-playing games or not. All that is required is an imagination, and a quick wit.

So Baron, tell us of the time you climbed the highest mountain so that you could get the moon for the Queen of Spain.