Think fast! (aka: On the 12th day of Christmas, my Munchausen told to me...)

[eveglass]

Yesterday I found myself in a rousing and extended game of Baron Munchausen. For those unfamiliar with the game, players take turns describing tales of their many adventures, as prompted by other players. For example, "Tell me, Baroness, how you singlehandedly rescued the crown jewels of Moscow from an invading horde of cannibalistic savages."

The thing about Baron Munchausen is that it makes you think very, very quickly. From the time you're prompted, you have perhaps ten seconds in which to gather your thoughts before you start reciting the tale of your adventure, which is, needless to say, made up on the spot. I often find myself trying to think 3-4 sentences ahead, while still making the sentence I'm saying interesting and entertaining. Throw in a well-placed interruption ("But, Marquis, I had heard you had a deathly allergy to sand!") and all semblance of control disintegrates.

All told, it's a lot of fun. I'm not used to thinking that fast, but it's fun when I can.

So, without further ado, a selection of the tales told at last night's gathering.


Herr Yuin told us how, in a swimming race, the Crown Price of Yugoslavia was killed by the cannibalistic mer-women of Bornio, thus preventing the war between Yugoslavia, France, and Spain.

Baroness Mia explained how, as part of a Chinese circus performance, she rode a cannonball over an army of terracotta warriors and slew a dragon.

Viscount Eric described how he rescued the Hourglass Icicle, the national treasure of Antarctica, from a band of raiders.

Marquise Julie discussed her encounter with moon-maidens in Siberia and how she aided them in replenishing the air that they needed to sustain their people, in the process inciting a war between the mer-maidens and the Crown Price of Yugoslavia.

Duke Marc explained how the construction of his hot-air balloon inspired the building of the pyramids of Egypt.

Viscount Eric described how he started the French Revolution on a bet with the Emperor of Antarctica.

Lord Stuart regaled us with how he rescued the Tsarina of Moscow's jewelery during a solar eclipse.

Duke Bob explained how he was gifted with a pack of tigers by the Crown Price of Ethiopia, and how this gift helped him to bring peace to the region.

Princess Erin told us how, using only an elaborately-embroidered handkerchief, she was able to escape the clutches of the Caliph of Araby.

Viscount Eric described how he convinced the denizens of Easter Island to construct forty-foot statues in the honor of his emperor, and in the process defeated the Leviathan.

Marquise Julie explained how, due to an accident involving a streetlamp and a chimpanzee, she caused the destruction of all humanity and its subsequent resurrection.
[Editor's note: I am still extremely impressed with myself that I managed to do this.]

Comments

[fianaclare.livejournal.com]

I want to play!

[eveglass.livejournal.com]

It can definitely be on the agenda if you're at Pennsic next year. *grin*

[eveglass.livejournal.com]

Oh, and on a semi-unrelated note, would you mind if you featured in a story I'm preparing for Pennsic? It's going to be called "The five bards and one tale," and it'll be set at Cariadoc's circle. I can go into more detail if you like.

[fianaclare.livejournal.com]

A) I don't mind and b) I'd love to hear more details. Send me an e-mail.

[eveglass.livejournal.com]

Email has been sent.

[swestrup]

Yes, its an amazingly simple game and one that can be lots of fun. That said, I always find myself at a distinct disadvantage to those who have the gift of gab.