Phenomenon 2003

A roleplaying convention

Special events

Proof that there is life after roleplaying. If you're looking for a slightly different challenge, or a slightly different thrill, look no further.

The events

• Baron Munchausen — run by Liz Waldock
• Diplomacy — organised by Bernard Philbrick

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Baron Munchausen

Run by Elizabeth Waldock

"…And the King of the Eastern Ocean, so much enamoured of my great deeds and eager to prove himself a munificent monarch, offered me the hand of his daughter and half his kingdom as reward. I of course, was forced to decline, since I was already betrothed to both the Queen of Sardinia and the Empress Katarina of Russia, and I considered it somewhat churlish to deny those great ladies in favour of a mere princess…"

Bring your trusty manservants, your faithful steeds, and ensure your buckles are well swashed — the Munchausen Tournament continues at Phenomenon with more unbelievable tales of totally true events.

Baron Munchausen is a story-telling game for as many players as are willing, involving the relation of tall tales to a faintly incredulous audience. Audience members (i.e. those not brave enough to tall stories) are always welcome.

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Diplomacy

Organised by Bernard Philbrick

What is Diplomacy? It’s a diceless board-game for 7 players who each take control of one of the Great European Powers at the beginning of the 20th Century. Your aim is to take control of Europe, through capturing 18 strategic provinces called Supply Centres. Sounds simple, right?

The beauty of Diplomacy lies in the fact that all movements of pieces are simultaneous; all orders of all players are executed at the same time on each turn. Whose moves succeed and whose fail are easily determined by the simple rules.

Crowning all this is the fact that any player is lost without allies. The most important part of the game is negotiations which occur before each move; negotiations which establish alliances, elaborate war plans, and backstabs.

Turning on your ally is all part of the game. All's fair in love and war, and in Diplomacy, one is often a mask for the other.

The final outcome of a game of Diplomacy is always the responsibility — for better or worse — of each player. Diplomacy offers a totally chanceless competition of wits and wiles.

How about it? Do you have what it takes to rule the world?

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