[1001 Nights] Lots of interesting play from very little preparation

[fjj]

[MatrixGamer]

So this game is like Baron Munchausen (that game from the 90's).

It sounds interesting.

When it comes to conflicts it may help to have zero sum gain goals. The goals told in you example could all have happened. No one would have lost. But if you want to marry my mother and I need her to remain a grieving widdow (aka Hamlet) then sparks will fly.

Chris Engle
Hamster Press = Engle Matrix Games

[Meguey]

I like the twist of building in family connections - that adds to the people in court nicely. Sounds like you had some good stories.

[fjj]

Haven't tried or read Baron Munchausen, so I can't compare. However, compared with a story game like Once Upon A Time, there is more focus in 1001 Nights. The framing story is especially nice - you both get the traditional 1 player = 1 character with straight chronology and some inter player competition, but also the more free associating collaborative story telling.

Meg, how about a modification that you can get at most one success from an ambition or freedom roll. And a required number of successes equals to the number of players present for ambition, a bit more for freedom. This is guaranteed to give a longer game.

Regarding conflicting motives, we clearly agreed that the water boy did not want his mother to marry the ill reputed executioner (who was also a foreigner). I just didn't got that into the write up.

[lumpley]

In both 1001 Nights and Baron Munchausen, you go around the circle each taking a turn to tell a story.

In Baron Munchausen, you and your character tell a story about one of your character's own exploits, and the other players (via their characters) listen and sometimes kibitz, but don't take any more active part.

In 1001 Nights, you and your character GM a story, and the other players (via their characters) roleplay the characters in it. For instance, you might have your character say "I'm going to tell the story of the Sultana and her three daughters. You [pointing] play the Sultana, a bitter person; you [pointing] play the vain, ruthless oldest sister; you [pointing] play the weak, cruel middle sister; and you [pointing] play the clever, beautiful youngest sister."

Personally I find Baron Munchausen daunting, and 1001 Nights super easy to play.

[Nev the Deranged]

So, 1000 Nights is more like, say, Man of La Mancha (the novel/play/movie, there is no game that I know of). Except everybody gets a turn to lead.