The "Tips for Running a Mafia Game" Thread

[DarkCorsair]

I thought it'd be nice to have a thread where people who have run games (especially big ones) can put down some of their best tips for organizing and running. My short stint in Mega Man, with only 15 players, has already inspired me.

1) Excel Spreadsheet - Names and Roles in one handy reference
2) Word Doc with a detailed list of night actions - good for cross-referencing interactions btw characters.

What else might be added?

[Rokk_Krinn]

I admit I haven't used the Excel Spreadsheet - due to the fact that I'm frequently accessing my computer from handhelds and the like, I often find it easier to use word programs - but I know a lot of people do so. What advantages/disadvantages do you find with it?

[Magnito]

I live by excel. I use it for school all the time so I naturally used it for organizing my mafia game.

[DarkCorsair]

I admit I haven't used the Excel Spreadsheet - due to the fact that I'm frequently accessing my computer from handhelds and the like, I often find it easier to use word programs - but I know a lot of people do so. What advantages/disadvantages do you find with it?


Well, the preset columns make for easy organization. Also, the ability to use multiple sheets lets me have 1 with players in order, a second with characters in order, and a 3rd with characters broken up by affiliation/team. Its pretty useful when you've got an inbox that's full of PMs and need to organize actions. Its probably tricker on a hand-held, though.

[turdburglar47]

I'm about to try to run one. Any tips on distribution of abilities? I'd like to run a balanced game, but it's kinda shootin' in the dark.

[St-Dumas]

I've always used Word documents. It's just easier to manage.

[CurBludgeon]

Haven't run any games, but I'm thinking what might be useful from a Monday morning quarterbacking perspective would be to include summary stats from previous games: total players; total good, bad, neutral; number of mafia teams and mason teams; and of course, final outcome, complete with number of players remaining.

That kind of stuff would be useful to get an idea for how balancing works in these games. Also might help to get a kind of "Director's Commentary" from previous game mods as to how they felt their past games went, what went right, what went wrong, what they'd do differently.

[CarlosMucha]

I use Word.

I have A LOT of documents now.

1 for night targets, 1 with all the powers and storys and of course one for the main storylines and all the "what ifs".

create and run a game is FAR more fun of what I thought!

I have Excel, and I think can be bether now what you say it... but for now I will keep doing it in Word.

[biz567]

Ok, I have a question. When you make of the mafia team and you pick the don, and the don dies, how is the new don choosen?

[Antipathy]

Ok, I have a question. When you make of the mafia team and you pick the don, and the don dies, how is the new don choosen?

I personally would just let the mafia decide amongst themselves.

[CarlosMucha]

Ok, I have a question. When you make of the mafia team and you pick the don, and the don dies, how is the new don choosen?


for what I see it can be in several ways.

-if is part of a storyline if could be the character more important afther the don.
-it could be elected.
-it could be "stoled" (don't know about that but Peers say something about that in the Crisis game)

[biz567]

I personally would just let the mafia decide amongst themselves.

Cool, that's probably the best way to do it and is fair for the most part.

Also, heres another question. If a character has more then one power, and is blocked, are all powers blocked? I would assume so, but I want to make sure...

[CarlosMucha]

Cool, that's probably the best way to do it and is fair for the most part.

Also, heres another question. If a character has more then one power, and is blocked, are all powers blocked? I would assume so, but I want to make sure...


YES.

for what I see Block if the more important thing what come first.

Something what I see what I don't notice when I was a player is this:

The ORDER of what happen first is ABSOLUTE important.

[biz567]

Ok, another question. I'm trying to think of a misdirector in my Civil War thread, but anyways, when the misdirector picks a target, how do you choose who the misdirected target will target?

I hope that made some sense...

[Antipathy]

Ok, another question. I'm trying to think of a misdirector in my Civil War thread, but anyways, when the misdirector picks a target, how do you choose who the misdirected target will target?

I hope that made some sense...

It's either random, or the misdirector gets to choose.

[biz567]

It's either random, or the misdirector gets to choose.

Oh, alright, nice. Thanks!

[CarlosMucha]

Ok, another question. I'm trying to think of a misdirector in my Civil War thread, but anyways, when the misdirector picks a target, how do you choose who the misdirected target will target?

I hope that made some sense...


I use a dice.

[Melkhor]

Ok, another question. I'm trying to think of a misdirector in my Civil War thread, but anyways, when the misdirector picks a target, how do you choose who the misdirected target will target?

I hope that made some sense...

Random number generator, unless the misdirectors power lets him pick himself (which would be a very powerful ability).

[sstralkowski]

Well, the preset columns make for easy organization. Also, the ability to use multiple sheets lets me have 1 with players in order, a second with characters in order, and a 3rd with characters broken up by affiliation/team. Its pretty useful when you've got an inbox that's full of PMs and need to organize actions. Its probably tricker on a hand-held, though.

I use a different sheet for each night phase. Townies are in blue at the top. Neutrals in black in the middle. Mafia in red at the bottom. Indy groups get their own color if there are any. Columns for screenname, role, target(s), result, and notes. I also have two columns that I put X's and o's in to help me keep track of whether or not that player made it into the write-up and whether or not I've pm'ed that player their result. Dead players get moved to the bottom and are highlighted in pale orange. I find it is immensely helpful with game of 20 or more people. My last game had 31 or 32 so it was essential.

[sstralkowski]

I'm about to try to run one. Any tips on distribution of abilities? I'd like to run a balanced game, but it's kinda shootin' in the dark.

Get an experienced mod to go over it before you finalize it to make any inbalance changes. I'd be willing.

[sstralkowski]

FYI, I also use a separate word file to keep track of roles and write-ups. The combo works beautifully.

[JackAssterson]

Get an experienced mod to go over it before you finalize it to make any inbalance changes. I'd be willing.

That's not a half-bad idea. Balance can be quite hard to achieve for a new GM.

[Rokk_Krinn]

I think there should be a rule that certain people should be exempt from Night One kills for a bit.

Just saying. ;)

[JackAssterson]

I think there should be a rule that certain people should be exempt from Night One kills for a bit.

Just saying. ;)

Done.

Cricket is now officially off the hook.

[Magnito]

I think there should be a rule that certain people should be exempt from Night One kills for a bit.

Just saying. ;)
Black Adam really was the perfect role for you, wasn't he. :p

[Antipathy]

You'll be sorry!

[JKLantern]

Black Adam really was the perfect role for you, wasn't he. :p

If Guitar Mafia got off the ground, I was tempted to give him Ted Nugent. He would've been a death MACHINE!

[CurBludgeon]

Done.

Cricket is now officially off the hook.

FYI, only the decision by my teammates in Night 1 to target someone else prevented Deathstroke from meeting his death at the hands of both the mafia AND Black Adam on Night 1 in the recent VU game.

[Rokk_Krinn]

Done.

Cricket is now officially off the hook.

Thank you! It really devestated me to see Jiminy wiped out so fast in the Disney thread. I'd really rather see him protected in future games.

(Sheesh, people think I'm so selfish. I was just trying to think of the poor little insects.)

[Antipathy]

FYI, only the decision by my teammates in Night 1 to target someone else prevented Deathstroke from meeting his death at the hands of both the mafia AND Black Adam on Night 1 in the recent VU game.

You wouldn't have died since originally Sinestro had targeted Rokk too.

[Rokk_Krinn]

You wouldn't have died since originally Sinestro had targeted Rokk too.

As we learned, even roleblockers died so, y'know, probably a good thing Sinestro was around to stop The Vision for a few nights. :)

[Antipathy]

As we learned, even roleblockers died so, y'know, probably a good thing Sinestro was around to stop The Vision for a few nights. :)

It was pretty funny. I suggested that Cur and DocDoom should have the same target in case one of them targeted an auto-kill person. I put forth DarkCorsair. But it turned out they had both originally targeted you. :p

[CurBludgeon]

It was pretty funny. I suggested that Cur and DocDoom should have the same target in case one of them targeted an auto-kill person. I put forth DarkCorsair. But it turned out they had both originally targeted you. :p

That would have done a number on your team rather quickly. :laugh:

[turdburglar47]

Here's a query - as a mod, do you tell players if they've been roleblocked?

[Pashmina]

I was really psyched about my Alien mafia, but it's so complicated, and I really don't think it's a good idea to make that the first one I run.

I might do Avengers.

[DarkCorsair]

Here's a query - as a mod, do you tell players if they've been roleblocked?


I generally do. Even if its not in the Write-Up, I think the player should realize they failed on a given night. After all, if I walked out and ran into a wall or other obstacle, I would know it, even if the other players did not.

[DarkCorsair]

It was pretty funny. I suggested that Cur and DocDoom should have the same target in case one of them targeted an auto-kill person. I put forth DarkCorsair. But it turned out they had both originally targeted you. :p


Ah, a game where I was genuinely harmless. I had the awesome 2x vote power, which is a bit less awesome when everyone in your faction is still alive and voting in the same sensible way you are.

[turdburglar47]

I generally do. Even if its not in the Write-Up, I think the player should realize they failed on a given night. After all, if I walked out and ran into a wall or other obstacle, I would know it, even if the other players did not.


Fair enough. Heya - when does the night phase on the JSA game end? I'm thinking of running the FF phases alternating with yours, so when you're at night, I'm at day, etc. To lessen any confusion.

[DarkCorsair]

Fair enough. Heya - when does the night phase on the JSA game end? I'm thinking of running the FF phases alternating with yours, so when you're at night, I'm at day, etc. To lessen any confusion.

My night phase ends at about 11:30 PM. Alternating sounds like a great idea, actually. Lets people focus on fewer games at a time, I would think.

Sidenote to those reading: If you're in my game(s) and your PM is not in yet, you should do that. Its a good idea, I promise.

[Rokk_Krinn]

My night phase ends at about 11:30 PM. Alternating sounds like a great idea, actually. Lets people focus on fewer games at a time, I would think.

Sidenote to those reading: If you're in my game(s) and your PM is not in yet, you should do that. Its a good idea, I promise.

Just to warn, I've tried doing this in the past - for example, alternating Muppets with Arkham's phases - but due to some people extending phases, the inherent "molasses syndrome" when it comes to some folks getting their PM's sent in, etc. it actually proves a bit trickier than it initially sounds. If you two are coordinating though it should go much smoother.

[DarkCorsair]

Just to warn, I've tried doing this in the past - for example, alternating Muppets with Arkham's phases - but due to some people extending phases, the inherent "molasses syndrome" when it comes to some folks getting their PM's sent in, etc. it actually proves a bit trickier than it initially sounds. If you two are coordinating though it should go much smoother.


Thanks for the heads up, Rokk. This is the kind of advice that the thread is here for. TB, let's stay in touch about phase timing as much as possible, and see if we can't keep things a little sane in this sea of Mafia.

[turdburglar47]

Thanks for the heads up, Rokk. This is the kind of advice that the thread is here for. TB, let's stay in touch about phase timing as much as possible, and see if we can't keep things a little sane in this sea of Mafia.


Sounds good. We'll see if we can make it work. I'm still waiting on PMs as well, and since I havent set a deadline to end my night phase, I think it can work.

[Rokk_Krinn]

I imagine, Dark, that you're going to have a bit of a wait on your hands being you set Night Phase to last about 48 hours (you realize your write-up had said it would end Tuesday, right? :) ). People will drag out sending in PM's.

I've been trying to implement bonuses to award those that get their PM's in on time but I'm not sure about how well the idea is received (haven't really had feedback on it). Then again, I'm also the grinch that set up "bad things happen if you No Lynch too much" so maybe I'm just too antsy for things to happen in these games. :laugh:

[DarkCorsair]

I imagine, Dark, that you're going to have a bit of a wait on your hands being you set Night Phase to last about 48 hours (you realize your write-up had said it would end Tuesday, right? :) ). People will drag out sending in PM's.



Curse you and your observation of my errors, Krinn! :a-fist: Now, in fairness to my players, I have to wait it out. Here's hoping I get them all early. That's what I get for typing it up too quickly. Ah well.

[biz567]

Alright, I just want some opinions. What are some decent powers townies can have besides tracking/double voting?

[turdburglar47]

Okay. If I get all mine in first, then, I'll open it up tonight. :D

[Rokk_Krinn]

Curse you and your observation of my errors, Krinn! :a-fist: Now, in fairness to my players, I have to wait it out. Here's hoping I get them all early. That's what I get for typing it up too quickly. Ah well.

Well, when you're as eager as I am for the JSA game it's hard not to notice the agonizingly long wait. :grin:

Alright, I just want some opinions. What are some decent powers townies can have besides tracking/double voting?

Well, Vigilante or PGO seem to be pretty popular "vanilla choices". It's funner though, in my opinion, if you try to take a "standard option" and rework it to really fit the theme of the character. Think of it as using, say, Giant-Man's Special Power Perplex instead of normal Perplex on his figure - start with "normal" and then twist and spin from there. I'd give you some examples from Buffy but, well, doubt that would be a good idea as you're still in the game. :)

[Antipathy]

My dream power as a townie would be everybody who targets me is misdirected. :laugh:

[biz567]

Well, when you're as eager as I am for the JSA game it's hard not to notice the agonizingly long wait. :grin:



Well, Vigilante or PGO seem to be pretty popular "vanilla choices". It's funner though, in my opinion, if you try to take a "standard option" and rework it to really fit the theme of the character. Think of it as using, say, Giant-Man's Special Power Perplex instead of normal Perplex on his figure - start with "normal" and then twist and spin from there. I'd give you some examples from Buffy but, well, doubt that would be a good idea as you're still in the game. :)

Yeah, I have a Viglante already. What does PGO stand for?

[Antipathy]

Paronoid Gun Owner, ie everybody who targets you dies.

[biz567]

Ah! Good one! I have the perfect role for that!

And I just remembered, I can add some blockers to the towns side...

[Melkhor]

Alright, I just want some opinions. What are some decent powers townies can have besides tracking/double voting?

I'd love to share all the wonderful and exotic roles I've created for my Escape from Hell game with you, but since you're in that game, it would probably be a bad idea... (I can tell you your own role though, if you'd like to know) ;)

What I generally do, however, is to write the characters first, and then write up a role that fits that character best (see Malice, Thor or Dark Beast for good examples of this), instead of trying to make the character fit a pre-set "mafia role" mold. I find that gives a much more enjoyable and unique feel to the game, but maybe that's just me being a purist for comic accuracy? :)

[turdburglar47]

That's how I did it. "What role would make sense for this character?"

[biz567]

I'd love to share all the wonderful and exotic roles I've created for my Escape from Hell game with you, but since you're in that game, it would probably be a bad idea... (I can tell you your own role though, if you'd like to know) ;)

What I generally do, however, is to write the characters first, and then write up a role that fits that character best (see Malice, Thor or Dark Beast for good examples of this), instead of trying to make the character fit a pre-set "mafia role" mold. I find that gives a much more enjoyable and unique feel to the game, but maybe that's just me being a purist for comic accuracy? :)

Yeah, that's what I'm doing right now. I'm writing the characters name then fitting the power. Some of my roles are pretty nice, just some are ones where I just think "WTF can you do?!"

[DarkCorsair]

Okay. If I get all mine in first, then, I'll open it up tonight. :D


Okay, that sounds good.

[Magnito]

That's how I did it. "What role would make sense for this character?"
For the most part, I do this. I have a couple exceptions, but those are rare.

[Melkhor]

Yeah, that's what I'm doing right now. I'm writing the characters name then fitting the power. Some of my roles are pretty nice, just some are ones where I just think "WTF can you do?!"

In my experience it can also be a good idea to add drawbacks and hidden "trigger events" to characters. It serves the purpose of both balancing out any overly powerful special powers they might have, and it enhances the accuracy and comic book feel of the game as well, a true win-win situation in my book :)

And trust me, I had that feeling with some of the characters I've been working with for my game as well. Some dead marvel characters are downright impossible to give any semblance of useful powers (hence why they're dead in the first place, maybe?) :laugh:

[biz567]

In my experience it can also be a good idea to add drawbacks and hidden "trigger events" to characters. It serves the purpose of both balancing out any overly powerful special powers they might have, and it enhances the accuracy and comic book feel of the game as well, a true win-win situation in my book :)

And trust me, I had that feeling with some of the characters I've been working with for my game as well. Some dead marvel characters are downright impossible to give any semblance of useful powers (hence why they're dead in the first place, maybe?) :laugh:

Oh trust me, theres one character in my game who has a nasty trigger.;)

BTW, interested in joining....CIVIL WAR!

If so, link is in my sig...

[Rokk_Krinn]

My dream power as a townie would be everybody who targets me is misdirected. :laugh:

Ask JackA how that worked for him as the Swedish Chef. :)

[Rokk_Krinn]

That's how I did it. "What role would make sense for this character?"

*looks at his character and then back at TB's statement* I think you forgot that with mine. :cheeky: (Teasing, just teasing - you did good it seems.)

[sstralkowski]

Here's a query - as a mod, do you tell players if they've been roleblocked?

I simply tell them they failed and let them draw their own conclusions. Otherwise so many aspects of the game would be given away too soon. Mafia is one part people skills, one part planning, and one part detective work. Take away any part and the game suffers.

[sstralkowski]

Alright, I just want some opinions. What are some decent powers townies can have besides tracking/double voting?

The sky is the limit, man. I'd surf some finished games and look for where the game ended and the roles were revealed. It'll give you some great ideas to build off of. Oh and steer clear of the Jester role. That one seems like a great idea, but usually ends in misery.

[Magnito]

Well, there a million different kinds of trackers you can have. Finding out different things. (who they targeted, who targeted them, powers etc.)
Doctors, Bodyguards
People who can influence the vote (Bribers, Senators that can over turn a vote etc.)

[biz567]

What's a jester?

And the bribers is a good one!

[Magnito]

What's a jester?

And the bribers is a good one!
Someone who wins if they are lynched.

In Smash Bros, I had a briber: Fox. Although, I called him a leader instead. Such a good leader that who ever he targeted at night would vote for whoever he voted for.

[biz567]

That Jester thing is kind of stupid. I'd just try to get lynched on the first day but pretending to slip my role.

I like the variation on the briber though, leader is a good one.

[Melkhor]

That Jester thing is kind of stupid. I'd just try to get lynched on the first day but pretending to slip my role.

I like the variation on the briber though, leader is a good one.

The Jester is an incredibly idiotic role and should, in my humble opinion, be avoided like the bubonic plague itself!

[sstralkowski]

My dream power as a townie would be everybody who targets me is misdirected. :laugh:

Q in Star Trek had a 50% chance of that. He was also a misdirector himself. :grin:

[turdburglar47]

Another random question. Say a cop gets misdirected. Do you just tell him the alignment of the person he got misdirected to, or do you actually let him know he's been misdirected and who to?

[Antipathy]

Another random question. Say a cop gets misdirected. Do you just tell him the alignment of the person he got misdirected to, or do you actually let him know he's been misdirected and who to?

Personally I would say:

You investigate (target's name) and find him to be good/neutral/evil.

That's all.

[JackAssterson]

Everyone who targeted me got misdirected in the Muppets game while I was the Chef! Then things got...a little different. (ended the game as Hoggle. :laugh: )

[Antipathy]

Everyone who targeted me got misdirected in the Muppets game while I was the Chef! Then things got...a little different. (ended the game as Hoggle. :laugh: )

Yeah. I still don't know half of what happened in that game. :laugh:

[Rokk_Krinn]

I say the "portrayed" Max Lord money power could be fun. :grin:

[turdburglar47]

Personally I would say:

You investigate (target's name) and find him to be good/neutral/evil.

That's all.


Now is 'target's name' the target the player chose, or the target the player gets misdirected to?

[Antipathy]

Now is 'target's name' the target the player chose, or the target the player gets misdirected to?

The target the player chose.

[turdburglar47]

Cool. I guess that would make sense. Misdirection means bad info. :)

[Magnito]

I always try to say

"The person you investigated _______________________"

whether there was a misdirection or not. This way, they never know.

[biz567]

I always try to say

"The person you investigated _______________________"

whether there was a misdirection or not. This way, they never know.

That's probably the way I'm going to do it.

[The BoyBlunder]

Now that I have written all the roles for my game (with a good deal of JoH's help), I'm going to go back and read this entire thread and see if there is anything I want to change.

I know that I am probably going to skip word and exel all together and use post-it otes and bulliten boards. Its easyer for me to understand for some reason.

[CarlosMucha]

with misdirectors I don't even say when that happen.

I just give the answer like if nothing happen. after all they were misdirecting but they don't know that. and they should not know, I think.

[CarlosMucha]

Q in Star Trek had a 50% chance of that. He was also a misdirector himself. :grin:


Q was awesome in your game my friend!

[Jackofhearts2005]

I always try to say

"The person you investigated _______________________"

whether there was a misdirection or not. This way, they never know.
Personally, I'll be like "Andy is good."
And they'll be like "I investigated Drake."
And I'll be like "I know, but you found out that Andy is good."

Yes, they know they were misdirected, but I get to see the look of confusion on their faces. :grin:

For roleblocked, I let investigators know they found nothing, but I don't tell them why.

[CarlosMucha]

I say when people get blocked.

I think they have such a great work in planing something and they deserve a answer of why they don't get to do his "work". But that of course is just my opinion. :p

[sstralkowski]

Another random question. Say a cop gets misdirected. Do you just tell him the alignment of the person he got misdirected to, or do you actually let him know he's been misdirected and who to?

As I'm sure you know, players in my games get responses that say "fail" or "insert alignment here". I don't reiterate who they targetted so as not to mislead them into thinking they were or weren't misdirected. I also don't indicate why they failed if they did. It's all up to them to figure out. Is that tougher? Yep, but I do the same for everyone so it seems fair in my eyes.

[sstralkowski]

Q was awesome in your game my friend!

THANKS!!:laugh:

[Truffle Shuffle]

How do you find out who they are misdirected to? Do you just put all the currently active players' names in a hat and pick?

[Truffle Shuffle]

And if a tracker is misdirected, how does the process work and how is the response worded?

[sstralkowski]

How do you find out who they are misdirected to? Do you just put all the currently active players' names in a hat and pick?

random.org has a random number generator.

[sstralkowski]

And if a tracker is misdirected, how does the process work and how is the response worded?


If player A targets player B for tracking and is misdirected to player C, they get the result for player C. So if player B targetted player C, and player C targetted player D, then the result would be "player D".

[Truffle Shuffle]

So if Truffle targets Carlos and Truffle is misdirected to sstral, then Truffle gets who sstral targeted, say JackA.

Now if Carlos is a killer and kills JackA, Truffle will think sstral is the killer, right? So you send a PM to Truffle saying what? sstral targeted JackA? Or just JackA? Or JackA was the target? And I guess the info will show up in the write up, right? But do you show in the write up somehow that Truffle was misdirected? Or does Truffle have to figure that out when she accuses sstral of being a killer and sstral tries to talk his way out of it, claiming misdirection and all that? And Carlos just sits back and laughs.

[sstralkowski]

So if Truffle targets Carlos and Truffle is misdirected to sstral, then Truffle gets who sstral targeted, say JackA.

Now if Carlos is a killer and kills JackA, Truffle will think sstral is the killer, right? So you send a PM to Truffle saying what? sstral targeted JackA? Or just JackA? Or JackA was the target? And I guess the info will show up in the write up, right? But do you show in the write up somehow that Truffle was misdirected? Or does Truffle have to figure that out when she accuses sstral of being a killer and sstral tries to talk his way out of it, claiming misdirection and all that? And Carlos just sits back and laughs.

In your scenario, the response I'd give would be "JackA". No more, no less. It's up to the mod to decide whether or not to put something in the write-up indicating a misdirection may have taken place. Note the white lights and transporter beams in Star Trek. White lights were actually Q. Transporter beams were usually just a cheap way for me to explain how someone got away. Both left people with doubts and questions to be answered.

[CarlosMucha]

So if Truffle targets Carlos and Truffle is misdirected to sstral, then Truffle gets who sstral targeted, say JackA.

Now if Carlos is a killer and kills JackA, Truffle will think sstral is the killer, right? So you send a PM to Truffle saying what? sstral targeted JackA? Or just JackA? Or JackA was the target? And I guess the info will show up in the write up, right? But do you show in the write up somehow that Truffle was misdirected? Or does Truffle have to figure that out when she accuses sstral of being a killer and sstral tries to talk his way out of it, claiming misdirection and all that? And Carlos just sits back and laughs.


you can check me if you want. I did nothing last night. I have been giving clues for the town sinse the begining of the game. I'm not a lier!!

Vote Lynch: Truffle Shuffle.

[turdburglar47]

If you send a PM to multiple people, nobody can see the actual mailing list, right?

[DarkCorsair]

If you send a PM to multiple people, nobody can see the actual mailing list, right?


Not that I have been able to determine. If there's a way to do it, its beyond me.

[CarlosMucha]

If you send a PM to multiple people, nobody can see the actual mailing list, right?


for what I know nop.

[turdburglar47]

Cool. That means group PM reminders are doable without revealing anything.

[charlesx]

Question for those of you who have modded a mafia game in the past:

What is your policy on weekends? Do you go on hiatus until Monday morning or do you play through?

Part of me hates to lose the game's momentum, and part me realizes that I have a lot of stuff going on so it's better not to leave players hanging.

Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions?

Thanks, one and all.

[Rokk_Krinn]

Question for those of you who have modded a mafia game in the past:

What is your policy on weekends? Do you go on hiatus until Monday morning or do you play through?

Part of me hates to lose the game's momentum, and part me realizes that I have a lot of stuff going on so it's better not to leave players hanging.

Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions?

Thanks, one and all.

Base it on your schedule - I had a busy weekend a couple back and I told folks it would be extended but other weekends I've been pretty straight-forward about them not being extended - just make sure to emphasize whichever one it is to your players.

Or you can let me mod your game for the weekend. :devious:

[biz567]

Base it on your schedule - I had a busy weekend a couple back and I told folks it would be extended but other weekends I've been pretty straight-forward about them not being extended - just make sure to emphasize whichever one it is to your players.

Or you can let me mod your game for the weekend. :devious:

With your policy on "Kill someone if no lynch occurs" I think not!

[charlesx]

Or you can let me mod your game for the weekend. :devious:

Heh. Thanks for the tips, but I don't want monster spiders overrunning and eating the Marvel Zombies. :p

Guess I'll play it by ear. So far I have been pleasantly surprised at how the game takes on a life of its own. Takes me back to my days as a DM during 1st edition D&D.

[charlesx]

With your policy on "Kill someone if no lynch occurs" I think not!

Yeah, but in my game if no one gets lynched ("eaten by Zombies") at the end of the day, then something equally as nasty could happen. And by the way, I didn't get that from Rokk's game - I just figured that hungry Zombies are a bunch that you shouldn't tick off or leave without a meal. They get cranky. They start trouble - ya know? :cool:

[Rokk_Krinn]

Hey, someone doesn't always die during No Lynch days (e.g. - Day One, though you guys had plenty of warning. :) )

[charlesx]

Hey, someone doesn't always die during No Lynch days (e.g. - Day One, though you guys had plenty of warning. :) )

True. On the other hand, in my game it's just not a very good idea to let the fiends go unfed. :p

[sstralkowski]

Question for those of you who have modded a mafia game in the past:

What is your policy on weekends? Do you go on hiatus until Monday morning or do you play through?

Part of me hates to lose the game's momentum, and part me realizes that I have a lot of stuff going on so it's better not to leave players hanging.

Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions?

Thanks, one and all.

I'd play the middle on this one. Maybe extend each phase a bit or make them last the full 24 hours no matter who quickly a majority was reached or who sent in pm's on time.

[turdburglar47]

So, say you realize belatedly that you've screwed up while running a Mafia game.

Do you retroactively correct the mistake, or do you let it go, like if you forgot to call somebody on the fact that they would've missed the shot they took on you three turns ago because of the hindering terrain bonus you both forgot to factor in?

[Rokk_Krinn]

So, say you realize belatedly that you've screwed up while running a Mafia game.

Do you retroactively correct the mistake, or do you let it go, like if you forgot to call somebody on the fact that they would've missed the shot they took on you three turns ago because of the hindering terrain bonus you both forgot to factor in?

Uh-oh. Depends on how ground-breaking of a change it is and if it's screwing over someone new (as opposed to someone who already thought one thing).

[Jackofhearts2005]

So, say you realize belatedly that you've screwed up while running a Mafia game.

Do you retroactively correct the mistake, or do you let it go, like if you forgot to call somebody on the fact that they would've missed the shot they took on you three turns ago because of the hindering terrain bonus you both forgot to factor in?
I try to roll with it, but remedy the mistake if possible.

Once upon a time, there was a mafia member (Huntress, of the Gotham Knights mafia) who couldn't be stopped from making a hit.

A bodyguard protected her target and her target was not arrested. Lady Shiva beat down a crossbow bolt and she and her friend ran off.

I realized I had made a mistake after a bunch of people had already read the writeup, so I changed Huntress's power.

During the next night, it had a flashback of Shiva running off...only to be hit by a crossbow bolt. At the end of the night, Shiva died from this wound.

[biz567]

What makes a mafia "Too Powerful"?

[CarlosMucha]

What makes a mafia "Too Powerful"?


Rokk.




filler.

[Rokk_Krinn]

What makes a mafia "Too Powerful"?

The best way to balance your game: give me a PGO role. ;)

[JKLantern]

The best way to balance your game: give me a PGO role. ;)

Don't think the idea didn't cross my mind. I was tempted to give you a PGO+ role. You would've been the Death that Rokks.

[JackAssterson]

Rokk.




filler.

Rokk typically gets targeted more than 18-25 year olds during an MTV commercial break. That's not great for a Mafia member. :p

He's a really good player...he can't help it if most others fear Da Krinn.

[Rokk_Krinn]

Rokk typically gets targeted more than 18-25 year olds during an MTV commercial break. That's not great for a Mafia member. :p

He's a really good player...he can't help it if most others fear Da Krinn.

Yet, oddly, when I -am- Mafia, that's when people stop targeting me. :confused:

[biz567]

Ah! I can't wait for the write-ups on some of these. Some will be hilarious! Others...Eh, you'll see.

Oh, and now I remember why I'm doing this over Thanksgiving break! I need a big weekend with all the PM's/Realms time I'll be using!

[biz567]

The best way to balance your game: give me a PGO role. ;)

It's crossed my mind as well. We'll see though, there are some other fun roles out there I'm sure you'd want!

[The BoyBlunder]

How do you get people to join a slow sign-up?

[biz567]

Avertise it in sig and have Rokk work his magic on getting people to sign up.

[jsoccerdude]

I'm thinking about starting a mafia game, but I don't know if I have what it takes.

[biz567]

I probably don't either, but that hasn't stopped me!

[sstralkowski]

ANYONE can run a mafia game. My suggestion would be to start off small. Say 15-18 players. Your first go will be beyond confusing and the amount of time it takes is surprising. The more you run, the better you'll get.

As far as getting people to sign up for a slow mafia game, I say start the thread a while before the actualy start date so it gets rid of the "I'm already in too many games" excuse. THen maybe send one or two key players a PM invitation in the hopes that their presence might attract others. Of course, if you pick a theme that doesn't interest many people here, you might be waiting forever. I'm finding theme is key to attracting me to a game.

[jsoccerdude]

How do you all randomize roles? Any specific way?

[biz567]

The way I'll do it is put all my roles in a hat, and say "Ok, #1 will be..*Pull Name*" and so on.

[sstralkowski]

How do you all randomize roles? Any specific way?

There is a feature in Excel that generates a random number between 0 and 1. List all the roles, and all the players, and a column in between for the random number and then just sort the number and the player or roles. It'll randomize the whole thing for you in a minute.

[Magnito]

How do you all randomize roles? Any specific way?
http://www.mdani.demon.co.uk/para/random.htm

a random number generator. Make a list of players, number your roles, and get it to produce a random series of numbers.
(If you have 15 players, set it to 15 random numbers between 1 and 15 with no repeats)

[goodman]

The way I'll do it is put all my roles in a hat, and say "Ok, #1 will be..*Pull Name*" and so on.

i did that too, was the only way i could think of at the time, works sorta well too

[The BoyBlunder]

I plan on going

"Hey mom! Pick an number between 1 and 27! Now pick another one that is in't that number! Now one that isn't either of those. And another! And another!"

And so on.

[JKLantern]

I plan on going

"Hey mom! Pick an number between 1 and 27! Now pick another one that is in't that number! Now one that isn't either of those. And another! And another!"

And so on.

It gets damn annoying to keep track, let me tell you. I go with the random number generator. Heck, I'm pretty sure there's a way to do that on a TI-83 without repeats. Too bad I misplaced my TI a while ago, so I don't remember how exactly...

[JackAssterson]

80085

heh heh heh heh heh

(jr high calculator humor)

[biz567]

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[JKLantern]

80085

heh heh heh heh heh

(jr high calculator humer)
55378008 5345

[The BoyBlunder]

It gets damn annoying to keep track, let me tell you. I go with the random number generator. Heck, I'm pretty sure there's a way to do that on a TI-83 without repeats. Too bad I misplaced my TI a while ago, so I don't remember how exactly...
That may be. But it allows me to go "You didn't like yor role? Blame my mom."

[JKLantern]

That may be. But it allows me to go "You didn't like yor role? Blame my mom."

I already blame your mom.

[Amora's_best_friend]

80085

heh heh heh heh heh

(jr high calculator humer)

The whole concept of calculator humour was redefined when I found out my friend's calculator had every single letter on it. :laugh:

[The BoyBlunder]

I already blame your mom.
Back here again are we?

[JKLantern]

The whole concept of calculator humour was redefined when I found out my friend's calculator had every single letter on it. :laugh:

The TI-83/89 was the result of many a missed class at both High Schools I went to. For some asinine reason, bomb threats were the prank of choice. People would leave a Calculator with the message, "There's a bomb in the school," and everyone in the school would have to go out and wait in the football stadium for three hours while the school was combed over.

At least once, it was cold, so I ended up loaning my jacket to one girl, my sweat shirt to another, and being a blanket for a third. Call me JK, bringer of insulation...

[The BoyBlunder]

The TI-83/89 was the result of many a missed class at both High Schools I went to. For some asinine reason, bomb threats were the prank of choice. People would leave a Calculator with the message, "There's a bomb in the school," and everyone in the school would have to go out and wait in the football stadium for three hours while the school was combed over.

At least once, it was cold, so I ended up loaning my jacket to one girl, my sweat shirt to another, and being a blanket for a third. Call me JK, bringer of insulation...
Was it the same calc? Someone just forgot to erase the message.

[JKLantern]

Was it the same calc? Someone just forgot to erase the message.

Nope. People at my school were just #######s who apparently enjoyed seeing JK turn himself into a friggin' blanket.

The usual motive was, "Oh, I can get school canceled." After about the third time this happened, you'd think they'd figure out, "Oh, no, I just end up having to sit in one spot for half the friggin' day, and if I try to go home they send the cops after me." Friggin' morons.

[The BoyBlunder]

Nope. People at my school were just #######s who apparently enjoyed seeing JK turn himself into a friggin' blanket.

The usual motive was, "Oh, I can get school canceled." After about the third time this happened, you'd think they'd figure out, "Oh, no, I just end up having to sit in one spot for half the friggin' day, and if I try to go home they send the cops after me." Friggin' morons.
At least you got to wrap yourself around some girls.

[biz567]

We had the same thing, JK, just the other day. Well sort of. A few weeks ago, someone wrote on two bathrooms walls "Bomb, 11/9" and everyone freaked. It was obviously a joke, but we had the school checked. A lot of people skipped yesterday, but yeah, obviously fake but people just try to get out of school...One day the whole "The boy who cried wolf" is going to happen and we're going to be kicking ourselves in the ###.

[JKLantern]

We had the same thing, JK, just the other day. Well sort of. A few weeks ago, someone wrote on two bathrooms walls "Bomb, 11/9" and everyone freaked. It was obviously a joke, but we had the school checked. A lot of people skipped yesterday, but yeah, obviously fake but people just try to get out of school...One day the whole "The boy who cried wolf" is going to happen and we're going to be kicking ourselves in the ###.

When you live one hour from DC, EVERY threat gets taken seriously.

[DarkCorsair]

Okay, so one of my players got himself banned in the mid/endgame. What's the best way to deal with that?

[Magnito]

mod kill him?

I'm kinda glad he was killed in my game before that happened.

[kontrol]

Okay, so one of my players got himself banned in the mid/endgame. What's the best way to deal with that?
Depends on how long you want to wait.

You can either mod kill him, or try to get a sub. Preferably someone that hasn't played in the game yet.

If the game is really getting close to the endgame. it really depends on how crucial his role is to the game. If it's a role that can definitely swing the balance one way or another, I'd be reluctant to remove it. But if the person is who I think it is, then in all likelihood he'll get lynched so no one has to deal with a floating role or vote that won't get used for two weeks.

[DarkCorsair]

mod kill him?

I'm kinda glad he was killed in my game before that happened.


Yeah, I was debating that as the likely course of action, since its a given that he won't be back before we're done.

[sstralkowski]

Yeah, I was debating that as the likely course of action, since its a given that he won't be back before we're done.

Note to the rest of you modders. Maybe second guess having said player in your games for the future. His tendency to get banned could train wreck a game instantly.

[Rokk_Krinn]

Note to the rest of you modders. Maybe second guess having said player in your games for the future. His tendency to get banned could train wreck a game instantly.

I hate to be a jerk but him and bamf! have both been removed from Secret Wars (bamf! previously and Ross today though in part for Ross it was because I knew he wouldn't be around once the game started).

[CarlosMucha]

bamf wa very important in the BTTF game and I really try to making him play at least sending me 1 SINGLE PM. he never send it.

bamf is not recomended for Mafia player.

[sstralkowski]

I hate to be a jerk but him and bamf! have both been removed from Secret Wars (bamf! previously and Ross today though in part for Ross it was because I knew he wouldn't be around once the game started).

Smart move on your part. I've had a few completely inactive players in the past, but luckily I've been able to keep the game going well enough to move through it.

[sstralkowski]

Can't remember if this has been covered before, but it's worth reiterating even if it has. As a mod, you need to go over your plans for EVERY possible target for each power before the game to make sure the game is balanced. You need to figure out every single way that someone can use and abuse their power. One broken power can ruin an entire game's setup.

[biz567]

Can't remember if this has been covered before, but it's worth reiterating even if it has. As a mod, you need to go over your plans for EVERY possible target for each power before the game to make sure the game is balanced. You need to figure out every single way that someone can use and abuse their power. One broken power can ruin an entire game's setup.

Yep, that almost happened in my game, but it was fixed in time.

[Iron Ham]

Can't remember if this has been covered before, but it's worth reiterating even if it has. As a mod, you need to go over your plans for EVERY possible target for each power before the game to make sure the game is balanced. You need to figure out every single way that someone can use and abuse their power. One broken power can ruin an entire game's setup. See: Peers' Heroclix Mafia, which was broken on night 1.

[CarlosMucha]

yep. made a game is not that easy how it looks. you have to thing in almost every posibility just in case.

[michiganj24]

After the game is done can you post what that was
Yep, that almost happened in my game, but it was fixed in time.

[michiganj24]

OOh yeah just went back and looked at it. And that is why amnesia was created.
See: Peers' Heroclix Mafia, which was broken on night 1.

[Jackofhearts2005]

I don't know if this has been brought up, but I have a tip.

The town's win condition should always be "you win when all threats to X are eliminated"

Why? Because we aren't allowed to quote pms. Yet, all the time, we have people ask what their win condition is and people will say "I win with the town" or "I win when threats to blank are eliminated."

I'm just waiting for somebody to say the wrong one and get lynched over it and that should never happen.

[sstralkowski]

I don't know if this has been brought up, but I have a tip.

The town's win condition should always be "you win when all threats to X are eliminated"

Why? Because we aren't allowed to quote pms. Yet, all the time, we have people ask what their win condition is and people will say "I win with the town" or "I win when threats to blank are eliminated."

I'm just waiting for somebody to say the wrong one and get lynched over it and that should never happen.

Not sure if it's semantics, but I'm not picking up on the difference there.

[Jackofhearts2005]

Not sure if it's semantics, but I'm not picking up on the difference there.
There isn't.

I just don't want somebody to be like "What is your win condition?" and the mafia guy goes "I win when all threats to the town are eliminated" but the town pms say "You win with the town" and that guy gets lynched because of it.

And if the mafia guy said "Well, we aren't supposed to quote pms, but I win with the town" everybody is gonna say "he only said that because he didn't know what the town win condition is."

Basically, it just goes into the whole not being allowed to quote pms thing.

[sstralkowski]

There isn't.

I just don't want somebody to be like "What is your win condition?" and the mafia guy goes "I win when all threats to the town are eliminated" but the town pms say "You win with the town" and that guy gets lynched because of it.

And if the mafia guy said "Well, we aren't supposed to quote pms, but I win with the town" everybody is gonna say "he only said that because he didn't know what the town win condition is."

Basically, it just goes into the whole not being allowed to quote pms thing.

Ah, gotcha. Makes sense to me. Especially in the environment of paranoia that the game fosters. Except for the special ones, all of my win conditions are worded as follows: You win when all threats to your faction have been eliminated. So essentially the win condition is the same for the townies and the mafia, but their alignment is the key difference.

[Amora's_best_friend]

Isn't that nitpicking, when there isn't even a nit to pick?

[hellskingpin]

Quick question: Should the order of pm's recieved always decide everything? Or does roleblock/misdirect/something else screw that up usually.

[Jackofhearts2005]

I think roleblock and misdirect trump order of pms.

The only time I use order of pms for anything is if a misdirecter and a blocker target each other or if I have a role that specifically does something to the first person that targets them or the first person who targets their target.

Otherwise, everything is assumed to be happening at the same time.

[jsoccerdude]

Tip:

When sending out roles, make sure you put "Townie" or "Mafia" somewhere in the PM.

[Jackofhearts2005]

Tip:

When sending out roles, make sure you put "Townie" or "Mafia" somewhere in the PM.
You'd be surprised how many people, even experienced ones can't tell the difference. :p

Still, I like to keep my mafia games challenging. You're gonna have to figure it out for yourself. What does your win condition say? :grin:

[sstralkowski]

Tip:

When sending out roles, make sure you put "Townie" or "Mafia" somewhere in the PM.

I think that takes away from the paranoia. After the first 2 phases it should be obvious anyway.

[anonym0use]

You'd be surprised how many people, even experienced ones can't tell the difference. :p

Still, I like to keep my mafia games challenging. You're gonna have to figure it out for yourself. What does your win condition say? :grin:


I'm a new player in a game - having never heard of mafia games until a few months ago. I have no idea what the heck I'm doing.

But I'm having fun!

That said - sometimes clearly stated objectives don't hurt. Especially with N00bs!

[goodman]

Quick question: Should the order of pm's recieved always decide everything? Or does roleblock/misdirect/something else screw that up usually.

Hmmmmm, think the only time i'd use that to apply, besides that misdirctor/roleblocker scenario would be if 2 players with kill powers target each other, first one who pm's me usually is the one who kills first and lives, i'm thinking of writing up a few more roles for Titans, even though i already have 32 players:rolleyes:

[Doombot 3.1]

Hmmmmm, think the only time i'd use that to apply, besides that misdirctor/roleblocker scenario would be if 2 players with kill powers target each other, first one who pm's me usually is the one who kills first and lives, i'm thinking of writing up a few more roles for Titans, even though i already have 32 players:rolleyes:

Why couldn't they both die? e.g. A mortally wounds B, but in his last act, B manages to kill A before he dies.

[kontrol]

Personally I'd like to see randomized timing events. Just because someone was online and the other offline shouldn't mean that the person with a different schedule should be penalized because of it. It might be a little bit more work, but I think an initiative roll for all the players would help in that regard. Though those that don't get their PMs in on time should automatically lose initiative versus those that do get their PMs in.

[goodman]

They could do that, and i did do that in my last mafia game but for my next one that will be the new rule, that way more people will get there pm's to me faster if they want to survive, of course i'm throwing in other game mechanics into the Titans game to keep people from dying so quickly, cannot wait to get it started :)

[CarlosMucha]

Why couldn't they both die? e.g. A mortally wounds B, but in his last act, B manages to kill A before he dies.

that is the way that I like to see the things. Both must die. at least as a final heroic or villian action of one or both of them.

Almost nothing is random in my games. Except of course Misdirectors.

When a blocker block another blocker it may be need a random action but not always.

For me Misdirectors are enough random things for any game. :p

Blockers and Misdirectors get priority.

When a misdirector misdirect another misdirector is get REAAALY crazy I have to say. :laugh:

[Jackofhearts2005]

Why couldn't they both die? e.g. A mortally wounds B, but in his last act, B manages to kill A before he dies.
That's the way I do it too.


When a misdirector misdirect another misdirector is get REAAALY crazy I have to say. :laugh:
Or when you have to randomize the target of your misdirector and he ends up targeting your busdriver! :eek:

[turdburglar47]

Here's a question.

Someone invulnerable to night kills targets a PGO. What happens?

[goodman]

the person who targets the PGO survives because they can't be night killed, at least thats what i'd think happens

[jsoccerdude]

An awesome writeup scene where the bullet misses/bounces off.

[michiganj24]

Ah Young Grasshopper you speak of the irresitble force meeting the immovable object. At which point the universe collapses around them all they all die
Here's a question.

Someone invulnerable to night kills targets a PGO. What happens?

[Truffle Shuffle]

I try and choose a trait of that character and describe them as such. I think Riker was the dashing man in my game. You can always refer to him as the dashing man so that people understand his reappearances while not coming out and telling anyone it is Riker. Then you can even start to refer to the characters in the write-up as th players define then. I think turdburglar named Worf and Crusher Tally and Shorty because I described them as short and tall the first time. (IIRC he was also the origin of the Floating Space Lincoln.) It helps convey a story without revealing all the details. Then as people role claim, start to use mroe description for them until you're on a character name basis.
I thought this was some good advice that should be put here.

[Truffle Shuffle]

That's the way I do it too.


Or when you have to randomize the target of your misdirector and he ends up targeting your busdriver! :eek:

So, do you guys randomize anyone who doesn't get a target in, or just those people who HAVE to get targets in?

I thought it would be like this: People should let the mod know if they are not choosing a target that night. PM= "No target". But if people just aren't PMing the mod, and it's not a "HAVE TO USE" power, they just don't target anyone that night. But if they don't PM the mod more than twice, they get replaced. Just curious about how people are handling that.

[sstralkowski]

So, do you guys randomize anyone who doesn't get a target in, or just those people who HAVE to get targets in?

I thought it would be like this: People should let the mod know if they are not choosing a target that night. PM= "No target". But if people just aren't PMing the mod, and it's not a "HAVE TO USE" power, they just don't target anyone that night. But if they don't PM the mod more than twice, they get replaced. Just curious about how people are handling that.

I'm with you on this. If they don't choose a target, they do nothing. If They do nothing 2 nights in a row, I send the player a message and try and find a replacement in case I don't get a response.

[sstralkowski]

I thought this was some good advice that should be put here.

Rereading that, I stink at typing. :nervous: :cry: But thanks for the compliment. :classic:

[sstralkowski]

Just wanted to add that if someone makes a joke or something that's obvious sarcasm, I find it funny to put that into the write-up. It gives the players a feel of interaction with the game that can't be had by just sending in targets.

I did this with the cat driving Q and Floating Space lincoln around in a motorboat. Regardless of whether or not anyone else found it funny, I laughed myself silly. If writing up these games ever starts to feel like a chore, it's time to take a break.

[hellskingpin]

Just wanted to add that if someone makes a joke or something that's obvious sarcasm, I find it funny to put that into the write-up. It gives the players a feel of interaction with the game that can't be had by just sending in targets.

I did this with the cat driving Q and Floating Space lincoln around in a motorboat. Regardless of whether or not anyone else found it funny, I laughed myself silly. If writing up these games ever starts to feel like a chore, it's time to take a break.
I completely agree. What makes some games are running jokes that everyone remembers. Who doesn't know WAIT UNTIL 10 IT'S IMPORTANT or any of the various running jokes from game threads.

[CarlosMucha]

I do that all the time.

I even put things that I receive in the write up. :p

[sstralkowski]

I completely agree. What makes some games are running jokes that everyone remembers. Who doesn't know WAIT UNTIL 10 IT'S IMPORTANT or any of the various running jokes from game threads.


I can't wait for someone to actually include a borg cat in their game.

[Jackofhearts2005]

I do that all the time.

I even put things that I receive in the write up. :p
That was one of my favorite parts of BTTF4.

When I killed BigBro and my character was all like "We don't need neutral investigators anymore." :laugh:

[Jackofhearts2005]

So, do you guys randomize anyone who doesn't get a target in, or just those people who HAVE to get targets in?

I thought it would be like this: People should let the mod know if they are not choosing a target that night. PM= "No target". But if people just aren't PMing the mod, and it's not a "HAVE TO USE" power, they just don't target anyone that night. But if they don't PM the mod more than twice, they get replaced. Just curious about how people are handling that.
Depends which would help less.

I generally either have the investigators do nothing or they learn something but they have no idea who they were randomized to. Once I reminded the cop what his affliation was when he didn't send his pm. :cheeky:

Misdirectors, silencers, etc I'll generally randomize because it helps the mafia and I'm secretly rooting for the mafia in every game.

I've always planned to "randomize" somebody towards a PGO if they don't send their target for several nights.

[JackAssterson]

I'm secretly rooting for the mafia in every game.


Me too.

:m-dolphin:

[Amora's_best_friend]

I always root for the funniest people.

Like I was rooting for the Hellions to win FMM2, and Hulk to win FMM3.

[goodman]

Lol, i was rooting for the town in Resident Evil Mafia even though i was a serial killer, i think i actually started pretending to be their vig and started killing off the mafia but then tried to turn on the town, only to be betrayed by the snake, damn him

[sstralkowski]

Just a tid bit, mods should keep in mind that if you realize an imbalance or a problem with the game, feel free to tweak it mid-game. If you've balanced the game well, it should only be a minor tweak anyway and won't hose any one player. Hidden triggers are perfect for this.

[Truffle Shuffle]

Okay, CONSTRUCTIVE criticism requested on my first game.

[goodman]

I did not play it, but i heard a lot of talk about it, and people whining for it to be open, therefore it must have been good ;)

[CarlosMucha]

Okay, CONSTRUCTIVE criticism requested on my first game.


your game was great! lot of posts! lots of people, lots of things happen!

:)

[Uknown352]

Avengers Under Siege is over and Zemo has taken it upon himself to give the results.

Result:MOE successfully take over the Avenger's Mansion

Winners:
Uknown352 - Baron Zemo
Lofcutus - Piledriver
madslaust - Absorbing Man
Vevilaughs - Mr. Hyde
kontrol - Wrecker
dbauers - Titania

[sstralkowski]

Okay, CONSTRUCTIVE criticism requested on my first game.

It's your first one so from my POV, I could tell that you had some growing pains, but I had inside info. As far as the final result, it all turned up smelling roses. I'd have added the caveat to Samwise that he couldn't target the same player twice. Aside from that, I'd say it was fine. You hit your stride with the write-ups, too. The hardest part is gauging how much info to give out and what bits to give. I think you did pretty well for your first time.

[anonym0use]

What's the best way to randomly assign roles?

[Darkseid Sr.]

What's the best way to randomly assign roles?

I tend to go to random.org, put in the list of players, randomize it twice, then put list of roles, and randomize it three times.

Heck, I've even just put slips of paper and threw them in a ballcap. As long as it works, honestly.

[sstralkowski]

I tend to go to random.org, put in the list of players, randomize it twice, then put list of roles, and randomize it three times.

Heck, I've even just put slips of paper and threw them in a ballcap. As long as it works, honestly.


Also, excel has a featur where you can put players in column 1, roles in column 3, and "=rand" in column 2. That should generate a random number from 0 to 1 and then just highlight columns 1 & 2 and sort by number.

[Thawmus]

Don't think I've suggested it yet....so.....


Google Docs are amazing, folks. For those of you who use your computer at home, then work, then school, etc.....don't bother transferring your doc around. Just make a spreadsheet on Google Docs, and access it anywhere you need it. It's absolutely awesome.

[goodman]

Hmmmm, i will seriously consider doing that, thanks Thawmus ;)

[Thawmus]

I should also add that you can import your existing spreadsheets into Google docs. So you can get those going mid-game, if it's becoming a hassle to move them.

I kinda discovered them from emailing the file to myself, and then noticing an "Open" link on my spreadsheet. I opened it, and it opened in Google Docs....and I fell in love.....:classic:

[CarlosMucha]

I should also add that you can import your existing spreadsheets into Google docs. So you can get those going mid-game, if it's becoming a hassle to move them.

I kinda discovered them from emailing the file to myself, and then noticing an "Open" link on my spreadsheet. I opened it, and it opened in Google Docs....and I fell in love.....:classic:


yea. we really can fall in love in internet.

It happen to me all the time.

[Thawmus]

yea. we really can fall in love in internet.

It happen to me all the time.

You misunderstand.

I've fallen in love with an internet application.

I even announced the wedding date on Facebook.

[spikerdude]

don't know if this has been asked, and i don't feel like looking for it. if you have a guy who has a guaranteed night kill, and he targets a bulletproof player, what happens?

[The BoyBlunder]

don't know if this has been asked, and i don't feel like looking for it. if you have a guy who has a guaranteed night kill, and he targets a bulletproof player, what happens?
Killer wins.

[Darkseid Sr.]

Killer wins.

I assume this "guaranteed killer" is someone who bypasses powers, in which case yes, the killer would win.

[HavokAndChaos]

A few questions:

1) What is the lowest a game can probably run on? (It it looking that way for New X-men)

2) How many town people/mafia/indies do you guys usually put in a game? (like for a 20 person game, or a 40, or a 10 is that is big enough)

[Magnito]

I wouldn't run a game under 15.

As for the mafia/town ratio, it depends highly on the powers both sides have at their disposal.

[sstralkowski]

For ratios, I've found that a 55%/45% town/nontown is about right. Then adjust the win conditions and powers of the mafia and neutrals accordingly.

[goodman]

I'd increase the mafia ratio if there is more than one mafia in the game, more often than not they end up killing each other as oppose to the town :tired:, i seriously don't understand how they manage to accomplish this

[michiganj24]

Or alternatively do what I have seen in a game or 2 lately make it so if one mafia targets another there is a chance they will not make the kill
I'd increase the mafia ratio if there is more than one mafia in the game, more often than not they end up killing each other as oppose to the town :tired:, i seriously don't understand how they manage to accomplish this

[sstralkowski]

Part of the dynamic of a third party mafia is that they go after the real mafia during the day and vice versa. It give the bad guys someone else to get the townies to focus on. Otherwise, there are very few ways for a bad guy to pretend to be good.

[AZS]

Question about Roleblocking:

Should someone who is being roleblocked lose all their powers, just their 'role' or is this really up to the mod's discression.

Say there's a character whose role is Doctor, but he also has a 50% chance of avoiding a night kill.
If he's roleblocked, automatically the doctor skill is gone (that's a given to me.) But would/should he lose his defensive power, which is intended (by me at least) to be seperate from his Role, and is more inherent in the character in general.

(Hope that makes sense.)

I'm leaning towards the latter; Doctor power is blocked, but th 50% avoid is intact - because that's how I want it to play out. But I don't want to break any mafia tabboos either.

I kinda see a character as being made up of several elements:
Affiliation: Mafia/town
Role: Done, roleblocker, investigator, SK, etc
Power: Sometimes tied directly to the role, sometimes not. Like a roleblocker who is immune to a lynch, or an SK that's a reverse investigator (for example.)
Communication: Who this character can PM (if any)

[AZS]

Oh, and thanks, this thread has been a big help in setting up my first ever mafia game. (Matrix Mafia, if anyone is interested in signing up!)


Special Props to Thawmus for the Google docs suggestion. Not only will that allow me to update the doc easily from work and home, but I think I can also access it from my iphone! :)

[sstralkowski]

Question about Roleblocking:

Should someone who is being roleblocked lose all their powers, just their 'role' or is this really up to the mod's discression.

Say there's a character whose role is Doctor, but he also has a 50% chance of avoiding a night kill.
If he's roleblocked, automatically the doctor skill is gone (that's a given to me.) But would/should he lose his defensive power, which is intended (by me at least) to be seperate from his Role, and is more inherent in the character in general.

(Hope that makes sense.)

I'm leaning towards the latter; Doctor power is blocked, but th 50% avoid is intact - because that's how I want it to play out. But I don't want to break any mafia tabboos either.

I kinda see a character as being made up of several elements:
Affiliation: Mafia/town
Role: Done, roleblocker, investigator, SK, etc
Power: Sometimes tied directly to the role, sometimes not. Like a roleblocker who is immune to a lynch, or an SK that's a reverse investigator (for example.)
Communication: Who this character can PM (if any)

I'd say he loses all abilities that could be activated during that night phase, and they'd return during the folloqwng day phase. In that event, if the doc were to be attacked, he'd have no dodge ability, but if someone tried to day kill him the following day, he could dodge. Unless of course, his ability specifies that it only works against night kills. ;)

Ultimately though, I think it's up to the mod.

[AZS]

My issue is that I want to evenly disperse the powers and roles. But I know the mafia typically just does: Roleblock X, Kill X. They don't roleblock one person and kill another. It seems kinda like overkill, and the target could have some cool dodge power that never comes into play because the mafia always block/kills. Just my thought.
If it's not completelly taboo, I'll consider it. I might break out the powers further and make a roleblocker and 'power' blocker seperate abilities.

[sstralkowski]

My issue is that I want to evenly disperse the powers and roles. But I know the mafia typically just does: Roleblock X, Kill X. They don't roleblock one person and kill another. It seems kinda like overkill, and the target could have some cool dodge power that never comes into play because the mafia always block/kills. Just my thought.
If it's not completelly taboo, I'll consider it. I might break out the powers further and make a roleblocker and 'power' blocker seperate abilities.

In my experience, only a select few players, when mafia, will RB and kill the same person. It happens, but if it's your impression that it is almost a certainty, you may only be basing that on a select few games. What I have found is that if there is a mafia doc, they will almost ALWAYS protect the don or the designated killer.

[HavokAndChaos]

Would any experienced mods, who are not in my New X-men Mafia, being willing to take a look at my roles when I get them finished and give me their opinion?

[CarlosMucha]

Would any experienced mods, who are not in my New X-men Mafia, being willing to take a look at my roles when I get them finished and give me their opinion?


of course.

what are you worry about? only balance or something else??

[Magnito]

In my experience, only a select few players, when mafia, will RB and kill the same person. It happens, but if it's your impression that it is almost a certainty, you may only be basing that on a select few games. What I have found is that if there is a mafia doc, they will almost ALWAYS protect the don or the designated killer.
I, for one, do not like using the block kill combo unless really needed (killing a PGO or a bulletproof)
1) If the character is an info getter, there is no point. They will be dead anyways. If they have another non-lethal role, the effect they have in their last night won't be all that much.
2) I've had it happen to me, and I've seen in happen in multiple games I've modded. The mafia block/kill the target, and then the target was reversed tracked. The town learns the name of 2 mafia members right there. It happens a lot more then you think it will.
Saying that mafias typically do that is an exaggeration.

[HavokAndChaos]

Mostly balance but just everything really. I will pm them to you when I finish them probably Friday or Saturday, sound good?

[CarlosMucha]

I, for one, do not like using the block kill combo unless really needed (killing a PGO or a bulletproof)
1) If the character is an info getter, there is no point. They will be dead anyways. If they have another non-lethal role, the effect they have in their last night won't be all that much.
2) I've had it happen to me, and I've seen in happen in multiple games I've modded. The mafia block/kill the target, and then the target was reversed tracked. The town learns the name of 2 mafia members right there. It happens a lot more then you think it will.
Saying that mafias typically do that is an exaggeration.


that it's the reason of why I don't like rever trackers very much.

They almost point a Mafia for sure in moment or another in the games.

I prefeir others creatives roles or a normal tracker. A normal tracker it's less dangerous for the mafia than the reverse tracker.

[CarlosMucha]

Mostly balance but just everything really. I will pm them to you when I finish them probably Friday or Saturday, sound good?


Of course!

:)

[anonym0use]

Question: What's a good town/mafia ratio?

4:1 town? 5:1 town?

[sstralkowski]

Question: What's a good town/mafia ratio?

4:1 town? 5:1 town?

I usually do 22% mafia, 23% neutral, 55% town. I also adjust the neutral win conditions based on how powerful the mafia or town is.

[anonym0use]

Thanks! I've taken a lot of time to read through older games and use them as a template of sorts. Ignatz's JLA for instance had: 14 town, 6 mafia, and 5 independents...

[CarlosMucha]

I usually give more member to the mafia than that ratio, but that it's just me. :p

[sstralkowski]

Thanks! I've taken a lot of time to read through older games and use them as a template of sorts. Ignatz's JLA for instance had: 14 town, 6 mafia, and 5 independents...

That ratio is actually pretty close to mine.

[Jackofhearts2005]

I usually do 22% mafia, 23% neutral, 55% town. I also adjust the neutral win conditions based on how powerful the mafia or town is.
I really like this ratio.

I don't always use it, but I like it.

[spikerdude]

Ok, I have a problem. I am desigining a very powerful game. I have 1 cult, one mason, and two mafias. I have created another group. They don't make sense as a cult. And them as a mason just seems weired. Should I make them a mafia, or a mason?

[Jackofhearts2005]

Depends how big the group is.

Or you could always combine the group into one role.

Or you could make them a serial killing duo if there are only 2 of them.

[spikerdude]

the group has 5 people

[spikerdude]

whatever, i just decided what i am going to do with them. ASign up for simpsons, now!!

[Magnito]

Question: What's a good town/mafia ratio?

4:1 town? 5:1 town?
Rule of thumb, make the game so it looks fair...and then add 1 more mafia member.

[Darkseid Sr.]

Gosh, roles for The Dark Knight mafia are taking forever to write. :tired:

[spikerdude]

I just need to do the flavor text, and night zero for mine

[spikerdude]

when doing the town/non town ratios, how are survivors counted?

[DarqFeonix]

Okay, I have an incredibly stupid question, but this stems more from the fact I've yet to be a part of a Mafia team.

So, the Don sends the Mafia hit in for the night, as well as which member will be making the kill. Can this be any member? For instance, can the Mafia Doctor make the kill, even though his role does not include a Kill power? It just means that whatever power that member would normally have at night is sacrificed for the kill?

[malakim2099]

Okay, I have an incredibly stupid question, but this stems more from the fact I've yet to be a part of a Mafia team.

So, the Don sends the Mafia hit in for the night, as well as which member will be making the kill. Can this be any member? For instance, can the Mafia Doctor make the kill, even though his role does not include a Kill power? It just means that whatever power that member would normally have at night is sacrificed for the kill?

Right. Instead of doing your normal role, you're doing a nightkill.

Typically where you have the mafia doctor or someone involved that has a really GOOD power, you don't want to give him the kill unless you're sure there's no one neutral/town with a night kill power.

[Jackofhearts2005]

In short, yes.

[DarqFeonix]

Excellent, thank you both. Back to trying to hash out Barenaked Ladies roles :)

[Reibello]

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey

Would anyone care to help me balance roles for an upcoming game, I think I did ok, but it still probably needs some work.

[Jackofhearts2005]

Shoot me a pm and I'll check it out. :)

[Ignatz_Mouse]

Thanks! I've taken a lot of time to read through older games and use them as a template of sorts. Ignatz's JLA for instance had: 14 town, 6 mafia, and 5 independents...

My recent one had:
18 Town
1 Neutral
1 Serial Killer (extra powerful)
4 in one mafia
7 in the other

[Reibello]

Awesome, I'm leaving work now, I'll do it at home.

[Oroci]

I'm also looking for a hand with balance for a mafia game. If you're not interested in playing in a Secret Six mafia, and you'd like to look over my role write ups and such, I'd be thrilled for the help.

[Oroci]

Yes! I killed the thread! the deep desire to not help me has struck down a once mighty thread. Fear me, I am Oroci, destroyer of threads! :p

[Oroci]

Okay, someone say something before I start feeling like I actually did kill the thread :cry:

[Shadow40]

something


.............

[sstralkowski]

Okay, someone say something before I start feeling like I actually did kill the thread :cry:

I'd tell you to go to the "need to vent" thread, but it had to be closed. :cry:

[CarlosMucha]

what? why? that thread is great!