Topic: Mafia LX: Holiday Murder Mystery Mafia (HM3) - 1st Day of Christmas

[Stratos]

Welcome to the party! I hope everyone is having a great time. Please pay no heed to the dead girl in the corner. We can still have a wonderful time drinking holiday cheer and forgetting our troubles. No there is no need to call the cops. There are enough suspicious things happening here this weekend that we'd all get hauled off to jail.
Please, everyone, let's just drink more egg nog (I spiked it myself!) and have the time of our lives. And if we party hard enough, I hear that Santa himself may make an appearance! What do you want him to bring you?

~Meanwhile, at Santa's Workshop

Helper: Santa! Something bad is happening! Looks like a group of murderous wives are plotting the death of their husbands and everyone else around them. What should we do?
Santa: The only thing we know how to do: bring cheer to the world through the satisfaction of children's greedy obsession with materialism! To the sleigh!

Day Thread will close at 9:00PM PST.

[Khushrenada]

Question (or two):

You say this about Santa's Helper: "Santa chooses a person to be his ‘helper’. This person is not notified by the Host until Santa’s passing that he is the next Santa."

Does that mean a mafia member could be chosen as Santa's helper? Also, would Santa have to choose right away or can he wait until he is ready to do so?
 
Also, un-vote Pokepal148. Nothing personal but he was the one to break the chain in the sign-up thread and I told him he'd be the first one dead so now I have to keep my word.

[Silenced]

Fifteen players, four mafia, so about 1/3 of the total group. Leaves only a day's worth of error.

I promise to be more attentive this time around. Unfortunately, the same cannot be guaranteed by every user. I'm afraid we'll have another 'shoot the inactive' bandwagon spree in due time.

[Khushrenada]

Well, I hope the delay in starting the game doesn't have a factor in people being absent and not realizing it has started. Although he isn't playing, last game, Thatguy had a very limited window in which to play because of his job so with a late start like this, I'm not sure he would have been able to participate day 1. That could be true of others as well.

At the same time, I say reach out to the inactive players. If you see someone not participating, call them out in this thread and/or vote for them. Also, send them a pm message and see if you can get them to respond and participate that way. If someone's trying to hide, getting messages from players will show that they are not being successful about it. There's always solutions to the problems this game can pose. You just have to figure them out.

[Pixelated Pixies]

I've read the rules as best as I can, but I'm still a little hazy on the specifics of how this game is supposed to work. I'll be as involved as I can, but I might need to hang back for a little bit to see how the game is played. I don't want to go ruining it for everyone else.

[jrlibrarian]

Doom came out 20 years ago, on 12-10-1993. If you add all the digits up, you get 26. If you add *those* digits together, you are left with 8. The only players with 8 letters in their username are Silenced and Toruresu.

I got nothing.

[lolmonade]

On the first day of mafia my instinct's telling me,
un-vote Khushrenada for thinking poop pics are funny.

[Stratos]

That is a huge loophole with Santa possibly going to the Mafia. I'll just randomly select a new santa instead of the old one getting to choose.

Also, due to the late start I sent a group pm to everyone playing the game as a reminder. I'm hoping it doesn't hurt play.

Pixley, you can ask me for clarification on any of the rules at any time. Feel free to pm me.

[pokepal148]

Ok vote khushrenada because he's the first person to try to vote someone out and try to start a bandwagon

[Khushrenada]

If I was trying to start a bandwagon, you'd be dead already. And it is the second vote that creates a bandwagon. Not the first. Therefore, you should be voting for yourself.

Really thinking about voting lolmonade for thinking poop pics aren't funny but I sadly know he's right about that. Again, it wasn't the pic I found funny but the shock it would cause. And I'd vote Stratos if he was playing for the late start and calling Pixpix Pixley. Who does that? In short, I'd vote you all out and win on my own. I'm surprised Stevey hasn't jumped on the vote Khushrenada bandwagon.

However, I'd say we should be focusing on two other individuals. Nickmitch and Glad0s have both been around today and I know for sure they know the game is on and have lurked this thread. Yet neither has posted anything yet. Maybe they are trying to keep from getting voted out or maybe they want to lay low and avoid suspicion for awhile. I say we target them right now and get them to start commiting votes and/or comments.

Vote Nickmitch

[Silenced]

In a normal game I would usually hold off and wait for everyone else to check in before making judgments, but that doesn't always happen here.

And a random/joke bandwagon on Day 1 is the perfect way to deflect suspicion and send a townie off with little repercussions. Seeing as lolmonade was mafia last game (if I can recall) I do suspect him less. The chances of him earning a mafia role two times in a row is lower than a previous townie getting one.

[Pixelated Pixies]

If only there were some way to tell who was in the Mafia, like...oh I don't know, some kind of Mafia Apparel. A Fedora for instance!

↑↑↑

[Khushrenada]

Some free advice. If I was Santa, I'd work it this way. Choose two people to be the doctor and detective. Tell the person you chose that you are Santa and they are to protect you every night. You'll keep choosing them over and over. Next, you tell your investigator who you are and who your doctor is. That way, if you have selected a mafia member to protect you and they do not and whack you instead, well, it sucks but it exposes a mafia member as the detective will know who failed to give protection.

Meanwhile, the detective must give you all his findings. From there, you will start to build a townie alliance and keep those people informed of each new investigation for each day. The key is to find Santa's Helper. Once you've found him, he's the only other townie you can fully trust so make him your detective from then on.

What if the person you choose as detective is mafia? That's a risk but he will be in a quandry as well. He can give you false readings. However, doing so means he may also be caught as well. As soon as someone dies who isn't what he said they were, then he is exposed. He'll die and you'll start anew.
However, a smarter thing might be to rotate. So, the investigator you choose on Day 1 will then be your doctor Day 2 and you pick a new investigator. Then your Day 2 investigator becomes your doctor on Day 3 and you choose a new investigator. Of course, you would tell your investigator who you want them to check on and start accumulating data that way and keep it from all being potentially corrupted.

Of course, if both people you choose are mafia members from the start, well, that is some really crappy luck but there is always Santa's Helper to take over and hopefully things go better than. Plus, there will be players winning investigations each day and so things can still work in the townies favor even if the Santa role is crippled.

It is the best plan I can come up with regarding these roles.

[Silenced]

If Steve Martin is a mafia man, consider me surprised.

[Pixelated Pixies]

It's always the ones you least expect!

...Or is that Cylons?

[Spak-Spang]

We should never vote out Khush the first day.  He has proven to be able to find the mafia in no time at all if you just give him a day or two. 

Also, big question.  If Santa is killed before assigning a helper does that mean there is no helper?  Santa if you are out there...maybe don't wait. 

Finally, I am not going to pursue the investigator role, because my time difference makes it hard to talk to people.  So I am not going to be doing too much role playing this game. 

As for a wild guess vote...heck I don't know. 

Vote:  Nickmitch

[lolmonade]

We should never vote out Khush the first day.  He has proven to be able to find the mafia in no time at all if you just give him a day or two. 

Assuming he's not mafia.

[Spak-Spang]

Khush:  That is good advice.  This mafia game has many mafia members.  It is important to build an alliance fast.  But it also has the advantage for us townies of getting lucky.  We might be able to get some lucky investigations and votes in.  It is also important Khush that the Doctor can not give out the investigator role.  It looks like that is a special role.  Only the person who posts the most gets it.  But that means there are only 2 roles that Santa can give out it looks like.  I am kinda confused on that one.

I hope so.  At any rate...the game is a foot and people can not hide forever.

Edit:  Nevermind, finished reading all the rules.  Say the editing mistake.  OK.  There can be up to 2 investigators...OK.  This game is going to be pretty even.  I think the mafia is going to be in trouble. 

[Spak-Spang]

Lolmonade:  Which is why I said first day.  Give him a day or two to work his magic and prove his innocence. 

[Pixelated Pixies]

I guess the time difference means I'll need to get my vote in early (it's already Wednesday here).

I'm still a little unclear on who the culprits are or who they're accused of killing (you know? Other than that one lady in the corner). So I assigned you all a number and put it into a random number generator (http://www.random.org/). Based on the number it spat back,

Vote: Insanolord

Which I feel really bad about because they just recently accepted my friend request on PSN, lol.

[Silenced]

Only two votes are against an actually active player.

If you guys really want Khush's 'super-sleuth' powers, it appears he's on the verge of getting voted out. Only like an hour left if I read the time right.

[Khushrenada]

I hate my reputation. Hey, let's build me up as a huge threat against the mafia so they whack me right away. Also, if I don't find a mafia member in a day or two, then we'll kill you for clearly not helping townies.

First, I'm not infallible and have lost as a townie to the mafia before. I will choose the wrong people at times. I haven't played a mafia game in almost a year and a half. I'm not counting the last game in Dec. 2012. I was voted out Day 1 in it but I let myself die so that the killer could play on and I had won just won the game before (as a townie! gasp!) so I wasn't trying that hard.

Yeesh. I'm just playing on my own and I'm keeping my activities pretty public. Why not worry about some of the other players who are laying low? The dangers you can not see right now. Like Nickmitch.

[Khushrenada]

Only two votes are against an actually active player.

If you guys really want Khush's 'super-sleuth' powers, it appears he's on the verge of getting voted out. Only like an hour left if I read the time right.

.

You are reading the time wrong. There is 4 hours and 7 minutes or so left in the day.

[Silenced]

Read the P as an E. My bad.

[Stratos]

It has been brought to my attention that I forgot a part of the rules I had discussed before the game started. Whoever wins the boozer-investigator role is immune to a hit from the mafia\vigilante for that night. There is an assured death for the winner of the role and would defeat the use of the role.

Apologies for the confusion. And yes, a little under 4 hours of vote time.

[Khushrenada]

Possibly. If the mafia hit every person who wins the role, (because there would be a new winner every night in that scenario) then they leave themselves open to Santa and his crew which could be far more deadly, provided none of them attempt to win the ability. At the same time, none of the mafia could ever win that ability because if they did and then that person wasn't whacked, it would be highly suspicious. Of course, they could also use that to frame someone so there is always a guessing game like any event should be.

Still, I can see it doing the opposite of what you want and thereby have it cause less participation if that was the case. And why should I argue a free protection when it looks like I would most likely be today's winner provided I don't get voted out?

Let's see if I can't use this to break the game. Santa choose me as today's detective and then I will get two investigations and be protected. Meanwhile, choose a doctor to help protect you, (I can give you a short list of a couple people I currently would trust) and then we should be protected from the mafia going forward.

But now another thorny issue arises. What if the mafia member who can nullify a role uses it on the winner of the detective ability for the day? Is that ability still protected? If Santa gives me a detective kit, would I lose that ability but keep the won ability? Would I lose both? Would I keep both by being protected from my win?

[pokepal148]

In a normal game I would usually hold off and wait for everyone else to check in before making judgments, but that doesn't always happen here.

And a random/joke bandwagon on Day 1 is the perfect way to deflect suspicion and send a townie off with little repercussions. Seeing as lolmonade was mafia last game (if I can recall) I do suspect him less. The chances of him earning a mafia role two times in a row is lower than a previous townie getting one.

Thatguy and jrlibrarian were also mafia last time...
I may follow khush's judgment here but I'm not entirely certain, for now I'm stepping back to avoid the hasty decisions I made last time that screwed me over before

[Mop it up]

Vote Stratos

Wait, what? Aw nuts.

[Spak-Spang]

Do not make assumptions on probability.  I had that problem one game I played.  I assumed people were safe because of probability.  The only probability that matters is people have a 4/15 or for simplicity almost 1/4 chance of being mafia.  That is pretty high.

Also, we have a 1/4ish chance of voting a mafia member out this day one.  It is pretty high, but still unlikely.  Let's hope we get lucky then.

[Khushrenada]

EDIT: I see Spak-Spang has made the same point but I'm still posting mine with examples. Examples, yo!
 
On the point of previous mafia members, I don't put any weight in that. My first five games I was mafia. Of course, the first 4 had games with two mafia (and in one case 3) and the fifth was an 11 player game with only two mafia members and I got chosen as one of the two. There are other people who've been back-to-back mafia members before as well. Vudu was mafia 3 times in a row at one point. Pretty sure apdude had a run at being mafia a few games in a row.

Therefore, never eliminate a suspect based on their role last game.

[lolmonade]

Given that I have no real basis on my original vote, coupled with not sure if losing an active player is a good idea this early, i'm going to rescind my prior selection and vote Nickmitch.

[Glad0s]

Vote Insanolord, just because I'm supporting PixPix. Because he's British, likes RFN, and has excellent taste in music. So he's like almost Greg Leahy at this point.

EDIT: well as much as I feel like I shouldn't trust him, Khush's whole argument is actually quite logical. So... Vote Nickmitch

[Khushrenada]

While those are fine reasons to vote, why not vote for Nickmitch? If he gets voted out and turns out to be mafia, then you'll look suspicious for trying to start a bandwagon and opposite vote for someone else. If nickmitch is innocent, then the vote will be on me and you have nothing to fear for blame in such a mistake. Not to mention, Insanolord has yet to show up and realize the game has begun or what his role is. Therefore, he is not a threat right now to any of us.

[Toruresu]

How late am I to this party?! I confess I haven't read much of the rules and I usually don't trust vudu, shyguy and kush in any mafia game. That being said, I'll join the bandwagon.

vote nickmitch

[Khushrenada]

If I was trying to start a bandwagon, you'd be dead already.

What did I tell you?

And I'm laughing at the fact that so many of you are saying you don't trust me but you'll vote with me anyways. Thanks for the vote of confidence guys. Can't wait until tomorrow when Nickmitch turns out to be Santa or something.

[Spak-Spang]

Another rule clarification could be asked.  Can someone be given two roles?  Like doctor and Investigator.  Or get the investigator role and the boozer role?  That could be a valid strategy for Santa once somebody has been cleared.

[Toruresu]

Khush...Are you trolling us all? Investigator, check Khush out!

[Khushrenada]

Khush...Are you trolling us all? Investigator, check Khush out!

Why do that when you can just trust me and come along for the wild ride and see where it leads?

[Spak-Spang]

Well, what I find is funny...if people don't trust you...then why are they allowing you to post all over the place and assuredly get the boozer role.  It's a joke.  I think people trust to distrust you...but really they are just distrustingly trusting you...or something like that.

I wish I had posted more to the role though.  Not because I distrust you...but because I never planned on posting this much, and probably won't post this much again this game...so it was my only chance. 

[Toruresu]

Khush...Are you trolling us all? Investigator, check Khush out!

Why do that when you can just trust me and come along for the wild ride and see where it leads?

It's gonna be a wild one you say? I don't know wether to smile or cry. It still haunts, that game, when you sent all hits in advanced and just sat back.

[Spak-Spang]

I do think Khush brings up an interesting point about his "god" like status in this game.  He has some amazing track record.  But, it isn't infallible...and in the end, he really wants to just play the game.  Something is usually doesn't get to do. 

Most likely Khush is a regular townie, and when/if he is voted out everyone will have egg on his face.  It always seems the Khush bandwagon is a strong bandwagon, but then not usually successful. 

And yes, I am just rambling for no reason...ok...well I have one reason.
 

[Khushrenada]

Blame the other players. They forced me to have to reason with them to change their votes and try a different suspect. If they had just let me be, I wouldn't have needed to post so much.

However, I grow more concerned as the day nears completion. I think if Nickmitch was mafia, he would have tried to come in and defend himself at this point. He's seen what's going on. The fact he hasn't either suggests that he doesn't have much support from his mafia who are absent still, have much time to really play and doesn't mind getting offed to not have to worry about the game or is a townie and has given up.

The lack of response is not what I expected at this point.

[Khushrenada]

Khush...Are you trolling us all? Investigator, check Khush out!

Why do that when you can just trust me and come along for the wild ride and see where it leads?

It's gonna be a wild one you say? I don't know wether to smile or cry. It still haunts, that game, when you sent all hits in advanced and just sat back.

Ha ha. Man, that was an incredible game. I was reading it again a few weeks back because something triggered a memory about it. When I look over how the hit choices played out, it was an incredible feat of luck, mixed with a crazy strategy and I still owe Maxi and Mop it up big for carrying the load and keeping the townies trust and focus off. I don't know why you are haunted by me. Mop it up is the one who did a number on you as you mentioned at the end of the game. I just sent in hits and disappeared.

[Spak-Spang]

Hmmm, interesting. 

Though, I remember the game I played I tried to defend myself and it just cast more suspicion on me.  Has he posted at all?  Maybe he is just laying low this day...and didn't even see he was voted on.  Anyway, inactive players annoy me...so I am still OK with the vote.

[lolmonade]

Or maybe Nickmitch realizes that there's what, 4 or 5 votes against him already, and it's futile to try to negotiate a pardon?

[Spak-Spang]

Khush:  I think you are using my strategy from last game.  Talk as much as possible and if you are killed you are nothing...a regular townie...it gives more time for strategy elsewhere. 

I like it. 

**This post is only because I want to get the boozer role.** 

I think I will quit trying after this post though.  I feel like I am being annoying. 

[Glad0s]

Khush:  I think you are using my strategy from last game.  Talk as much as possible and if you are killed you are nothing...a regular townie...it gives more time for strategy elsewhere. 

I like it. 

**This post is only because I want to get the boozer role.** 

I think I will quit trying after this post though.  I feel like I am being annoying.

That's one word for it.

[Khushrenada]

and in the end, he really wants to just play the game.

Yes. When I get the opportunity, it is always a pleasure. Truthfully, I would like to just play a slower game and not have to rush, rush, rush in my actions. But other players want to put heat on me all the time and right away that I feel I have to act fast or lose. If I do try and stay low key or just mess around and play for a few laughs, I seem to get killed faster.

I wish more people would engage me though. I mean, what do you think is a better victory? Killing me day 1 or 2 and getting a mafia win or keeping me alive to the end and getting a mafia win? You might say a win is a win but Stevey did the latter and it is still my favorite loss. He and his mafia suckered me good and beat my townie alliance just in time to win.

Another win I look on fondly is the Charlie Brown mafia. In that game, I tried to keep as many townie roles alive as I could and keep the stronger players alive longer which I mainly succeeded at except for having to kill Thatguy Night 3 but it had to be done. I think there was one other role I had to eliminate on the last night to seal victory but it just meant the game was over at that point. That was a good win because it was earned against good competition.

That's what keeps me coming back for more. There are a lot of good players in this game who I consider high level threats. Maybe that's my problem. Since everyone looks at me, I'm the only looking at them thereby making me the big threat. Still, if they really wanted it and played accordingly, they could probably beat me on the road to victory. I'm just one player and without support, it is hard for me to accomplish that much.
 
EDIT: Also, Nickmitch has posted in other threads today including the funhouse so he has been around.

[Stratos]

Thread Lock. Counting posts.

And...Khush gets boozer award.
Khush- 12
Spak- 8
Silenced- 5
Rest less than 5 posts.
Everyone has until 10pm to get in their night actions if you have not already.

Final Vote Count
Nickmitch - 5
Insanolord - 1
Stratos (Host) - 1