MAFIA V: The Invasion of vDiplomacy
__________________________

My Fellow Political Puppets,

It has come to my attention that our beloved home, vDiplomacy, is under attack. Our sister site, webDiplomacy, made headlines recently when they expelled a few of their formerly prominent members. Some of these members are now hiding amongst us, disguising themselves as avid Jack White fans in order to blend in.

As you might have guessed, I am only addressing this because it poses an issue for us. To my knowledge, there are six infiltrators. They are currently plotting against the rule of the Political Puppets, attempting to bring down our stable, peaceful society. They are very organized and feed off of each others' strengths in order to make a deadly team. These six are known as ruthless and dedicated and will not be easily stopped. However, we must try. I have brought you all here today in order to announce that I will be leading an investigation today to weed out the invaders and restore our forum to the way it used to be - silent, boring, and utterly useless, with none of the bullshit about free speech on webDiplomacy. Seriously, who cares? We're vDip.

It is our responsibility to take down the invaders. I am counting on you for assistance. I know you will serve our cause proudly.

Until we see each other again,
President Bo
__________________________

INTRODUCTION TO MAFIA

Mafia is an educated guessing game of epic proportions. The objective of the game is to ban (kill) all mafia members before they outnumber the rest of the town. It's much like a game of poker because mafia members are also part of the town during the day and may manipulate the vote to their liking. It is your responsibility to understand your role and play to the best interests of your coalition.

The game is typically very active, so the thread will get big quickly. However, it is essential to read the thread to play the game. Please remain active for the duration of the game.
__________________________

RULES

1. The GM reserves the right to adjudicate individual scenarios that arise during the course of the game at his discretion.
2. All players must vote at least once per game day.
3. All players must post at least twice per game day.
4. All players are forbidden from posting screenshots of their role PMs, revealing, or alluding to their character names.
5. All players are forbidden from using encryption.
6. All players are forbidden from using non-sanctioned PMing with other participants.
7. All players are forbidden from deleting previous posts of theirs.
8. All spectators and players who have been eliminated are forbidden from posting on all comment threads related to the game notes.
9. All players are forbidden from cheating.
10. All players are required to play to win.
__________________________

ELABORATION OF THE RULES

1. Given my lack of omniscience, I cannot create a rule to resolve all possible scenarios preemptively. In order to compensate for my inability to do so, I am permitted to resolve a given scenario however I deem appropriate. I will resolve all scenarios as closely as possible to the written intention of the rules, and will present an explanation regarding the adjudication to the greatest possible detail (which does not compromise sensitive or otherwise private game information) and as closely in accordance with the written rules as possible.

2. Each player is required to cast a vote (example: ##VOTE bo) during each day. Players are allowed to abstain from voting as long as they explicitly do so. Votes not preceded by a pair of octothorpes will not be counted. While inactivity is, on some level, an important part of the game of Mafia, players who provide nothing but a warm body serve only to reduce the degree of enjoyment and increase the degree of frustration of the other players in the game. Signing up for this game is an expression of commitment to taking it seriously – do not sign up if you believe you will not be able to spend any time on it. If you don't believe you can meet this requirement, consider signing up as an alternate or observing this game until your schedule clears. Failing to adhere to this rule will result in a replacement as soon as a replacement is available or an automatic modkill if no replacement is available.

3. Each player is required to post at a minimum of twice each day. Posts including no substantial text other than their daily vote are not included. I will not judge a post by quality but other players are encouraged to call out their fellow participants if their posts do not provide adequate insight. This rule does not apply to the night phase, but players are encouraged to participate during the night as well. While inactivity is, on some level, an important part of the game of Mafia, players who provide nothing but a warm body serve only to reduce the degree of enjoyment and increase the degree of frustration of the other players in the game. Signing up for this game is an expression of commitment to taking it seriously – do not sign up if you believe you will not be able to spend any time on it. If you don't believe you can meet this requirement, consider signing up as an alternate or observing this game until your schedule clears. Failing to adhere to this rule will result in a replacement as soon as a replacement is available or an automatic modkill if no replacement is available.

4. Just don't do this. Do not allude to character names at all. Players should not use knowledge of their name or their role PM to at all gain an advantage, with the exception of role claims. We had one mess over that before, let's not do it again. Doing so will result in immediate expulsion from the game at my discretion and an automatic modkill as your position is compromised and a replacement would be in an unfair circumstance if they joined. It may also result in further sanctioning at the GM's discretion.

5. Encryption is defined as posting an encoded message on public channels which an average person would require outside tools to decode. It is perfectly acceptable to leave "hidden messages" in your posts (for example, spelling out "I AM THE COP" with the first letters of every sentence), but as a rule of thumb, if you don't think the average webDip user could decode it without a decryption service, don't post it.

6. All in-game communications should be kept within the thread. The mafia will receive a QuickTopic thread for communicating with one another outside of the thread. Observers will have private areas to discuss the game. Aside from this, there should be no other forms of private messaging. If any player is in violation of this rule, please contact the GM.

7. Do not use any functions, hacks, codes, or cheats of any kind to delete or edit a post in this thread. Doing so is in violation of both game and site rules and would likely result in moderator intervention. If anything like this were to occur, I would deal with it on a case-by-case basis. If the moderator team elects to intervene, it could also result in site sanctioning up to a permanent ban.

8. Players who have died or been removed from the game are no longer playing the game and will not be permitted to comment on it in this thread. I do not have a problem with players discussing the game in PM so long as neither player is participating anymore (the only exception to the previous rule). Chat rooms will be opened for individuals who wish to spectate the game and discuss it with others as well as players who have been eliminated. It is preferable that one uses these channels to discuss the game while it is still ongoing. Dead posting will result in a single warning and then a one-game suspension as enforced by the next GM.

9. This is a catch-all rule intended to preserve the spirit of the game. If you’re considering saying or doing something that may be against the spirit of the game, PM me about it before saying/doing it and I’ll let you know whether it’s allowed or not. Odds are that if you find it questionable enough to inquire, you should avoid it, but you are free to ask nonetheless.

10. This rule simply means that your actions should in some conceivable way advance your win condition as stated in your role PM. This rule is somewhat subjective, because the difference between a mistake and sabotage is sometimes hard to determine. I will err away from assuming malevolence where reasonably possible. This also means that if you need to leave the game for any reason, you should not simply drop out, but should message me first so I can determine the best course of action.
__________________________

PENALTIES

The penalty for breaking one of the above rules is decided at the GM’s discretion unless otherwise stated in the elaboration section. Penalties up to and including immediate removal from the game and/or sanctions from future games are within the rights of the GM. Removal and/or sanction are instruments of last resort and will be used only if absolutely necessary. A player removed from the game may or may not have their role revealed on removal, depending on the circumstances surrounding their removal.
__________________________

VOTING

There are two levels of voting in this game. The first level of voting is for whom you intend to lynch. Notate this vote with a pair of octothorpes before your intended vote target (example: ##VOTE bo). You do not need to spell out your intended target's username fully; as long as I can understand who you're referencing, I will count your vote. If I for whatever reason miss your vote, the best course of action is to simply vote again. If you notice that I missed your vote after the phase concludes, sorry, shoulda caught it earlier. If you don't use double octothorpes when you cast your vote, I won't see it when I search through the thread and odds are your vote won't get counted.

The second level of voting is whether or not to employ the hammer mechanic. By default, days are set to 48 hours long, and nights to 24 hours long. However, players may instead elect to end the day as soon as a majority is reached (called a “quick hammer” or simply “hammer”). Notate this vote with a pair of octothorpes before the word end (example: ##END). The game will switch to the hammer mechanic for the duration of that day once a majority of players choose to do so.

In the event of a day being shortened by the hammer, rules #2 and #3 will not apply and you will not be penalized for failure to adhere to them.

In the event of a tie during a lynch vote, no one shall be lynched. There will be no sudden death votes.
__________________________

MISCELLANEOUS

SPAM:
There is no rule against spamming in this game. However, if your posts classify as spam under the site rules, you may face other types of punishment from site moderators that adversely affect your ability to play.

PLAYER SILENCES:
Players that have other participants on their mute list are asked to remove them for the duration of this game. Disputes stemming from outside of this game should not carry over into the gameplay. If they do, the GM reserves the right to address these issues and potentially remove or sanction players if it becomes a disruption. You are welcome to continue shoving sharp things up each others' asses once the game concludes.

FORUM SILENCES:
If a player is silenced on the forum by the moderator team, an alternate will take their place for the duration of their silence. The silenced player will then have the option to take their position back over or leave it in the hands of the alternate. So long as the silence does not stem from actions in the mafia thread, there will be no sanctions.

REPLACEMENTS:
If a player needs to leave their position, they are asked to contact the GM as far in advance as possible so that we can set up a replacement player. Alternates or potential replacements are not allowed access to the god QT but may access the regular observer QT.

TURN DURATION:
This game’s days will last 48 hours and nights will last 24 hours, unless cut short by in-game mechanics (e.g. hammer). Extensions may be granted at a moderator’s discretion, but don’t count on it.

GAME MODERATOR:
The moderator for this game is bo_sox48, the Supreme Overlord of All Things Mafia (for now). Please PM me with any concerns or call for my assistance in the thread with the "##CALL GM" tagline.
__________________________

TOWN

Role PM:
You are [name], a Political Puppet. You are either brand new at online Diplomacy or you have been around for five years and somehow haven't gotten past 100 . You aren't the first and you won't be the last. During the day, you are encouraged to make an accusation against someone suspected of participating in the invasion. The candidate that reaches a plurality during the day will be banned (lynched). You are required to cast a vote during the day. You may vote not to lynch anyone if you so desire. You are also required to post at least twice each day. During the night, you have no actions and are not required to participate, but still strongly encouraged to do so. You win once each of the invaders is dead.

POWER ROLES

• Oli - cop

Role PM:
You are Oli, the cop, officially known as the Chief of Moderation and Administration of the Kingdom of vDiplomacy (CMAKvD for short). During the day, you are encouraged to make an accusation against someone suspected of participating in the invasion. The candidate that reaches a plurality during the day will be banned (lynched). You are required to cast a vote during the day. You may vote not to lynch anyone if you so desire. You are also required to post at least twice each day. During the night, you may target another player to scan with intricate tools that I cannot discuss in specifics in this message or I will face a permanent ban from this site because jmo and 2WL said so during mod training. Unless you are roleblocked, you will be notified of the targeted player's alliance. You win once each of the invaders are dead, assuming that at least one Political Puppet survives, and are officially in an alliance with the Political Puppets.

• Jmo, MD - doctor

Role PM:
You are Jmo, MD, the doctor, officially known as the President and Primary Advisor of the Medical Professional Community of the Kingdom of vDiplomacy (PPAMPCKvD for short). During the day, you are encouraged to make an accusation against someone suspected of participating in the invasion. The candidate that reaches a plurality during the day will be banned (lynched). You are required to cast a vote during the day. You may vote not to lynch anyone if you so desire. You are also required to post at least twice each day. During the night, you may select one player to protect as if by magic but actually by some weird technological bullshit that no one else understands. Unless you are roleblocked, the player you choose to protect will be immune to the night kill for one night. You may protect yourself but not on subsequent nights. You will be notified if the player you protected was targeted but you will not be told whether they were targeted by the invaders or by the vigilante. The protected player will be notified that they were protected by Jmo, MD. You win once each of the invaders are dead, assuming that at least one Political Puppet survives, and are officially in an alliance with the Political Puppets.

• MeepMeep - vigilante

Role PM:
You are MeepMeep, the vigilante, known amongst the underground community as the Backstabbing, Untrustworthy, Secret-Sharing, Ladies Man, Superhuman Warrior. During the day, you are encouraged to make an accusation against someone suspected of participating in the invasion. The candidate that reaches a plurality during the day will be banned (lynched). You are required to cast a vote during the day. You may vote not to lynch anyone if you so desire. You are also required to post at least twice each day. During the night, you may select one player to target. Unless you are roleblocked or they are protected by the doctor, they will be killed by your deadly dogs. However, your dogs do not bark, because if they barked, you might mute them permanently. If you are roleblocked, your dogs will be distracted by the mafia's laser pointers and will be unable to complete their duties for the night. Therefore, you will not be charged one of your two targets. However, if your target is saved by the doctor, you will be charged one of your two targets, as your dogs were unable to kill your target before help arrived. You win once each of the invaders are dead, assuming that at least one Political Puppet survives, and are officially in an alliance with the Political Puppets.

MAFIA

• Draugnar

Role PM:
You are Draugnar, an invader. You assist the invaders by DDOSing a random player's computer, which shocks their security for a few hours so that twelve brigades of the United States Marine Corps can swoop in and send your target to meet their maker. During the day, you may elect to make an accusation against someone suspected of participating in the invasion. The candidate that reaches a plurality during the day will be banned (lynched). You are required to cast a vote during the day. You may vote not to lynch anyone if you so desire. You are also required to post at least twice each day. During the night, you may coordinate privately with the other invaders, voting who to kill and who to roleblock. You win once all of the Political Puppets have been defeated. You may discuss any night actions and submit night actions to this quick topic thread: [link here]. You may not use this thread during the day.

• mapleleaf

Role PM:
You are mapleleaf, an invader. You assist the invaders by throwing literal monkey shit at your target, presumably an American, but sometimes not, giving them a deadly strain of cholera. During the day, you may elect to make an accusation against someone suspected of participating in the invasion. The candidate that reaches a plurality during the day will be banned (lynched). You are required to cast a vote during the day. You may vote not to lynch anyone if you so desire. You are also required to post at least twice each day. During the night, you may coordinate privately with the other invaders, voting who to kill and who to roleblock. You win once all of the Political Puppets have been defeated. You may discuss any night actions and submit night actions to this quick topic thread: [link here]. You may not use this thread during the day.

• SYnapse

Role PM:
You are SYnapse, an invader. You assist the invaders by distracting your target with small talk about the creation of your own political party, causing them to criticize your naivety and hyper-idealistic nature, during which time you silently call in MI-6 to do the dirty work since you have been one of their undercover agents all along. During the day, you may elect to make an accusation against someone suspected of participating in the invasion. The candidate that reaches a plurality during the day will be banned (lynched). You are required to cast a vote during the day. You may vote not to lynch anyone if you so desire. You are also required to post at least twice each day. During the night, you may coordinate privately with the other invaders, voting who to kill and who to roleblock. You win once all of the Political Puppets have been defeated. You may discuss any night actions and submit night actions to this quick topic thread: [link here]. You may not use this thread during the day.

• Fasces

Role PM:
You are Fasces, an invader. You assist the invaders by sneaking up on your target from behind while they are distracted by Synapse's bullshit and dealing a deadly blow with your axe. During the day, you may elect to make an accusation against someone suspected of participating in the invasion. The candidate that reaches a plurality during the day will be banned (lynched). You are required to cast a vote during the day. You may vote not to lynch anyone if you so desire. You are also required to post at least twice each day. During the night, you may coordinate privately with the other invaders, voting who to kill and who to roleblock. You win once all of the Political Puppets have been defeated. You may discuss any night actions and submit night actions to this quick topic thread: [link here]. You may not use this thread during the day.

• Tettleton's Chew

Role PM:
You are Tettleton's Chew, an invader. You assist the invaders by turning a quiet, civil political debate into a loud, highly opinionated (and mostly wrong) rant. Your speeches quickly turn into screaming, and your screams are like that of the Banshee - loud, deafening, and deadly. Your target falls to their knees when you scream, dying slowly and in extreme pain as you laugh along behind the protection of your cracked Windows 2000 computer screen. During the day, you may elect to make an accusation against someone suspected of participating in the invasion. The candidate that reaches a plurality during the day will be banned (lynched). You are required to cast a vote during the day. You may vote not to lynch anyone if you so desire. You are also required to post at least twice each day. During the night, you may coordinate privately with the other invaders, voting who to kill and who to roleblock. You win once all of the Political Puppets have been defeated. You may discuss any night actions and submit night actions to this quick topic thread: [link here]. You may not use this thread during the day.

• blankflag

Role PM:
You are blank flag, an invader. You assist the invaders by creating hundreds of spam threads on their browser at any given point, causing them to get silenced by the moderator team. You then circumvent the silence, creating another hundred spam threads, quickly getting your target banned from vDiplomacy. You then hack their browser again in order to redirect them to your personal homepage, http://tinyurl.com/2fcpre6, in order to finish them off for good. During the day, you may elect to make an accusation against someone suspected of participating in the invasion. The candidate that reaches a plurality during the day will be banned (lynched). You are required to cast a vote during the day. You may vote not to lynch anyone if you so desire. You are also required to post at least twice each day. During the night, you may coordinate privately with the other invaders, voting who to kill and who to roleblock. You win once all of the Political Puppets have been defeated. You may discuss any night actions and submit night actions to this quick topic thread: [link here]. You may not use this thread during the day.
__________________________

GAME FORMAT

22 players:

Town (13) - known as the Political Puppets
Mafia (6) - known as the Invaders
Cop (1) - Oli - aligned with Political Puppets
Vigilante (1) - MeepMeep - aligned with Political Puppets
Doctor (1) - Jmo, MD - aligned with Political Puppets
__________________________

PREVIOUS MAFIA THREADS AND REFERENCE POINTS

M6 - threadID=1203168
We skipped M5, don't know why.
M4 - threadID=1153331
M3.5 - threadID=1143397
M3 - threadID=1142133
M2 - threadID=1129589
M1 - threadID=1116382

General Mafia Discussion - threadID=1126828
Mafia How-To (new players read thoroughly) - threadID=1129840

M7 Sign Up Thread - threadID=1209600