Do we still need the 'do not spam for games' warning? I think it sounds a bit unfriendly, and I don't think it's a serious problem at the moment. Plus I only use this skype account for mafia games so I don't mind if people spam me. Maybe some kind of FAQ would be useful, eg:
What is skype mafia? Is video involved?
We play with a group voice call; no video. Discussion takes place in the call, votes are placed by typing in the chat box at the bottom of the window (so that they can be tracked, and a moderator can post vote counts).
What do I need?
A skype account where you're happy to have scummers on your contacts list
A microphone
How do I join a game/get a game going?
- If you are not already in the skype group chat room, ask someone from the current players list to add you.
- Ask in the skype chat room if anyone wants to play. It is also worth posting in this skype thread on the forums.
- When you have a group of players ready to begin, start playing in the game room (again, ask someone to add you if needed; or start a new group call for the game if no one is in the existing room).
- One player, preferably with a reliable internet connection, should press the green button to start the call.
- Choose someone to mod the game*. Everyone else will need to add this person as a contact if they haven't already done so, so that roles can be sent by PM.
- During the night phases everyone should mute their microphones, to hide who is typing night actions or not. But don't forget to unmute it when the day begins!
How long does a game last?
It will vary a lot depending on how many players there are, what kind of game is being played, and how you play it. I would expect around 10 minutes for a 3-player game, and an hour or so for a 7-player. More than ~7 players can get a bit confusing in my opinion. As with a forum game you can set deadlines. Of course, it also takes some time to gather players, and for game set-up before the game begins.
What set-ups can be played?
Totally subjective, but I like:
SS3 (3 players)
Conspiracy (3-5 players)
Vengeful (5 players)
Lyncher (5 players)
Greater Idea (5 - 9 players)
Lovers Mafia (6 players)
Anything from the Open Setups list
Anything else you'd like to try!
*
Is it possible to play modless?
When low on players, we've had success playing 'honesty rules' versions of some games - SS3, SS4, Greater Idea. In honesty games, everyone randomises their own role (using the random generator; list randomiser; dice). Obviously, roles are no longer mutually exclusive, and it is possible to end up with all town or all mafia games, but we haven't found this to be a hindrance to game play. If the game is big enough to have multiple days then the first player to get lynched becomes the mod. In SS3, mafia win together, in SS4 they are separate factions. In Greater Idea, you can use preset quicktopics so that factions can identify each other at the start of the game.
![:]](./images/smilies/icon_smiling.png "Cheerful Smile"){kind=icon}