Meowselsworth's "Who Goes There?" (Inactive)

Game Master Meowselsworth

A mafia game themed after The Thing.


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The research you've been assigned to do was not particularly glamorous, but you were part of an expedition to Antarctica, but you've found something in the ice that could really put your name in the history books! Evidence of life that has never been seen before! But after the ice was thawed, the biological matter within was no longer anywhere to be found.

It's only been hours since, and the communications to the outside have been silenced. There is not enough time to repair them, as one among you has already been killed. Marco Rogers, a lab assistant, was found dead in the laboratory, body maimed beyond recognition. Only his name tag and a recording, starting with a one-sided conversation with someone he thought was another member of the expedition and ending in his screams of horror, remain to preserve his memory. You have reason to believe that whatever did this is impersonating a member (or members?) of the crew.

The Thing that did this must be stopped.

This is a mafia game. The mechanics of a mafia game is that every cycle, one member of the town (in this case, the researchers) is lynched by a democratic vote. One member of the town is killed by mafia every cycle based on a secret mafia vote. This continues until there is only mafia left, or all the mafia is dead. The special roles are assigned at random with no preference given.

The geneticist: Thank goodness you took that option in university. Unfortunately, you don't have access to all the tools you need. Every cycle, the geneticist can test one person for their role. Only the geneticist knows the results of this. There is only a 75% chance of success.

College roommates: You get on each other's nerves, to the point where you pick up on all of the other's idiosyncrasies without fail just to be annoyed by them. These members of the town know and can communicate with one another. If the number of players is equal to or less than 10, there are no roommates. 11-20: 2 roommates. 21-30: 3 roommates. Etc.

Combat trained: You picked up some self-defense classes. You were goddamn good at them. The combat trained person chooses one person per cycle to protect. That individual cannot be killed by creatures. The combat trained does not learn who was attacking, but does learn that an attack occured when defending. The combat trained individuals can protect themselves, but cannot protect the same individual twice in a row. There is one combat trained person if there is more than 6 but less than 15. There are two combat trained if there is more than 15.

The creature: They make up 1/4 of the population, rounded up. They impersonate former members of the crew and are trying to murder them.

The creature geneticist: Thank goodness that person who you are impersonating took that option in university. This character has all the powers of the creature plus the ability to use the geneticist's powers. This role only exists if there are three or more creatures.

I'll mention more about nitty gritty later, because I'm all about nitty gritty. The players make up the world except for my flavour posts for the intro here! Have fun, your roles will be assigned quietly and randomly once recruitment closes.


This.....this is interesting. Sign me up!


Cool!

I'll be requesting a brief bio for your character, but anyone who applies is in the game. The more the merrier! I know of some others who will almost certainly be joining us, but for now I will post up official confirmations.

Players - Characters:

bigrig107 - TBA


A bio on our character? Alright, here's my first question, then. Or first two.

Do we choose and/or create our own character background, set up under what you have listed?

Say, if I was to create a scientist character, and go through a short ten-minute background or such, is that what you are talking about?
Or just give a name, a description, and a personality? Not sure what you mean.

My second question: will this be played on the boards here?
If so, I presume it's going to be leaning on the honor system? Not a problem for me, just curious.


A brilliant student and gentle soul, Sven was heading to a Greenpeace rally when his bicycle was struck by a knuckle-dragger driving a coal roller. Sven was in a coma for 87 days and missed his PhD thesis defense, but the school went ahead and granted him the degree by unanimous consent of his advisory committee and faculty sponsor. His work was superb; he had continuously engaged his committee, and everyone believed he was going to die anyway, so why not? It would be nice to see PhD on his tombstone.

Much to their surprise, Sven one day opened his eyes and demanded to speak to the Secretary General of the UN. Disappointed in that request, he opted to get out of bed and learn to function again. Upon his discharge from the hospital, he resumed living in his apartment, where he nailed his degree to the wall and buried all his cats, regretting that he had never given his closest friends an apartment key. His friends were happy to see him, but soon dropped away when his conversation turned again and again to penguins. How nobody had ever really studied them, not the way Goodall studied chimps or Fossey studied gorillas. And who was in the most immediate danger from global warming? Penguins. Somebody needed to do something, and fast!

First, though, he agreed to press charges against the man who had struck him. The trial was scuttled when the driver, apparently in the grip of despair and/or remorse, was found drowned in his toilet, obviously a suicide. Sven shook his head, dusted off his PC, and started firing off grant requests in an effort to save the penguins. As his accident seemed to have made him something of a grant-writing savant, he managed to wrangle funding for Antarctic studies of penguins, which he threw himself into with gusto.

Rapidly increasing global temperatures made him re-prioritize his efforts, and he managed to get yet another a grant to winter over (or summer over) this year in order to test new Antarctic construction methods. His goal is to build an isolated biosphere containing part of the Antarctic land mass, ice shelf, and sea waters and keep it cool enough to preserve the whole ecosystem, and thus the penguins. He disappears for hours at a time out into the dark, testing construction techniques and doing gods only know what else.


bigrig107:

Do not choose a role when setting up your bio. These will be assigned by me randomly at the start of the game after the recruitment phase, and none of the other players will be aware of your role (it is normally kept secret, unless you find a strategic advantage in revealing it). Your character should just be the type of character who would work in an Antarctic research expedition.

A name, a description and a personality, or a short bio like Treppa/Sven has provided would be ideal.

For the second question, this will be played on the boards. I will open a gameplay thread, but the roles will be sent via private message. Private messages about the game between players is disallowed, except in the case of the College Roommates, who may communicate by any means that is roughly analagous to PMs.

For example gameplay, Meowselsworth's Mafia, Mutants on the Cold Star, or Murder Mystery Tour could help for inspiration.

Mechanically, this is most like Meowselsworth's Mafia or Mutants on the Cold Star.

Players - Characters:

bigrig107 - TBA
Treppa - Sven Iscidae


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I shouldn't. I really shouldn't. I really really shouldn't.

Total will power failure.

I'm in.


Jimmy Smith wears gray janitorial coveralls, a costume befitting the expedition factotum. You sometimes wonder how he can see through the long brownish greyshot hair that hangs in greasy strands that often obscrue his face. He speaks with the flat clipped accent of a Minnesota native.

Jimmy's secret:
Unbeknownst to other members of the expedition, Jimmy is James Conrad Smith who rocked the scientific community fifteen years ago with his doctoral thesis and DNA evidence which announced the discovery of paramecium with genes similar to those enabling photosynthesis. It dissolved into scandal when it was revealed that his discovery was actually a very clever application of CRISPR.

Treppa -- love the cats.


Awesome!

bigrig107 - TBA
Treppa - Sven Iscidae
therealthom - Jimmy

We'll figure out when to start gameplay once we have more, I know I have more coming so I'm hoping to get up to 10-12 players, which is always ideal! Getting roommates to appear is always fun.


Thom - considering the GM, it was a foolish inspiration. -2.


Putting a nice big dot here. Been forever since I've played in one. :)


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bigrig107 - TBA
Treppa - Sven Iscidae
therealthom - Jimmy
Mahorfeus - TBA

Great! Oh, by the way, this time I will be following the timestamp standard. When I say a round is ending at 6pm, that means I will not consider any votes after 6:00:00, even 1 second more and I will ignore those votes.

For new players, that may seem like a strange distinction, but sometimes, seconds seem to matter. Get your votes in before the deadlines, and post late at your own risk!


Everyone needs to eat, even way out in the Antarctic, it was Elora's job to make sure everyone is well nourished. She sometimes wondered what she did to deserve being sent to this frozen wasteland, she must have gotten on the bad side of the wrong person, either that or someone thought she could be trusted around all the important research... maybe both. Most of her fellow classmates from the culinary program already had restaurants of their own and here she was stuck running a cafeteria for these penguin obsessed scientists.

Despite her qualms about being stuck in the Antarctic Elora takes her job seriously, and although she may complain at times for the most part she enjoys it. She specialized in baking throughout her schooling, and frequently had new baked goods for the lab workers, the apron she always wears is constantly covered in flour, and the scent of fresh baked bread seems to follow her everywhere.


bigrig107 - TBA
Treppa - Sven Iscidae
therealthom - Jimmy
Mahorfeus - TBA
Leoian - Elora Erickson


You diabolical fiend! You brilliant bastard! Nobody is going to want to lynch the pastry chef.

:shakefist:


I'm in. I haven't finished my bio yet.


bigrig107 - TBA
Treppa - Sven Iscidae
therealthom - Jimmy
Mahorfeus - TBA
Leoian - Elora Erickson
pinvendor - TBA

That's alright, I'm just wanting people signing up for now!


Yup, I'm interested. Hada brief concept & will refine it a trifle more soonish.


Ah well. There's nothing else I'd be using this alias for. Would be nice to have it get through some game.

Having dreamed of grand adventures as a child Dashiell 'Dash' Gunnar had been bitterly disappointing to realize that he had been born in the wrong time. What thrilling voyages into the unknown can be taken when the entire planet is mapped by satellite and GPS is available everywhere?

Settling into the decidedly unexciting life of a security guard at the local state university Dashiell was excited to find out about an Antarctic research expedition looking for a security expert. In his early 20s and with no commitments tying him down Dash eagerly applies. They say his enthusiasm is what gets him the job but really it's the incredibly limited budget the expedition is working under combined with liability insurance demanding at least some form of security presence.


I have not played a PBP before, but this looks very interesting and something I would like to be part of, if you will put up with my initial stumbling

I grew up on a small family dairy farm in southern Minnesota. Money on the farm was always tight so we learned to get by with what we had and to fix what broke. In high school I joined the wrestling team, not much else to do in MN during the winter, except play basket ball, and I never was any good at that. After high school I went to community college, enrolling in a BUM (Building Utility Maintenance) program at the local campus. The school had a wrestling program, and while I wasn't a top tier wrestler, I was able to earn a spot on the squad. Long story short, a twist when I should have turned and totally destroyed shoulder. Docs fixed it up OK, but will never wrestle again. Finished my degree, coach pulled some strings and got me a job with the campus maintenance department and I settled into what I thought would be my happily ever after. After a couple of years though, one of the science geeks in the gaming club talked to me about this job offer he had. One of the best parts about getting a job on campus is I got to stay involved in the gamming club, never have to look far for a group of gamers to play with that way. Plus, with my building access I am always able to find an empty conference room to play in, which is fairly cool. Sorry, back to the story, anyway, this science guy had a job offer with an Antarctic research expedition. He knew they needed a guy to keep the lights on, the plumbing from freezing and the equipment running. After looking it over I applied and got accepted.


bigrig107 - TBA
Treppa - Sven Iscidae
therealthom - Jimmy
Mahorfeus - TBA
Leoian - Elora Erickson
pinvendor - TBA
DSX - TBA
Azih - Dash Gunnar
stump_o_matic - Mike Cooper

Up to 8 people is good! And not to worry, stump_o_matic, we'd be happy to have you! This might be a good format to get used to the pbp format, as the games are generally short (I would expect this to finish out in about a month or so with this many players) and you'll get to interact with a lot of people.

A mafia style game was my first exposure to pbping as well, so I should know!


Meowselsworth wrote:

And not to worry, stump_o_matic, we'd be happy to have you! This might be a good format to get used to the pbp format, as the games are generally short (I would expect this to finish out in about a month or so with this many players) and you'll get to interact with a lot of people.

A mafia style game was my first exposure to pbping as well, so I should know!

I read through the examples provided above and now find myself scouring the boards looking for other "mafia" type games to read through. The more I read the more I am looking forward to playing.


They can be very nerve-wracking - much moreso than other pbps.

If you haven't already found these, Ryuko created what I believe was the original Mafia/werewolf thread on these boards with Wolves of the Weirwood and followed it up with his Murder Mystery Tour. DougFungus created the next Murder Mystery and they kind of caught on, with several variations.


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Wolves of Weirwood was actually the second...Ryuko's Murder Mystery Tour was actually the first & I've participated in all of them (I think).


I have read through all the games referenced and this looks like a lot of fun. I wish all the private messages would be available to read as well as I bet that would make those previous games even better.

Hopefully will get more players. I emailed a friend of mine with a link to the game.


I know the person who played Alessandra Devries actually revealed much of her private messages sent and received in the Murder Mystery run by DougFungus. I always meant to get around to exposing Taraz's PMs, but no one ever expressed any interest, lol. XD


As a member of the Scandinavian Special Forces, Captain Alexander Maxerson was trained to survive and operate while under even the coldest and most dangerous of climate conditions. After an honorable discharge at the age of 32, he decided to share his survival experience with the world. The very next year, the fruit of his labor, Arctic Survivor, debuted on the Discovery Channel. The show was a smash hit, raking in ludicrous amounts of cash from merchandising. After a successful first three seasons however, Alexander decided that the show needed something to keep it fresh, to keep the fans interested.

On the debut of season 4, Alexander pulled his most shocking survival stunt yet. What followed was disaster. Walrus and polar bear activists worldwide were outraged by the episode. Loyal fans of the series accused it of jumping the shark, asserting that it betrayed the true spirit of the series. Making matters even worse, documents leaked on the internet suggested that Alexander had never even been in the military before. The rest of season 4 was promptly canceled, and publishers pulled out of the book deals they had signed with him. Millions of dollars worth of merchandise was pulled from the shelves. Alexander was left in ruin.

Alexander spent the next year of his life in self-imposed exile in the Scandinavian wilderness, chopping logs, growing out his beard, and rethinking his life. One day however, a television producer from the Discovery Channel visited his humble abode, offering an interesting proposition. With controversy having died down, the time was ripe for Alexander to make his big comeback. All he had to do was win some goodwill back from his old fans. He learned of an expedition to the Antarctic that was in need of a survival consultant. In that moment, Alexander could see it. Like a seal rising from its breathing hole, he would make his triumphant return to television in - Antarctic Survivor.

The Exchange

Are you still doing these things?


Only we get enough people, lol. :)

It has been a pretty long time since the last one, sadly.


Sure. The important question is... are you?


I'm back to relive my role.

Good to see some old faces.

The Exchange

"Who are you calling old! You scoundrel, it must be time for cigars and brandy."


"Yeh know what they say Atreidies me auld lad, yer only as old as ya feel. And right now I'm feeling about a 12, neat!" He grinned, raising a glass of whiskey and shaking it at the man.

The Exchange

DLA is a well known philanderer, and philanthropist who not only invests in scientific inquiries he also participates often surprising others with his unexpected skill set.

In this case his ship an ice breaker "Titanic" was loaned for the expeditionary trip.


Duke Leto Atredies wrote:
In this case his ship an ice breaker "Titanic" was loaned for the expeditionary trip.

Upon seeing the Titanic, Oh that is brilliant!! Sir, you are one magnificent bastard. I mean if you are going to thumb you nose at the gods of fate then you might as well poke them in the eye as well. An ice breaker named Titanic, simply marvelous.


bigrig107 - TBA
pinvendor - TBA
DSX - TBA

Treppa - Sven Iscidae
therealthom - Jimmy
Mahorfeus - Alexander Maxerson
Leoian - Elora Erickson
Azih - Dash Gunnar
stump_o_matic - Mike Cooper
Duke Leto Atredies
The Red Robert

Eleven who have signed up. Hopefully those who signed up early are still paying attention.


Duke Leto Atredies wrote:
"Who are you calling old! You scoundrel, it must be time for cigars and brandy."

"Cigars and Brandy, you say?" A grizzled man steps forth from the shadows. "Well, that sounds like a fine offer."


Bombadil! Long time, no werewolf, eh?


Always some of favorite games! Although I might retire The General and introduce Doctor Wilkens instead.


bigrig107 - TBA
pinvendor - TBA
DSX - TBA

Treppa - Sven Iscidae
therealthom - Jimmy
Mahorfeus - Alexander Maxerson
Leoian - Elora Erickson
Azih - Dash Gunnar
stump_o_matic - Mike Cooper
Duke Leto - Duke Leto Atredies
DarkestHeart - The Red Robert
Bombadil - The General (?)

Nice, if everyone signing up is wanting to play, that'll be nice.

With 12 players we would have:
2 creatures
1 creature geneticist
2 roommates
1 combat trained
2 geneticists (probably? I didn't write the scaling into the rules, but normally I think I do 1-11: 1 geneticist, 12-21: 2 geneticists...)
4 civilians

If you don't end up as a role with powers, don't worry, it can still be a lot of fun to play. It's my personal favourite role to play.


Yay! When do we start?

The Exchange

"It is the Titanic the ship of fools thought they were in when they steamed into an iceberg, my captain knows better.....yes cigars and brandy, as the hour is upon us."


"Really it were their own mistake, trusting a ship those Paddys made. The last ships they made were those that took em to the Americas when their potatoes went tits up!" The huge drunk Scot began to laugh in to his drink before suddenly growing serious. "Though it were those bastard Brits who made it so that hurt em!" He looked sidelong at the Duke before shaking his head and grinning.

"All water under the Cabors back aye?"


Any thoughts on when we will start?


I was thinking of having a round 0 that ends with role assignments on either Thursday this week, or Monday next. I want to avoid disqualification by non-post, which can be a big problem. Monday next might be the right amount of notice.

The Exchange

If I don't notice, from drinking too much. someone nudge me awake and I will join in.....


Discussion and Gameplay threads have started. Round 0 begins now.

In order to be assigned a role, you must make at least one post in Round 0. Civilian counts as a role.


Cedric was always a studious lad, "a very intelligent boy" as he often told his fellow kinder-gardeners. A situation that didn't earn him too many friends amongst the rambunctious youngsters, whilst his parents were civil servants for the local county-council he often stayed at home with only his tortoise, Terrance for company.

However during a school trip to a dairy farm, he fell in a vat of whey (he always insists he was pushed by Horace Haggity, his arch-nemesis bully (whom often came second to him in most tests)). This incident changed the youngsters life, afterwards he became quite enamoured with the various forms of cheeses.

His lack of social awareness and an obsessive nature made him intrigued by the properties of cheese - however his lack of skill at either the practical cheese-making arts (despite many stinky failures) or biology meant he restricted his studies to the theoretical physics applications of cheese. And in this he excelled, soon graduating and going off to university whereby his mathematical style was 'borrowed' by others to "solve unimportant stuff like electronic engineering principles rather than crucial cheese questions".

Whilst in the usual nature of higher education, Cedric's political leanings came to the fore (not just his views on the correct consistency of a Stilton). He became very active forum poster, trolling the internet to right the wrongs of various societal stigma with a complete lack of humour or social nuance but with a peak efficacy of pedantry.

It was after the 'infamous incident' with the visiting South Korean Food Board, that the university decided it might be best to send Cedric on a research expedition to the Antarctic. At first dismayed that he'd be away from his beloved internet forums, his Uni Advisor installed a "Trump-Twitter-Bot" on his laptop & told Cedric they'd be at least one site he could 'debate with'.

Thus with a happy heart & a suitcase full of cheese, Cedric set off to the South Pole.


Ack! I'm not ready! I need to finish up my character bio!. :(

Hmmm...maybe I need to just do a quick and dirty summary and stop trying to do something super clever. I'll get it sorted out soon.


Yeah save your cleverness for the game.... or don't *bwa-ha-ha-ha!*

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