I'm straight up vanilla, nothing special about me.

Should I get in on this? Will that push the numbers a bit screwy?

What's up with the people on the "bottom" list? If I express interest I won't be stealing their spots will I?

Well I just have a lot of interesting roles that I'd put in but it doesn't make sense to use them all with fewer players I don't think. I would think it would get more people involved, actually. I could tell you all how many varying roles have abilities of varying strengths in the 18 player game I have conceived and see what you all say, that could be helpful.

It wouldn't be crazy or hard to manage either.

It's mafia! Now is no time to develop a conscience, steal away!

I'd say you could have my spot, but I'm only observing...

Not at all.

The players on the bottom list are those who are willing to play if we can't find enough to fill up the first 12 spots. If you want on, you're welcome!

People on the bottom are only wanting in if they are needed to fill spots but would rather see someone else play :)

So I would be spot stealing from those too generous and modest to claim a spot!

I knew I was missing somebody obvious! Sorry I left you off my list on the last page Ix.

I think you would be more than welcome and one of the hesitant players (the bottom spots) will gladly give up a spot.

And to be honest, I'm not totally averse to sitting one out and being a potential replacement if needed.

And it is not like spots being filled is even needed. It could be played with 9 or 10 or 11. So, yes, Ix, get in on it, please!
And while you're at it make bler play too!

They are people who would prefer you steal their spot, but will play if needed. So if you actually want in, be in and one of them will happily sit or shift to backup.

The head count (imho) should be a function both of how many people you can realistically get, but also the internal balance of the game. The power of a cop in a game of 12 is very different, at least in theory, than 1 cop in a game of 18.

Yep, it's all about balance, there are several roles that come or go depending on whether other roles are in the setup or how many people are in the game. Definitely working on balance, and why it is good to get games under my belt before I mod, not that I don't have tons of time before that!

The best thing to do:

Observe at least one game in real time without participating. I observed two (#22 and 23) completely silently before signing up.

Go back and read four-six old games to see what worked and what didn't. I'm happy to give some recommendations here on GOG.

Play at least two-four games where you go deep.

Sign up as an assistant mod and complete a game that way.

THEN you can feel comfortable moderating.

Or just completely wing it!

I barely read the games I'm actually playing, never mind any of the old ones... And I only followed one game before signing up (and that was technically by accident as I stumbled across Ix's werewolf game on the forum and became intrigued)

Though I have assisted modding for two games (kind of), though admittedly one hasn't been played yet...

^^This is me too minus following any games before I played, just jumped right in ;)

I watched a game, then played in 3, and am now assistant modding. And I've also read through a few of the old games.

Just so you get some different perspectives, drealmer7...