The Syndicate

I need to lock sign-ups at 27 so that I can complete the setup in a timely manner. Thanks, everyone. Anyone who still wishes to take part should throw their names into the substitutions list -- it's always ideal to have options!

Folks who would like to spectate or serve as subs should also join the hub!

Discord Hub is up, though role cards are still in progress.

Please click here to join the hub if you haven't already!

MartinGG99 wrote: ↑Sun Nov 12, 2023 6:58 am Really really sorry about this, but I actually have to /out in the last moment. Past IRL week/weekend (honestly, my semester in general) has made me realize I need to seek comprehensive help on something I've been avoiding help on for in recent years, so I need to focus on that without the stress (or procrastination) of a big game. Even if that game would be very fun. I don't want to leave on a negative note so....good luck to everyone, and I hope you all have fun! And thanks JJJ for...uh...being cool and hosting for all these people I guess.

Sounds to me like you’ve made the right choice. Take care!

We have 27.

sneakily changes max to 28 in case anyone else feels like it, you're all still welcome

26 is fantastic. You're all very much appreciated. This number will work if it needs to. If we get that last for 27, even better. Regardless, we'll plan to start this thing Monday evening, Pacific Standard Time. I understand this might be a bit late for east coasters and especially Europeans. Unfortunately my job makes it a necessity. I'm thinking 7pm PST. Stay tuned.

Imagine where human civilization will be tomorrow if three of our five maybes move to yes.

Three more and I'll lock us in.

Excellent. Very good. Pleased.

27 would be a really nice number for this, so I am making a final push and sending invitations to some of the best folks. Everyone should feel free to invite their friends too.

Gira wrote: ↑Fri Nov 10, 2023 8:19 pm will there be a music dance experience? either way, i'm in

Maybe I can find a way.

I'd be stoked to have them!

We have Dubz, so make it 20. I'd love to get to 27. A man can dream. Inception.

We have 18. This is excellent. We like this.

But can we get 20? 24? Spread the word.

I'm definitely glad to see the early enthusiasm for the game!

I'm going to give this a little more time. I'd prefer to do a lot better than 16 if I can.

The start date can only be tentative at this point, but I will aim for Monday the 13th (or so).

I am stirring pure Mafia madness into my cauldron of game design witchcraft. I am cackling maniacally as light bulbs flicker in my mind. Let us hope I don't forget everything when I enter the elevator.

nutella wrote: ↑Wed Nov 01, 2023 10:48 am I still really need to watch this show! Everything I've heard about it (mostly from you Jay) seems very up my alley.

Also, nothing like a good ol experimental Jay game to suck me back into playing, I'm in

pls watch

Additional game details to help people make an informed choice about signing up:

~This will not be a bastard game, at least as I define that term. By that I mean: I will not lie to the players as a host, I will not give them tasks that serve no purpose, and I will not include game-ending roles that could never fairly be anticipated. If you define "bastard" to mean merely "unusual" or "non-standard", it will be those things.

~ Ideally, I would love to have a large number of players in this game. With that in mind, however: players should not expect this game to last a very long time. It is unlikely to reach a Day 10 or more, for example, even if there are 30+ participants.

~ The non-standard features are predominantly mechanical, and they tie directly to the source material (the show "Severance"). Their purpose is primarily immersion with the theme, which is always what I most desire when I design a Mafia game beyond any ordinary level of complexity.

Scotty wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 6:04 pm Haven’t seen this show, and am looking for a new show to watch with the in-laws, but it’s always so hard to find one we all like.

For reference, the last show they got obsessed with is Yellowstone. How would you describe this one?

I haven't seen Yellowstone, but my impression is that Severance is very different from that. The "with the in-laws" factor always adds complexity, because your chances of success rely on more than just the show being good. It has to align with whatever their tastes are. They might still like it though.

It's a bit of a psychological examination, and it can be a bit slow in pace. It is atmospheric and dialogue-driven, so don't expect much in the way of action or loud drama. It's a show about the human mind itself, and one's enjoyment of the series may depend upon their own willingness to introspect. I think it is brilliant, but not everyone will agree. The video above can give you a more specific impression, though keep in mind that trailers are often embellishments (and often for the worse).

This game will be based on the AppleTV series "Severance", which boasted what I consider to be one of the greatest first seasons of all time. The jury is still out on season 2 onward (once the strikes are resolved), but the first season is pure brilliance. You are not required to have seen the show, however, to understand or function in this game.

I said "non-standard" before. I MEANT THAT. This will not be a standard Mafia game. Do not sign up for it expecting a standard Mafia game. I can at least tell you what standard elements will be present:

The game will still broadly be based upon an uninformed majority attempting to solve an informed minority. That is: civilians versus mafia -- potentially including additional affiliation(s)

I will make every usual JaggedJimmyJay effort to ensure the game is balanced and fair for everyone that participates. I cannot promise perfect balance, but I tend to have a thorough and developed understanding of how to make games as fair as they can be within reason.

Role claiming will be legal in this game, and at least a substantial portion of the players will have power roles.

Additional game details to help people make an informed choice about signing up:

~This will not be a bastard game, at least as I define that term. By that I mean: I will not lie to the players as a host, I will not give them tasks that serve no purpose, and I will not include game-ending roles that could never fairly be anticipated. If you define "bastard" to mean merely "unusual" or "non-standard", it will be those things.

~ Ideally, I would love to have a large number of players in this game. With that in mind, however: players should not expect this game to last a very long time. It is unlikely to reach a Day 10 or more, for example, even if there are 30+ participants.

~ The non-standard features are predominantly mechanical, and they tie directly to the source material (the show "Severance"). Their purpose is primarily immersion with the theme, which is always what I most desire when I design a Mafia game beyond any ordinary level of complexity.