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Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 10:23 pm
by JaggedJimmyJay
VOCAROO MAFIA
A game for 13-15 players
Recorded game description
So far, every Mafia game ever played on The Syndicate has had one core feature -- forum text as the primary content. This time we're going to finally change that. We'll give our fingers a break and instead use our mouths to play the game of Mafia. This game will be played in spoken recordings. Vocaroo is a simple recording service which makes this process quite simple. I promise I am in no way affiliated with that website and have no intention to advertise.
Important note: Vocaroo is simply the best recording option I am aware of; it is not required for players to record their posts this specific way. If you are aware of an alternative and would like to use that instead, please let me know so I can check it out. If it works in a forum post it'll probably be fine with me. We played a couple of these games back on RYM and some people preferred to use YouTube, for example.
So how will this work?
~ Every single post in this game will feature a recording of some kind. The vast majority of game content will be recorded, and it will be against the rules to use a lot of text.
~ Text will still exist in the game thread in a limited capacity. Since it's difficult to review a game thread or post histories filled with recording links, a small amount of text will be allowed to describe the contents of a recording. That text can accompany the link or be the link. I will establish an official limitation in the game thread; it will probably be about 3-4 text words per recording.
~ Voting will be vocalized within recordings, but there'll still be a poll in the thread to keep things simple.
~ The mafia team will still have BTSC, and they won't be required to use recordings there -- it's not practical. However, they will have less time during night phases to operate with to help maintain a fair balance.
Game details:
~ Game cycles will elapse 72 hours, however they will not be the standard 48/24. They will instead be 60/12: 60 hour day phases (2.5 real-time days) and 12 hour night phases. The purpose of this is to allow players a little more time to work with since it can be more difficult to make recorded posts than text posts within whatever time constraints.
~ The game thread will not be locked during night phases. The mafia team will be allowed to communicate privately during day phases.
~ Standard heist guidelines will apply -- no more than three non-vanilla roles with legal infodumping and roleclaiming.
~ The actual setup will be open, but it'll depend upon how many people participate. I am willing to devise a game for 13, 14, or 15 players. I'll decide where to cap it depending upon the progression of sign-ups.
Participants:
1. Metalmarsh89
2. DrWilgy
3. a2thezebra
4. TheFloyd73
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Request from the host:
If you sign up, it will be a good idea for you to verify that you'll have the technical means necessary to participate. Please verify in this sign-up thread that Vocaroo (or whatever other recording option you prefer) functions properly for you by posting an example of some kind here. I will check you off as being ready to roll after that.
If anyone has questions or concerns about anything related to this game, please let me know.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 10:33 pm
by JaggedJimmyJay
About the holidays
About the holidays:
If necessary, I'll delay the start of this game until after Christmas. Please let me know how big an issue the holidays are for you when it comes to playing in a Mafia game (particularly one like this) and I will try to accomodate y'all.
The importance of gamesmanship
The importance of gamesmanship:
Obviously playing the game respectfully is always important. In this game it will be a major point of focus though, because it will put a little more on the shoulders of the Moderator on Duty. I don't expect that person to click on and listen to every single recording posted in the game thread. That means the players will need to ensure they are as respectful as possible -- and it's just jarring to feel like someone was rude to you in spoken word. Just imagine! I don't expect this to be an issue, I just wanted to emphasize the importance of it.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 10:36 pm
by JaggedJimmyJay
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 1:40 am
by TheFloyd73
I might not have the capabilities to use Vocaroo specifically, but I'll search for an alternative if I can.
I must say though, this premise is rather ingenious. Triple J, how did you come up with this concept?
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 1:44 am
by Quin
I think this'll be once of those games I sit back and watch. It's an amazing concept, though.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 2:03 am
by JaggedJimmyJay
TheFloyd73 wrote:Triple J, how did you come up with this concept?
A few years ago in the now-defunct RYM Off Topic forum someone started a thread where people would post recordings of whatever, just to expose each other to their voices for the first time. A few of us wanted to try that in a Mafia game, and when we did it turned out to be a lot of fun. Truly the game wasn't that different -- it's still the same sleuthing and deception as any text-based Mafia game. It's a sort of mid-point between the original live format of the party game Dmitri Davidoff created in the '80s and the forum game we've all come to know.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 3:21 am
by Sloonei
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 5:50 am
by Golden
I wanted to play this, but I've realised it's impractical. I'll be phone posting for most of January in a place with no wi-fi. So I guess I'm out.
But if I'm around wi-fi, I might make a couple of NP posts just to join in the vocaroo fun.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 9:49 am
by Epignosis
Given my present circumstances, I don't know that I'll be participating, but if you do:
Quick tips for cleaner audio recording (the kids these days call these things "hacks," which is really stupid):
1. The most important thing I can tell you is to lower your input volume. If your mic is too hot, then the quality of your recording is going to suffer. That nasty distortion you hear on playback is called clipping. All you have to do is dial back on the volume of your recording device (for Windows 7, go into the Control Panel / Sound and click the "Recording Tab," double click the mic you are using, and then you can adjust the level). Don't worry if you think the signal is a tad low- people can always turn up their speakers. It's better than clipping.
2. Eliminate as much background noise as possible.
3. I'm not suggesting you get one if all you're doing is playing a mafia game, but if you use your microphone with any frequency, it is worth it to purchase a pop filter. That will reduce the effect of the plosive noises inherent in the repressive and guttural sounds of the English language.
4. Keep a few inches of space (4-7) between your mouth and the microphone- it's not your girlfriend.
5. Keep your mic safe. Don't let Kanye West anywhere near it.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 10:23 am
by Ricochet
No way man. I hate my voice, I hate my Engrish, I don't have a mic, I should be retired, the world might end. Nuh-uh.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 5:03 pm
by JaggedJimmyJay
Do it Rico. Your English is probably better than 90% of Americans' English anyway.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 7:55 pm
by TheFloyd73
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 7:58 pm
by JaggedJimmyJay
Sounds great to me, Floyd.
I'm also tinkering around looking for alternatives; maybe something that works on mobile.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 8:00 pm
by TheFloyd73
I resorted to GarageBand of all things.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 12:15 pm
by Vompatti
I don't post much anyway so I wouldn't mind not posting much in this one k
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 12:32 pm
by Ricochet
Vompatti wrote:I don't post much anyway so I wouldn't mind not posting much in this one k
But you'd want to record your voice? :oooo
DO IT
I am joining if Vompatti does.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 12:50 pm
by Vompatti
Ricochet wrote:Vompatti wrote:I don't post much anyway so I wouldn't mind not posting much in this one k
But you'd want to record your voice? :oooo
DO IT
I am joining if Vompatti does.
I wouldn't want to butt I could k
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 1:17 pm
by JaggedJimmyJay
I'd be happy to have you both.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2016 2:02 pm
by nutella
Well this is an interesting idea!! I don't know if I want to participate, I think it would be incredibly embarrassing
But it's a cool concept. Sociolinguistically.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2016 2:05 pm
by JaggedJimmyJay
I understand nutella.
May I recommend that anyone else who feels the same way try a short recording here in the sign-up thread? I know it's a little awkward to put your voice into the website, especially if you haven't spoken with most of the folks around here before. Breaking the ice before the game is a great way to mingle. :P
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 8:27 am
by Tangrowth
I am absolutely in!
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 4:54 pm
by Epignosis
I have all of my equipment set up,
so...
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 4:56 pm
by JaggedJimmyJay
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 11:00 am
by Made
This is going to be wonderful
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 11:18 am
by Ricochet
Itsa Made!
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 11:21 am
by Epignosis
Made wrote:This is going to be wonderful
Just when I thought Christmas couldn't be any better.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 11:25 am
by Made
Ricochet wrote:Itsa Made!
Epignosis wrote:Made wrote:This is going to be wonderful
Just when I thought Christmas couldn't be any better.
Boop!
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 11:43 am
by JaggedJimmyJay
Awesome.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 12:47 pm
by Marmot
Made wrote:This is going to be wonderful
Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Made!
Welcome back!
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 2:22 pm
by Tangrowth
OH MY GOD MADE IS BACK!!!!!!
Welcome back, bud!!
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2016 4:06 am
by JaggedJimmyJay
5 more brave souls ready to go on the air?
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 5:41 pm
by JaggedJimmyJay
I know y'all want to.
I know you're fighting the temptation.
I know you want to share your beautiful voices with the world.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 12:00 am
by JaggedJimmyJay
If this isn't filled up by about the 8th, I'm going to have to push it back so that G-Man's politics game can occur near to the date of the presidential inauguration. This isn't a complaint or anything, just an FYI.
Let's make this happen soon!
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 10:48 am
by G-Man
Can I record vocaroo messages on my iPhone? If not, I don't think I'll be able to play.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 10:53 am
by Scotty
Since I'm basically bound to my phone and often need to be quiet when I'm on it, there's no way this game would work for me in my present position
Maybe when I'm unemployed though
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 7:43 pm
by JaggedJimmyJay
Vocaroo doesn't function on mobile, but there may be an alternative option that does. I've looked around a bit for something to no avail, but I'll continue doing so.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 7:54 pm
by JaggedJimmyJay
Testing testing testing
Okay that appears to work. I recorded it with the SpeakPipe app on my phone, which I downloaded free from the Apple store. It requires you to email yourself the recording and then copy the link into a forum post, which is a bit more work than the computer people will need with Vocaroo. But it does work, as long as that link works for all of you who are not me.
The good thing is that the app saves the email information so you only have to enter it the first time. So long as you keep your email window open on your phone, you'd have an easier time getting the link quickly to The Syndicate.
Anyone who might go this direction though, I recommend you try it first in this sign-up thread. I also don't know how/if it'd work for non-Apple phones.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2017 7:40 pm
by thellama73
This is a super fun idea, but I mainly play at work so it's just not practical for me. Can't wait to see how it goes!
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 1:02 am
by TheFloyd73
Some plans have come up. Put me down as a replacement.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 1:46 am
by JaggedJimmyJay
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 8:45 am
by thellama73
The people in that video were remarkably slow to adapt to changing conditions. They would not survive in the wild.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 1:35 pm
by Tangrowth
JaggedJimmyJay wrote:If this isn't filled up by about the 8th, I'm going to have to push it back so that G-Man's politics game can occur near to the date of the presidential inauguration. This isn't a complaint or anything, just an FYI.
Let's make this happen soon!
If we don't fill by the 8th, is there any way we can run this game with a smaller number, then we can always try it again later? Or would you prefer to keep the 13-15 player setup in tact?
I'll see if I can find people.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 1:49 pm
by JaggedJimmyJay
I suppose it can be managed at a smaller number if all of the players would still be interested in that. I'd need 9 at a bare minimum though to get a reasonable alignment ratio.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 1:53 pm
by Tangrowth
JaggedJimmyJay wrote:I suppose it can be managed at a smaller number if all of the players would still be interested in that. I'd need 9 at a bare minimum though to get a reasonable alignment ratio.
That'd be completely fine with me, although obviously it'd be preferable to stick to your original number constraints.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 1:53 pm
by Tangrowth
I just wonder if seeing it progress a first time around might make it easier for any players who are hesitant to jump on board due to the vocal concept to do so a second time around. Maybe I'm wrong though.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 2:07 pm
by JaggedJimmyJay
I don't think you're wrong. While for some there are understandable time constraints that make a game like this tough to manage, I do think the embarrassment factor plays a big role. I wouldn't expect this to get sign ups any faster after G-Man's game.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 2:08 pm
by Tangrowth
JaggedJimmyJay wrote:I don't think you're wrong. While for some there are understandable time constraints that make a game like this tough to manage, I do think the embarrassment factor plays a big role. I wouldn't expect this to get sign ups any faster after G-Man's game.
I hate hearing and recording my own voice, so I was a bit hesitant myself, but hell, it'll be fun.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 11:05 pm
by JaggedJimmyJay
If I get one more player I can start the game immediately.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2017 1:04 pm
by G-Man
I can't get that app to load on my iPhone. I'll try again today.
Re: Vocaroo Mafia [SIGN-UPS]
Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2017 1:43 pm
by Ricochet
Oh what the heck. Might as well consider throwing myself in a game one last time this year. A nine-player format gives me bad-memory vibes on the odds of civilians getting a good lynch within a two-phase margin, but que sera, sera.
Awaiting G-Man's confirmation on whether he is able to play or not, I can then be the ninth player, should the answer be "not".