# Splitting the Difference--Dead Thread for The Split **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [February 18, 2009, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357 "2009-02-18T03:10:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Ichini\_Sanshigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/d9b06d/32.png) [@Ichini\_Sanshigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ichini_Sanshigo)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/61 "2009-03-04T01:49:48Z")
Why is everyone going after **Telcontar**? I think that’s a mistake, and here’s my crazy theory why! I think **Telcontar** has some sort of booby-trapped power role where something bad will happen for the town if he gets lynched. I think he’s deliberately _trying_ to get lynched. He’s still being way too insistent on his bad strategy. He’s being dismissive of the importance of wolves posing as ranchers (it’s not crucial, but it’s not as irrelevant as he makes it out to be). He’s not playing with much subtlety at all. This may be colored by my own bias: I’d much rather see **Seeker** lynched. But **Telcontar** just seems too unrepentant of his views, and he doesn’t seem to be putting much effort into defending himself. The icing on the cake: **Zeriel** was the first person to finger Telly way back when on Day 1. And I’m suspicious of Z for obvious reasons. I wonder if that whole thing wasn’t a setup. ---
**Author:** ![Ichini\_Sanshigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/d9b06d/32.png) [@Ichini\_Sanshigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ichini_Sanshigo)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/62 "2009-03-04T01:51:35Z")
> [@Hoopy\_Frood](#): > > Gastard was a bunch of PFK’s vs. Town. What in the world are “PFK’s”? ---
**Author:** ![Natlaw](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a88e57/32.png) [@Natlaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Natlaw)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/63 "2009-03-04T11:09:21Z")
Has this happened before in a Mafia game? > [@Werewolf (Mafia)--The Split \[Signups--In progress\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/werewolf-mafia-the-split-signups-in-progress/485692/833): > > I just thought of something. If the Werewolves are _also_ Farmers and Ranchers, then **Telcontar** ’s claim of being a rancher (or whatever) doesn’t mean he ISN’T a Werewolf. > > By the way, I’m a Werewolf. I’m not going to say whether **Telcontar** is or not; that would take all the challenge away. However, we’re getting far enough ahead in the balance of You vs. Us that it’s okay if we lose me. We’ve talked about it. So, you were all correct, you may lynch me forthwith. > > Nor will I tell you how many of us there are, so don’t ask. -if telling the truth, the first paragraph makes no sense. The only (logical) reasons to do it is if **Telcontar** is a wolf with powers - but powers are not major in this game, so I doubt it would be worth the trade. -or she is town and angling some sort of rancher/farmer goal - but she just getting them both lynched, so that would have no effect or severely hurt her own side. Maybe she is farmer and wants to avoid testing a rancher again, but then she should just have claimed that. 😕 ---
**Author:** ![Natlaw](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a88e57/32.png) [@Natlaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Natlaw)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/64 "2009-03-04T11:13:49Z")
> [@Ichini\_Sanshigo](#): > > What in the world are “PFK’s”? PFK = Playing For Keeps, usually players with a private win condition (for example kill everyone else or kill a specific role) There are two types: -malicious: if they reach their win condition, everyone else loses. -third party: if they reach their win condition, everyone else keeps playing to reach theirs for a shared game win. Though since the PFK win condition is usually harder, it’s more a second place ;). ---
**Author:** ![Hoopy\_Frood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hoopy_frood/32/8452_2.png) [@Hoopy\_Frood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoopy_Frood)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/65 "2009-03-04T13:30:49Z")
If we pull JSexton’s formula into this a 14-4 division with a Day start gives town 17 points and SCUM 18 points. Now, since town is split, that should weaken town’s point total a bit. The cops raise it, though, not the amount a full cop would if they can only distinguish farmers and ranchers. And the testerizer has some unknown value on the game as well. But the only thing that really makes sense is that Telcontar has a great one-shot power that scum feel losing another scum is worth it if that power goes off. If I were town, I would lynch Telcontar anyway. Then follow up with the claimed scum. There is no other reason I can imagine that scum would claim, except to offer themselves up as a sacrifice for the bigger picture. And I’m really surprised town is that fast to change their votes. It’s a low-powered game, you know as much. Vanilla scum aren’t really worth taking out when you know there’s at least one more scum in addition to them remaining. Oh, and Seeker’s being scum is probably one of the least surprising things in this game. The only thing even less surprising would be Telcontar being scum. ---
**Author:** ![DogMom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9c0ed/32.png) [@DogMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DogMom)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/66 "2009-03-04T13:37:44Z")
> [@Werewolf (Mafia)--The Split \[Signups--In progress\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/werewolf-mafia-the-split-signups-in-progress/485692/833): > > I just thought of something. If the Werewolves are _also_ Farmers and Ranchers, then **Telcontar** ’s claim of being a rancher (or whatever) doesn’t mean he ISN’T a Werewolf. > > By the way, I’m a Werewolf. I’m not going to say whether **Telcontar** is or not; that would take all the challenge away. However, we’re getting far enough ahead in the balance of You vs. Us that it’s okay if we lose me. We’ve talked about it. So, you were all correct, you may lynch me forthwith. > > Nor will I tell you how many of us there are, so don’t ask. I gotta wonder … if this is true, _WHAT THE HECK?_ Unless SoT&B is some sort of mega-power role, that does really massive damage to the town if he/she gets lynched then this claim makes _no sense whatsofreakingever._ And, since I’m pretty sure I remember pedescribe saying that “power roles” were seriously limited in scope in this game… Ah, here 'tis. Yup. > [@Werewolf (Mafia)--The Split \[Signups--In progress\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/werewolf-mafia-the-split-signups-in-progress/485692/9): > > Power roles will be a) pretty much inconsequential, and b) very few in number. I am completely gobsmacked. What. The. Heck. ---
**Author:** ![Ichini\_Sanshigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/d9b06d/32.png) [@Ichini\_Sanshigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ichini_Sanshigo)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/67 "2009-03-04T13:42:36Z")
Whoa. Okay, so much for my **Telcontar** is _trying_ to get lynched theory. I can only imagine that I was wrong and **Seeker** is the booby-trapped one, or else he’s a vanilla wolf and **Telcontar** has some other power role. I don’t believe the town’s going for this. Wouldn’t it be a good idea to _not_ do what the proclaimed scum wants you to do? ---
**Author:** ![DogMom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9c0ed/32.png) [@DogMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DogMom)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/68 "2009-03-04T13:43:23Z")
> [@Hoopy\_Frood](#): > > But the only thing that really makes sense is that Telcontar has a great one-shot power that scum feel losing another scum is worth it if that power goes off. Well, yeah, I forgot to add that to my post. Got distracted by the shiny, sparkley, WTF that blew by. > [@](#): > > If I were town, I would lynch Telcontar anyway. Then follow up with the claimed scum. There is no other reason I can imagine that scum would claim, except to offer themselves up as a sacrifice for the bigger picture. Now that’s interesting. I was rather thinking this, actually - and I’m hoping that at least one or two of the more game-savvy players think of this. Although, with very little time left in the Day before Testerization, and the lousy track record Town has about post-Testerization discussion, I don’t think it’ll happen. What I think will happen, if your speculation is indeed true, is that Seeker gets Tested and Lynched, then Telcontar uses his Great Wolfly One-Shot Power tonight and gets Tested and Lynched ToMorrow. > [@](#): > > Oh, and Seeker’s being scum is probably one of the least surprising things in this game. The only thing even less surprising would be Telcontar being scum. _snort_ True. Very very true. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/69 "2009-03-04T13:43:43Z")
This game just got a lot weirder. **Seeker** did seem really really scummy before, and now maybe it is b/c of your booby trap idea, **Ichini**. I’ve never heard of a scum just saying they were scum…there was absolutely no reason to claim that. Why…just why?! ---
**Author:** ![DogMom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9c0ed/32.png) [@DogMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DogMom)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/70 "2009-03-04T13:47:02Z")
> [@Ichini\_Sanshigo](#): > > Whoa. Okay, so much for my **Telcontar** is _trying_ to get lynched theory. I can only imagine that I was wrong and **Seeker** is the booby-trapped one, or else he’s a vanilla wolf and **Telcontar** has some other power role. I don’t believe the town’s going for this. Wouldn’t it be a good idea to _not_ do what the proclaimed scum wants you to do? You’d think…but…I’ve seen games where the town basically allow scum to lead 'em around by the noses. This may be one of those times. And, much to my chagrin, I must confess that were I actually _playing_ right now, and Town, I’d probably be one of the ones with a lovely Halti on. Apparently most of my critical thinking ability goes out the window when I start playing. :rolleyes: I’d like to _think_ that I’d be in there going “wait, wait, **what???** Why did Seeker claim? I think she / he is trying to protect Telcontar which means that Tel is also a Wolf and must have some sort of awesome wicked cool ability or something, so we should do Tel NOW, and save the Known Scum for ToMorrow. Not like Seeker’s going anywhere at this point, right?” I’d really like to think that I’d do that. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/71 "2009-03-04T14:06:20Z")
Yeah, I think this is a game where Town is going to be manipulated by wolves. They are newbies. Ahh. I cannot wait to see where **Seeker** is _REALLY_ going with this! ---
**Author:** ![DogMom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9c0ed/32.png) [@DogMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DogMom)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/72 "2009-03-04T14:17:49Z")
And, to add to the interest, have you noticed that _everyone_ has believed **Zeriel**? It’s almost as though **Ichini’s** death validates **Zeriel’s** claim. Interesting. Now _that_ I wouldn’t have bought into. Probably would’ve screwed the town by going after a perfectly innocent townie, but bygolly I wouldn’t have bought “claimed power role” followed by “didn’t get eaten by wolves”. ---
**Author:** ![DogMom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9c0ed/32.png) [@DogMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DogMom)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/73 "2009-03-04T15:01:17Z")
Well…at least **Oredigger** gets it. Sorta. Still willing to go with Seeker for ToDay, though - but I can see how going against the rest of the Town can easily get you lynched or eaten… ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/74 "2009-03-04T15:07:11Z")
Yeah, I’d test **Seeker** as well because he clearly doesn’t want to be tested. I still am wondering why no one’s pointed out that **Zeriel** should have been killed. Well, maybe a power role protected him? Then again, power roles aren’t supposed to be that important in this game. Hmmm… ---
**Author:** ![DogMom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9c0ed/32.png) [@DogMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DogMom)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/75 "2009-03-04T15:16:03Z")
> [@Freudian\_Slit](#): > > Yeah, I’d test **Seeker** as well because he clearly doesn’t want to be tested. Ooh, good point. I missed that. > [@](#): > > I still am wondering why no one’s pointed out that **Zeriel** should have been killed. Well, maybe a power role protected him? Then again, power roles aren’t supposed to be that important in this game. Hmmm… **EXACTLY**. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/76 "2009-03-04T15:36:17Z")
> [@'\[Undecided](#): > > Adrian;10901974’]OK, that’s very strange. > **Seeker** either has enough of this game and doesn’t want a sub to go on, or there is a plan to confuse us. Well, there is this. And we do know that **Seeker** doesn’t seem to like the idea of subs at all b/c he thinks the sub will be totally different. I don’t know. Or maybe there’s something sinister here. I feel like he could have squeaked by so easily without getting killed. Despite the fact that he was broadcasting hairiness, no one seemed to want to lynch him UNTIL he claimed. (Which bothers me since I was pretty vocal about how wolfy he seemed before I died, grrr.) ---
**Author:** ![DogMom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9c0ed/32.png) [@DogMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DogMom)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/77 "2009-03-04T16:53:27Z")
Man, Seeker says interesting and then weird stuff. Interesting: “Pay attention to what’s being said right now.” Yeah… Weird: “Seriously, **don’t** test me.” WTF? ---
**Author:** ![DogMom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9c0ed/32.png) [@DogMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DogMom)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/78 "2009-03-04T16:59:33Z")
Ooooohhhh, go **fluiddruid!** Well done! referencing: > [@](#): > > Come on. You know you’re about to be tested; if there’s a critical reason you shouldn’t be, you need to out with it now. Otherwise this just sounds like scum desperation, which I’m willing to bet that it is - after all, what else can you do, you want to avoid a wolf getting tested if you’re going to get lynched anyway (likely). What is the possible townie detriment of getting another townie tested? Are we to believe that you have some special power that is really bad for us if you get tested, but not if you’re lynched, and you can’t (or won’t) tell us about it? The most charitable assessment of your posts would be a power role townie playing exceedingly anti-Town, but the most likely explanation is simple. ---
**Author:** ![DogMom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9c0ed/32.png) [@DogMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DogMom)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/79 "2009-03-04T17:17:09Z")
Ooooo…I wonder if Seeker has a win condition that she has to throw herself on the grenade for a wolf or die third or something. Of course, that’d be way too easy to accomplish…nah. DANG, this is getting REALLY GOOD. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357/80 "2009-03-04T17:27:59Z")
> [@DogMom](#): > > Ooooo…I wonder if Seeker has a win condition that she has to throw herself on the grenade for a wolf or die third or something. Of course, that’d be way too easy to accomplish…nah. > > DANG, this is getting REALLY GOOD. Yeah, it’s bizarre. There has to be some reason. Why take the heat off of **Tel** if they are both wolves, unless **Tel** is some grandmaster Godfather wolf? **Tel** and **Seeker** both need to die. **fluid** seems to be playing well but he/she’s played before, I think. So that makes sense. If **fluid** is a wolf, (s)he’s a really good stealth scum. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-the-difference-dead-thread-for-the-split/486357.md?page=5)