Article #2: Lying as Town

[Guest Sparkin']

Many people believe that town should always tell the truth, or otherwise not tell anything. While this is often a good rule of thumb, there are certainly occasions one might want to lie even as town.

Here's a few examples:

 

1. To hide their real role. This could be very valuable, for example, to hide the fact you're the doctor or cop, two of the most powerful roles.
2. To try and extract information from scum. What better way to catch mafia in a multifaction game than pretending to be scum yourself? Of course, care should be taken when attempting this, to ensure you can prove you're town if the other person sells you out.
3. To misdirect scum. If someone is talking to you and you suspect they're scum, giving them false information could lead to them playing poorly if they believe it.

 

Of course, care should be taken with this. If you're caught in the lie, you could end up being lynched based on it, or waste precious discussion time as you try and defend yourself. So you should always think carefully about if it's worthwhile. Consider the likelihood you're caught lying and the potential losses to the town if you are. Also think about if you can discuss with someone your intentions, as they might just be able to defend you if you're accused of lying.

 

What you should avoid is to lie because you can. Always consider if the rewards of not being truthful outweigh the costs. Lying should be a tool for town to use when necessary, not a first course of action.

Edited June 17, 2018 by Sparkin'

[Chickens]

but venus chan

i-i always forget what happened

will you give me your help (´･ω･`)