Tol-in-Gaurhoth (Isle of Werewolves)

[littlemanpoet]

Originally Posted by The Saucepan Man

I have been wondering about the shirriff role. Lmp noted on the Werewolf VII thread that, being unable to declare themselves while both were still alive, they had little influence on the game. I agree to an extent, although they can come into their own (albeit probably for no more than one day) when one is killed by the Wolves and the other therefore becomes a known innocent. I do think it somewhat artificial if they are unable to declare themselves while they are both alive but the survivor is able to do so when the other dies. On the other hand, allowing them to declare while alive does make them very powerful.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this or on the other roles or game balance generally?

Well, since you brought it up and it's a pet topic of mine, I agree on the artificiality you point out. On the other hand, as I mentioned on VII, there are enough experienced players that in any size game, it seems to me that the shirriffs are an unnecessary role. There are other ways for the villagers to take the iniative from the werewolves; they just have to be creative enough. I do certainly enjoy playing a shirriff, but the role, when played right, may be too powerful whereas when artificially limited, doesn't seem worth having.