Backup

Backup roles are typically linked with a primary role, and don't get to use their action until an/the active role of the same name dies. Backup Cop and Backup Doctor (sometimes called Deputy and Nurse respectively) are common roles to utilise this modifier; but Trackers, Vigilantes, and Roleblockers (amongst others) are all roles that occasionally might have a Backup.

Most moderators design games with Backup roles to reduce swing. Having a Cop and a Backup Cop is a simple way to ensure a good chance of that investigation power to be successful, as opposed to a game with just a Cop, which is subject to a Day 1 lynch or Night 1 kill, completely eliminating that ability.

Some mods have also designed games with a Backup existing without the primary role present, which typically serves to sew seeds of misdirection about the setup for the individual player and sometimes the town if that player dies. A Backup in a game without a primary role present is essentially a Named Townie. However, some moderators find this practice in distaste - either because the backup role creates a violated expectation of a primary role existing in the game, or because the backup-with-no-primary trope has been overdone.

Normal Guidelines

Backup is an acceptable modifier under Normal guidelines on mafiascum.net, both with and without its primary role present.

See Also

• Universal Backup
• Nurse
• Deputy