Are hydras fun?

[implosion]

Actually, why tf do we need to create hydra accounts rather than just post individually?

This is called lovers mafia, and it's been done in various variations and at various player sizes over the years.

I think everybody who doesn't like hydras more hates bad hydras

I don't understand any other reason for hating hydras?

I wouldn't say I hate hydras but I often dislike them even if they're not "bad" hydras. I'll generally avoid a game if it has a lot of hydras in it unless I have some strong reason for wanting to play it. One or two 2-head hydras doesn't typically bother me (e.g. rapier upick was fine), but I generally prefer smaller games and hydras artificially inflate player list sizes. Hydras can lead to slots that would otherwise flake out continuing to post with one head, but they can also lead to slots with two heads neither of which feels all that committed to the game because they're only half the slot. Because of that hydras have a tendency to relatively often either hyperpost (if both heads are very active invested players), lurk (if neither is), or function as a single player who is allowed to consult a second player for counsel if they so desire (if one player is). None of those are especially desirable.

When they work out they're fine, but I'd still usually rather just have single player slots. It makes the game feel more straightforward. Reading things like hydra dissonance is less interesting from a social deception standpoint IMO than reading other things.

[Creature]

Actually, why tf do we need to create hydra accounts rather than just post individually?

This is called lovers mafia, and it's been done in various variations and at various player sizes over the years.

What about role madness large themes?

[implosion]

Actually, why tf do we need to create hydra accounts rather than just post individually?

This is called lovers mafia, and it's been done in various variations and at various player sizes over the years.

What about role madness large themes?

I mean, if you're moderating a game like this and want to allow multiple players to post on individual accounts that are modconfirmed to have the same role PM, function as a single slot, and that are allowed to communicate privately, nothing's stopping you. Hydras are just the norm of how to do this.

I *think* the ISO feature didn't used to support ISOing multiple people at once, which would likely have been an argument for preferring hydras in the past, but that doesn't apply as much anymore.

[mastina]

I *think* the ISO feature didn't used to support ISOing multiple people at once, which would likely have been an argument for preferring hydras in the past, but that doesn't apply as much anymore.

Correct.
Also, as-is, it's limited to three; sometimes you want more than three.

[callforjudgement]

Actually that's a good way to read a hydra imo. If the dissonance is detracting from their agenda it probably isn't a scum hydra

I don't particularly care about how easy or hard the hydra is to read; I care more about whether it plays like a regular slot or not.

(In fact, having too many players who are easy to read in a game tends to ruin it.)

[teacher]

Being in a hydra is fun most of the time
Being in a game with a hydra is fun (for me) about half the time

This definitely describes how I feel as a player. I have yet to be in one but expect I would enjoy it.

I do think the hydra problems would be solved with a rule requiring signing uniformly. @Alisae, you say you dont sign because its obvious. But sometimes it isnt, or sometimes some players dont know what "should be obvious". How hard is it to add 6 characters to a post.

-Teach

[Ramcius]

I agree, dissonance might help townread hydra, but on other hand, dissonance renders them useless. How can I trust their reads/opinions, if they can't trust each other? I mean not that they'd lie, but that their reads are correct/accurate

[Nancy Drew 39]

When they’re voluntary, I’d say yes.

[Alisae]

When they’re voluntary, I’d say yes.

have you ever had an involuntary hydra?

[Firebringer]

yeah u put a gun up to my head and said "lets hydra", bad grandson.

[Alisae]

I did that?
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat
nooooooooooooooooooo
I would never

[Titus]

Hydras are awesome if the ppl click. No more than 3 heads. Two ideal. Hydra buddy covers day 1.

[Nancy Drew 39]

When they’re voluntary, I’d say yes.

have you ever had an involuntary hydra?

Yes, apparently Ramcius made a hydra with me, without my involvement and selected a name I did not endorse.

[Ramcius]

When they’re voluntary, I’d say yes.

have you ever had an involuntary hydra?

Yes, apparently Ramcius made a hydra with me, without my involvement and selected a name I did not endorse.

No, I made hydra for myself and I just offered you to take part in it, but you refused. I didn't used your name in creating it, nor I gave you access to it, so you're not part of that hydra at all

On topic of involuntary hydra, I had. Tbh, it was my own fault for signing to hydra only game and go with whoever I get as my partner, wasn't best experience I've ever had