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, Watchers and Roleblockers (amongst others) are all roles that occasionally might have a Back-up.

Most moderators design games with Back-up 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 Back-up 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 Back-up in a game without a primary role present is essentially a Named Townie, which slightly differs to a Vanilla Townie for claiming purposes, even though they both have no abilities. Some players have expressed distaste for this facet of game design (this thread showcases a good cross-section of views on the topic).

See Also

• Universal Backup
• Nurse
• Deputy