Dear newbies. Here's a few hints from someone who was a newbie only a few weeks ago. I had to learn this stuff the hard way:
Step 1. RELAX.
Step 2. AVOID SUICIDING/VEGGING/AFKING/IDLING
When I first started playing, I accidently suicided out of 5 games in a row. It happens, and it's bloody annoying - not just for you, but the other players in the game. Here's some tips to avoid it happening.
a) Use Firefox. Other browsers will cause you problems that will tend to screw things up.
b) Don't refresh! This is for any facebook players trying out epic. I know how strong the habit is, but even one refresh will suicide you and kick you out of the game and you can't get back in (believe me, I've tried).
c) Remember to vote! If you can vote, day or night, you have to vote, even if it's to vote for "no one". If the timer runs out and you haven't placed a vote, the other players have the option to kick you out of the game. I wouldn't recommend relying on people to be patient; place your vote in plenty of time to avoid last second panics (like the time I janitored the wrong person. Epic fail).
d) Careful of the backspace! If you click it twice in a row outside of the text box, you'll be booted out, as with the refresh. If you're editing something you typed and it's near the end of the day, be careful! Don't click backspace/delete more than once at a time.
e) If it's still happening, ask a pro for advice. That's someone with lots of coins next to their name, or better yet, a trophy.
Step 3. LEARN THE ROLES
Last time I counted, there were 28 different roles for this game. I highly recommend you read about them. From the lobby, go to "Instructions" and check out "Characters".
When you join a game, check out the roles you have in the game. By holding your cursor over the roles you can read the objectives for each role and what special powers that role might have, if any.
Once the game starts, your role will be shown by the picture next to your name. Match it up with the character at the top of the screen to find out what your objective is, and what your powers are.
Step 4. ASK QUESTIONS
This game is very complicated, which is what makes it so fun! Some people are grumpy bums, but most of the experienced players will be happy to help if you ask them to explain something to you.
The best time to ask is after the game, when you can be sure the person helping you isn't on the other team.
There are lots of terms to learn as well. If someone says something and you don't know what it means, ask! Anyone who calls you an idiot for asking questions, doesn't know how lucky they are to meet a newb who actually wants to improve their game play.
Here's a quiz to see how much you've picked up already :P.
What do the following mean? If you don't know, ask someone!
Blue
Lurking
Hammer
Veg/Sui
PM.
CC.
Confirmed
Cleared.
Fake a report.
Paste a report.
Have fun! <3 Deb
