Mistress role in Mafia
Also known as: Courtesan, Escort
A classic role from extended Mafia variants. Each night blocks a chosen player's action (they can't use their night ability). Coincidentally blocking the Mafia saves their target. Not present in our version — we keep games short (5-10 minutes) and the role count minimal.
Abilities and night actions
The Mistress (also Courtesan, Escort, Butterfly — the names vary, the mechanic doesn't) is a special role in extended Mafia rules. At night she picks a player and blocks their action: they can't use their night ability. If she "distracts" the Mafia, no kill that night. If she blocks the Sheriff, no investigation. If she blocks the Doctor, no protection. She plays for Citizens, but her move is unpredictable to other Citizens without comms.
How to play
The Mistress's main job is catching the Mafia. If you block them exactly, the night ends with no kill, and the team notices: "nobody died — Mistress hit her target". A strong signal narrowing the suspect pool.
Don't block the Sheriff or Doctor if they're known or suspected — you'll just sabotage them. Better to block active suspects who behave like Mafia (defend each other, vote in sync).
Comms are limited: you can't directly say who you blocked. Use hints in day speeches so the team can deduce who was blocked — speeds up the dedication process.
This role in Mafia de los Muertos
Mafia de los Muertos doesn't have the Mistress. Six players and four role types is the right balance for short games. The Mistress adds another non-linearity to deduction; for six players that overloads the game — too many protective and blocking roles. If we ever add an extended mode for 8-10 players, she'd be the first candidate.
See also:
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