Oh yah, all the 'noon' thing means is that the game STARTS then. You don't have to be around for the start. Blah, first Beginner had me just about miss the first 8 hours. At worst, the folks start going "we need to hear from you". Once you are able to get in, you'll be fine. Each Day phase lasts for several real life days, so it's normal for people to log in and out during the game (we all have school/work/sleep to do). Just remember, when you DO come in, to read what was posted so far so you know what's going on.
In fact, might as well tell the general idea on how Day 1 goes:
Monday Noon I'll declare the game to begin. After that, as people log in, they post here and talk to one another. The goal of the discussions are to determine who is part of the mafia and who isn't. Of course, if you are part of the mafia, your goal is to look like you aren't.
While you can discuss what you want, there's an overall rhythm in how a game starts. Note none of this is required, but it just tends to work out this way:
The game starts and, of course, no one knows anything. As such, many will start just voting for one another, without any big reasons ("Vote Toonyman: OMG crazy avatar!"). Don't be shocked when someone votes for you then, the goal is to get people talking and involved. Go ahead and join in while reading everyone else's posts.
Eventually, people will say something that makes you worried. Maybe the comment sounded 'wrong' or you just don't like them. Confront them. Ask them why they did what they did. Ask them how they feel about a situation. Tell them "I don't like what you did". Pressure them, like a detective. You are looking for actions that look like they are a bad guy (referred to as acting 'scummy'. Another word for a mafia person is 'Scum').
People will accuse you. You will accuse others. Votes will fly. I'll come in and give reports on who is voting for who and when the Day will end. Don't feel bad if many people attack you: everyone is fighting for their lives and in a panic. Explain your actions. Answer their questions. Try to show them that you are honest (even if you aren't
). Eventually, the deadline passes and I'll end the Day. Whoever has the most votes is lynched and removed from the game. Usually, it's a townperson. It MIGHT be you. Don't feel bad and remember: so long as your side wins YOU win, even if you are dead.
So the Day ends, I'll declare it to be Night and lock the thread. Townspeople will just sit there and wait for it to end (and hope they don't die) special people have been given instructions on what they will do.
Thus it leads to Day 2 and further days, which will bring more accusations, more attacks, and more lynchings. We continue until either all of the mafia are dead or the mafia numbers equal the town (i.e. 2 mafia+2 town).
That's the basic rhythm of the game. Things may change and alter as the game goes on though. As far as theories on how to find mafia or the terminology that comes out (and there's lots of it as you'll see) feel free to ask the IC about it. The ICs won't go light on you, but at least they'll explain WHY they do what they do.