I take it this means that Blaine is not getting a completely new role? That all the characteristics that we gathered about Hieshyn will now be transferred directly to Blaine? That all the stuff that we painstakingly gathered over the past Day was not for nothing? Phew!

Oh waaaait, we didn't know anything about him yet...

Well, welcome Blaine, good luck with picking up the 350+ threads. Your time to read up starts... NOW.

For us Townies:
Rather than being Modkilled, Hieshyn is replaced. I think this might actually mean he was more than simply a vanilla townie and had a role. I.e.: He could be one of the DF's or the SK that we suspect is here? There was an early estimate of 4 DFs + 1 SK or 5 DFs. With 4 DFs, losing 1 DF could seriously unbalance the game. Losing an SK would take away extra suspense that Isaac had planned. All good reasons to look for a replacement rather than do a Modkill.
Or maybe he was the amulet owner (Cop)? Would be a shame to remove that person even before it all started. Although an in-game NB from Isaac to another player could solve it much easier - "Looking for a after lunch snack, you find Hieshyn dead in the cupboard (you know, the one where Asmo...). But before you report the body, you quickly search his pockets for clues and find the amulet. You take it with you and hide it in your room before going back to the rest of the group".
Maybe he had another as yet uncertain role to play?

I think we need to keep an extra eye on Blaine...

So. Finished rereading yet, Blaine? Sorry, you're already under heavy suspicion.