Basic Civilian strategy
The Civilian is the conniving and stingy generous billionaire entrepreneur who has hired the mercenaries to protect and aid him in his escape in the VIP and VIP Race gamemodes, as he is the only one able to capture points in these modes. Due to his role as the VIP, he'll be the priority target for all enemies, making it the utmost priority to stay alive. The Civilian has a large health pool of 200 HP and gains 5-15 health per second in health regeneration, and a speed of 280 HU/s, akin to the Demoman's. He has a high support focus, with his aura and melees providing buffs to his teammates. While near the Civilian, his teammates gain 5-15 health regeneration per second and a 20% damage resistance, which can be accessed through walls and from behind obstacles, allowing you to take cover as you support your team.
Melee Weapons
The Umbrella is the stock melee for the Civilian that is similar to the Scout's bat, in that it deals only 35 damage per hit, and swings every 0.5 seconds. However, it is unadvisable to use it as a weapon in most scenarios, but as a boosting tool for your teammates through its Alt-fire effect. Alt-firing while looking at a teammate grants them a Mini-crit boost for 8 seconds which recharges in 15 seconds. This boost is best used offensively on a high dps class like Heavy, Soldier, Pyro and [[Demoman]. The boost can be used supportively on a Medic to buff his heal speed and übercharge build rate by 35% each.
The Derby Cane has the same melee stats as the Umbrella, but also like the Umbrella, its main focus is not in direct combat, but its Alt-Fire boost effect. Alt-firing while looking at a teammate grants them a Haste boost for 8 seconds which recharges in 13 seconds. This boost is best used offensively on the slower classes like Heavy, Soldier and Demoman, as they would benefit most from the speed boost and dps boost to their firepower. It can be used supportively on Engineers, who benefit from the boosted wrench swing speed for quickly upgrading and repairing buildings, Snipers, who benefit from the faster rifle charge speed and reload speed, Spies, who benefit from the higher mobility (although the L'Escampette's speed boost does not stack with haste) and Medics using the Rejuvenator, who benefit greatly from the higher firing speed, reload speed and mobility.