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The Book Itself
This review is on the pdf version of Spite. It is black and white and consists of 428 pages. The artwork ranges from some neat pieces to some that are in my opinion terrible. The art is the first place that I noticed that Spite tries to be ‘adult’ and ‘edgy’. I like dark settings with mature content, but there is a point where it seems like it is being forced into a product too much. The art and some of the descriptions in game hit this point for me.
The System
Spite uses a d12 dice-pool where a player rolls a number of d12s equal to their skill or ability. The highest number in your roll is compared to a target number or against an opposed roll. If you roll multiples of a number, the amount of that number rolled can be added to the number rolled. For example, if you roll three 7s your total would be 10. It can even go a step further and you can combine numbers to equal other numbers to combine into an even higher number. For example, if you roll 10, 8, 8, you can combine the 8’s to equal another 10 giving you two 10’s which can then be combined into a 12. I like this idea it sounds like it could be fun, but at the same time I can hear my less math-inclined friends’ groaning.
Players must choose a Persona for their PCs. In Spite there are five: Crusader, Leper, Messiah, Prophet, and Sinner. Personas are a sort of the replacement for races in most games. Each Persona allows the choice of a power from two specific to that Persona. The Crusader is your basic tank type of PC. Lepers are more of the mysterious recluse. The Messiah are more of your charismatic characters. Prophets are knowledge seekers, and the Sinners are the berserker warriors of the setting.
Spite uses only three attributes that are Strength, Sense, and Soul. The stats range from 1-6 with 2 being average. Players distribute 9 points amongst the stats meaning for a PC their average is 3. Players receive double their Sense score to purchase skills with. Spite’s skill list is small and concise numbering around 15, but allowing more detail through specializations.
Players also choose from one of three classes. The three classes are Fighter, Investigator, and Sorcerer. Each class gives the PC a few powers unique to it. Even with the few powers they give the classes seem more like role-playing themes and concepts than a truly dictating class for mechanics.
Spite also has the player choose a Drive for his character. Drive is basically a one –word passion that describes the motivation behind him. Any situation that the player can work his Drive into allows him to roll an extra die for that action. Each PC also receives two contacts that can be called upon to help them in appropriate situations.
One of the more interesting aspects of the rules for Spite is Stunts and Fury. Each adventure each character receives 12 points of Fury which can be used to purchase stunts. Stunts are amazing abilities such as Killshot which adds a die to an action or Flesh Wound which allows a character to roll double dice but at the cost of his own health. I like this mechanic a lot, but I wish there was a much longer list of stunts to choose from. Again I must point out my dislike for the attempt of taking the shock value too far. One stunt’s description literally says Regardless of the weapon being used, the attack must result in hemoglobin bukkake.
One area I find Spite truly shines is with its magic. There are several types of magic that could be used or seen in the Spite world. Sacraments seem to be the most basic in magical spells, and can be wielded by any Zealot no matter what the class. There is an exhaustive spell list that covers a lot of basic magic spells. One thing I like is the names of the spells. They convey a very biblical feel with names like Apophasis, Confirmation, Perdition, Synod and Viaticum. Sorcerers have access to Anathemas. Anathemas are spells that exorcise Angels out of the possessed corporeal bodies. Blasphemies are spells cast by Fighters that are geared towards combat armor. Investigators can cast Desecrations. Desecrations are spells that seem to mess with the spirits of people and often are similar to psionics or illusions. The last area of magic is Maledictions. Maledictions are spells that use the energies of hell to cause various side effects such as ripping reality for those to see the terrors of hell.
Combat in Spite uses active defenses. Attacks are opposed rolls versus the defenders roll. There are rules for vehicular combat, various types of damage from weapons, grappling, impacts, and rules for mooks or mobs of unimportant characters. There are also rules for creating Aspergilia better known as magic items. In a neat change of pace to most games, magic items are created using the players’ advancement points from play. I think this is a neat way to give a spiritual or religious feel to a player’s weapon attuning to them and being given power from beyond. A little more gruesome are the players being able to create Osteons or weapons created from the parts of dead angels.
The Setting
Spite is a modern setting where the constant and unending war between Angels and Demons is all too real. It’s not all black and white either. Demons trick people into killing their own kind to help motivate the war closer to their plans, Angels fall from grace and try to judge and sentence people before God’s plan would have, other Angels hunt them down, and confusion and intrigue abound everywhere. In Dread the First Book of Pandemonium the PCs are demon hunters, in Spite the players control PCs who hunt Fallen Angels. Both games are set in the same setting.
The setting feels like: what if the RPG In Nomine was written by Clive Barker? I say In Nomine because of the prominent back drop of Angelic Warfare, and Clive Barker because of the grim and gruesome descriptions of a mature and macabre world that sometimes will put a bad and terrible taste in your mouth. I have said a couple of times I feel this goes too far, but at the same time it is probably the author’s intention to take things this far; never mind the fact that several people are fans of this type of spiritually and morally shocking content. I may not like it, but I have a feeling it is a hit with many people. The NPC/Bestiary is loaded full of crazy creatures, angels demons, and other nasties that would make me freeze in terror if seen on the street. This write-up section is probably the most congested area with artwork that would make some squeamish and others wonder where people come up with such things. The book finishes with a large section on organizations within the setting, and several large appendices that has a large index, sheets for the game, and several ads for other products.
Overall
Spite is an interesting game. It is in a very mature and macabre setting that is definitely not for kids, and often many adults for that matter. I love that the game makes exclusive use of d12s which I have always felt were neglected. The system is not very complex at its base and looks to be quick and easy in place. The magic is unique in its feel, and there are several spells to choose from. I feel that for me the mature subject matter gets a little out of hand; however, if you like games like In Nomine, but feel it needs more of the Clive Barker or Kult treatment, then The Books of Pandemonium are perfect for you.
Ratings
Style is getting a 3. I feel that the Spite book is pretty average in its layout and art. The art is overall average black and white pieces with a few really shining. If you’re more into the just really crazy and odd occult looking stuff, I could see you enjoying the art much more than me. Some of it just goes a bit too far for me. The book seems to have been edited and proofread well as I didn’t find too many mistakes in its grammar or structure.
Substance is getting a 4. The book covers a lot. The system has lots of neat options like the stunts and types of magic. The bestiary is rather exhaustive and for those interested in a very mature horror game, the book is loaded with information and ideas that should provide lots of play.
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