Spinespur FAQ     (by creator Bob Mervine)

What’s with the adult warning on your web site and products?

Spinespur is a game that we feel is long overdue – it’s a game created for the more mature segment of the gaming populace.  Most games made today are created to be “kid-friendly” and are sanitized to meet today’s easily-offended sensitivities in the name of “protecting our children.”  We decided that there are plenty of games out there meeting the needs of the younger audiences and doing it well.  We chose to follow a different path by creating a game that meets adults on their level.

Is this a Fantasy game or a Sci-Fi game?

Neither, really.  Spinespur is better described as fitting into the horror genre, a genre that has been inundated with kid-friendly, plastic gaming for too long.  Horror movies and books are filled with rich subject matter that is ripe for gamers to explore but doing so requires a mature outlook and a story-focused perspective.  Merging the concept of an adult-oriented game with a horror theme allows us to tell rich stories and sell unique models that would be unacceptable in other games.  Some of the Spinespur models and stories would make a soccer mom cringe, and the “mature” label is in place to limit run-ins with irate parents.

Spinespur is a world where evil reigns supreme and even the angels have stains on their wings.  Spinespur is filled with the typical chainsaws, zombies, and werewolves as well as more obscure or innovative nightmares all its own.  It’s a Modern Survival Horror game with elements of fantasy alongside elements of science fiction.

Is the game unit scale or skirmish scale?

Spinespur is definitely a skirmish scale game and does not have units.  Each model activates on its own.  Mid-sized games will typically have 5-10 models on a side.

What is the basis of the ruleset?

Spinespur is a game with alternating activations (as opposed to an I-go; you-go system) and uses a 3d6 roll to arbitrate most actions within the game.  Each model gets to activate once each round regardless of the number of figures in each player's force.

What can a model do during an activation?

Most models get 2 actions during their activation and can use their actions however they see fit.  There are no traditional "run" or "charge" options that use up both of a model's actions.  If you want to run - move twice.  If you want to charge - move and then "scrap" (make a partial move and then make an attack).  The system grants a lot of flexibility by allowing simple action types to be used in a variety of combinations.

What are the different armies?

Spinespur was designed from the ground up to be very flexible in terms of army selection, and we believe the three different force construction methods showcase elements that will appeal to a broad cross-section of gamers.

            Open Force Construction allows players to choose from roughly 60% of all models in the game when building their force.  This allows for great flexibility in force composition, giving players the opportunity to combine model abilities and weapon selections in just about any way they could imagine.  This method will appeal to players who choose models based on the sculpt or the abilities rather than the story behind the models.
            Philosophy Force Construction allows players to choose models from only a single philosophy – Uncorrupted, Calculating, Indifferent, Psychotic, or Malevolent.  This allows players to choose from roughly 20% of all models in the game, but it also allows players to spend a few extra points on their force list.  This method will appeal to players who often find themselves just a point or two over the limit or who wish to focus solely on the “good guys” or “bad guys.”
            Agenda Force Construction limits players to using models from one specific “Agenda.”  This method results in the most story-based force construction, but it is also the most limiting in terms of model selection.  To balance out the smaller range of models to choose from, models in the same Agenda share a lot of synergy with one another and this method allows a player to use the “Agenda Bonus,” a short list of story-based enhancements to the models in their force.

Who are the main characters of Spinespur?

Each player chooses a “Central Character” for his force.  Some may choose to pick an unnamed “Grunt” and create an army around that model, giving the chosen warrior its own name, history, and plans for the future.  Others may choose to use one of the many “Individuals” that already reside in Spinespur as their Central Character.

Does the “mature” label really just mean “over the top”?

Admittedly, the horror genre often walks a fine line between scary and cheesy, and there are definitely elements within Spinespur that are comical or ironic.  Our goal, however, is to use these elements to break up the gritty darkness sewn into Spinespur from its inception.  The game takes place in a pain-plagued world filled with twisted characters, and the occasional laugh helps enrich the setting rather than detract from it.

As far as the “mature” label goes, we assure you that the politically correct of society will not even know where to begin their complaints.  Spinespur material does contain profanity – not every other word or simply because it’s cool, but the proper response to a maniac’s evisceration attempts isn’t really “gosh, this is bad.”  Spinespur material also does include some degree of nudity – not nudity for nudity’s sake but for the story’s sake; an autopsied corpse reanimated as a zombie is unlikely to go put on some jeans before searching for its prey.  Spinespur also includes some degree of sexism.  Again, the goal is not to put women down, but women with a supermodel build simply don’t wield 50-pound swords and cut down entire swathes of armored warriors.
So no, in our opinion, the game is not over the top, but it is also not for those who are quick to take offense.

Are there stat cards?

The current plan is to post all stat cards on the web site for free download as the associated models become available for purchase.  This may not be the best move from a business perspective, but this will make any corrections to models that may come up as painless as possible for the consumer.  Every lasting minis game experiences some degree of clarification or errata over time, and we’re confident that players will want to own the Spinespur books and models, not just downloaded stat cards.

Are there starter boxes?

No.  The vast options available to players in terms of force construction and Central Character selection would not have quite the same impact if players were handed a small selection of pre-built forces.

What scale are the minis?

The average model is 30-32mm scale.

How many models will be available at launch?

There are roughly 20 models that will be released in the first wave, and these models have been chosen to create a strong starting point for force construction.  Later waves will follow the upcoming release schedule, and there are detailed plans in place that go far beyond the material one can find in Spinespur: Threshold, the first Spinespur book set to debut at Origins 2007.

How big is a standard game?

A “standard” game is something that really falls to an individual gaming group to decide rather than the game’s producer.  Spinespur has been tested most extensively at the 100-point level, but we have also tested games a fair bit smaller and larger to ensure its scalability.  The size of the game is also easily scaled to the quantity of time available.  Approximately twenty minutes per 50 points is a fairly good rule of thumb for experienced players whether they’re playing a 50-point or a 250-point game.

What’s the initial buy-in cost?

The rulebook and a nice starting force cost about 65-75 dollars depending on force composition.  A force composed of just a few elite models may be cheaper.  A force composed of a host of weaker models will be a bit more expensive.

Where can I buy this game?

There are several options.  If Spinespur books and models are available for purchase from the local game store, please support their business.  If they do not currently carry the game but are interested in doing so, we have a retailers’ PDF available that explains the direct sales program.  We will also be at Origins and GenCon 2007 along with some smaller conventions to promote the game.  If there’s a local convention with a decent miniatures gaming scene, then let us know about it, and we’ll at least look into it.  If you cannot get the game through your local game store and are unable to attend a convention where you can find Comfy Chair Games, then please visit the web-store.  If you can read this page, then you can get this game!

I already have minis games; why should I buy into another?

If you’ve read through this FAQ, looked at the concept art, looked at the minis, and don’t think that Spinespur is right for you, then maybe it’s not.  Not all games are for all gamers.  If you change your mind, stop back and take another look.