Every character has a number of Background Options (BOs) that are based on their race. Background options for common races are shown below. Note that this has recently changed to better balance the races. Before there were several races that were quite clearly “super-men” and there was no non roleplaying reasons to play commen men.

RACE	BOs
Nomari	5
Jameri	6
Laan	4
Lydian	5
Ochu	10
Shay	7
Talath	4
Y’nar	4
Linaeri	3
Loari	3
Erlini	4

Background Options can be used for several things:

• Languages: 1 Background Option gives an additional 20 ranks in extra languages.
• Special Bonuses: 1 Background Option gives +10 to a skill or +5 to a category. (not allowed for Body Development, PP Development, or Awareness-Perception, or Spells).
• Increasing Potential Stats: 1 Background Option gives 20 “points” to increase Potential Stats. Use RMSS/RMFRP T-1.2 for points required to raise stats. It’s a simple 1 to 1 correspondance for stats 90 and below but above 90 it requires more points to raise. For example, Stat of 93 requires 99 points, 94 requires 106 points - so for 7 (of the 20) points the potential stat can be raised from 93 to 94. This does not affect the temporary stat at all.
• Occupation: 1 Background Option can be used to select an “occupation”. An occupation will cause 2 appropriate skills to become Occupational and 2 skills to become Everyman. For example a Blacksmith should get Metal-crafting (smithing) and Metal Lore as Occupational skills and perhaps Evaluate Armor and Evaluate Weapon as Everyman skills. The skills should be trade related skills and not ‘primary’ skills. No combat, magical, awareness, subterfuge, etc.
• Talents and Flaws: Background Options can also be used to get Talents (and possible Flaws). See below. Note - Flaws have been removed.

The selection of Talents and Flaws is a GM and Player process. Talents and Flaws are used from several books:

• Character Law (RMFRP) is the main book used.
• Martial Arts Companion (Special Training, Physical, Special)
• Mentalism Companion (Mental, Mystical)
• Channeling Companion (Special Training, Mystical, Special)

There are different categories of Talents/Flaws:

• Talents
• Special Training
• Physical
• Mystical
• Mental
• Special
• Flaws
• Physical
• Mental
• Special

The cost of Talents in terms of Background Options depends on the degree of the Talent and the associated Flaw (if any).

Degree of Talent	No Flaw	w/ Flaw
Lesser	1	1 (2 Talents, 1 Flaw)
Minor	2	1
Major	3	2
Greater	4	3

The Player gets to select the category of Talent (and Flaw if there is one) but the actual Talents and Flaws will be assigned. Players are free to suggest which Talent they would like. Talents must fit in with the character concept, be feasible based on the character background and starting area, and mustn’t grossly imbalance the character. Most of the Greater talents aren’t allowed - especially the Special ones that allow you to sprout wings or shoot lasers out of your eyes.