I mentioned this at the end of the Feeding rules post, but I'd like to ensure that backgrounds are concrete entities in general. You don't pay XP for them, so there's an expectation that they'll be able to grow or be destroyed. Also they could use some clarity on how they augment things and what they can do when they're not augmenting.
With that in mind, I think backgrounds can have a generic augment difficulty of 7. Between disciplines and abilities. This makes backgrounds useful. Unlike abilities, however, it is somewhat dangerous to be relying on your backgrounds all the time. Retainers are loyal, but if discovered by a rival they can be harassed, incapacitated, imprisoned, or worse. Allies might help you achieve a goal, but they will necessarily know of your actions and may request favors in return. When Resources are thrown around, it is hard to conceal what you are doing. Mentors may not always grant favors, and may also request favors or loyalty in return. Many thanks to J. for arguing with me about some of these a month or two ago. I think it'll make the game better.
With that in mind, I think backgrounds can have a generic augment difficulty of 7. Between disciplines and abilities. This makes backgrounds useful. Unlike abilities, however, it is somewhat dangerous to be relying on your backgrounds all the time. Retainers are loyal, but if discovered by a rival they can be harassed, incapacitated, imprisoned, or worse. Allies might help you achieve a goal, but they will necessarily know of your actions and may request favors in return. When Resources are thrown around, it is hard to conceal what you are doing. Mentors may not always grant favors, and may also request favors or loyalty in return. Many thanks to J. for arguing with me about some of these a month or two ago. I think it'll make the game better.
