Character Background

Character background is an area that I think that almost all MMOs lack depth. I want to see an MMO where background has meaning beyond some backstory someone typed into a box (if you even get a box). Grew up as the son of a farmer? Then you get a higher starting strength (did a lot of chores), lower intelligence (not much for book learning), and a fair knowledge of farming.

The advantages and disadvantages system from GURPS would be a great addition to MMOs. A lot of balancing would need to go into the system, but having a character with aquaphobia but keen eyesight would make my character different from yours. He won't be taking any boat rides or trudging through swamps, but he'll nail you with an arrow from afar otherwise.

If you are familiar with the old CRPG Arcanum, they had character background as a part of the character generation system. This might be a helpful addition for people unfamiliar with the concept of the advantages/disadvantages system. Raised by snake handlers? You're a bit uglier from being bit a lot, but you've got a good poison resistance.

I realize that this system would play a lot into "finding the perfect build", which is why a lot of balancing would need to be made. However, a lot of people get enjoyment out of that sort of thing. If new a/ds were added regularly I could see a lot of folks spending a lot of time doing this thing.