[ThreeStone]

If I was told the backgrounds were just a set of skill bonuses then I would probably try to figure out which skills are likely to be more and less useful like Toaster Repair vs. Big Guns, and tally up the number of 'useful' skills each background gave me. I'm sure a naive approach like this would yield backgrounds that were perceived as stronger or weaker based solely on the skills bonuses.

A player not familiar with the Cthulhu Mythos setting would probably pick a combat oriented soldier type as these are typically easier to play in RPGs.

Thankfully you seem to be trying to avoid this with the detailed background descriptions that highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the background.

[Felix]

.
 But, it could also have advantages that aren't reflected in the numbers, being the only character that could have a hunting lodge where I hang up trophy kills I acquire from critters in the game does not add to my Strength, but it is pretty awesome.

Lol
I was going to say the same.
Players always love to have all kind of pets, animals, followers and pikachus. But it would be cool to have instead trophys...it adds to the character.
So, if the background doesn't adds to "power" per se, should add for fun.

Personally, i'd take the "Deaf, dumb, blind, crippled, illiterate, 90 year old man"...much more fun to develop that kind of character, as you have a LOT to do with him. It also gives a feeling of triumph, when you advance with that kind of character cos you're playing smart.

[Sleet]

That would be cool. based on your background/profession different 'homes/sanctuaries' could be available.
Maybe you could hire/attract guards, students, researchers, workers, etc.
Also pets or pikachus to guard the grounds.

Possible to have additions, upgrades etc.

Room for trophies for the Big Game Hunter.
Library of books Doom the Old Ones for bookworm
The archaeologist could have various ancient artifacts etc..

[caster]

I would be more interested in the hunting lodge as a place i can sleep in often, which will be an important thing in this game it seems.
Also to ensure its security some minor quests could be made. Or laying out different traps around it - which would fit hunter background anyway.
Surviving a night in your lonesome hut while waiting and hearing traps snap outside one by one.... could be a good moment to live through. If you knew something was coming for you. Something you pissed off.

[Scott]

I can confidently nip the "hunting lodge" idea in the bud.  Too much Oblivion, too much NWN.  You might find a house you can sleep in for free, but you're not going to be fortifying it, hanging trophies, attracting grad students, etc. etc.  I want the PC to be able to pick up 1-3 autonomous followers, similar to Fallout.  And even they won't follow you everywhere you might want to go *hint, hint*.

Same goes for the 20 different outfits so your female thief can wear the exact shade of red dress she wants.

I guess all this stuff could be called "window dressing", little things for the player to toy with between thrilling role-playing.  The thing is, I want it ALL to be thrilling role-playing, so if from time to time you need a break from the fun, keep your pikachus handy!

[caster]

I was thinking more on the lines of having something which is really usefull in some way because i too dont like having places you can decorate.
And if you are going to have a lodge atleast you could do something with it, something tangible.
What exactly is another matter.

[Sleet]

Moot point. Thanks for the info Scott.

[Hector]

You might find a house you can sleep in for free, but you're not going to be fortifying it

Might I suggest that temporary fortifications be made possible?  For example, if the player has reason to seriously expect trouble, perhaps they should have an option to tip over a table, or move something (via strength check) across the door?  Nothing permanent, and all with the potential to backfire, for example, if the police want to talk with all the guests at an inn, how do you plan to explain to them that you barricaded the door?  It begs the question of how did you know that X was going to happen?

[Mad Mantis]

...skills not available at character creation, and sometimes not otherwise available at all...occasionally open up dialogue options...background-assigned quest(s)...

These would for me be reason enough to try a background. As long as I think I can deal with a playstyle of a background it would be very interesting to see the way the story unfolds through various eyes.

[Hümmelgümpf der Bruzzelzwerg]

Scott, I think it would be a good idea to keep the first post updated with links to threads that describe specific backgrounds in detail. You know, to make searching easier.

[Scott]

Good idea, boss!   

[Jedi_Learner]

Something like this?

Background: Drifter ^{M F}
Background: Serial Killer ^M
Background: Carnival Mystic ^{M F}
Background: Big Game Hunter ^{M F}
Background: Dissipated Nobility ^M
Background: Med School Dropout ^{M F}
Background: Descended from Witches ^{M F}
Background: Professor of Archaeology ^{M F}
Background: Veteran of the Great War ^{M F}

Key:
^M - Male
^F - Female

[Oscar]

Please, Scott, change the blue.

And JL version looks pretty cool

[Scott]

Christ, give me a minute here!
Thanks, Jedi!  You've got the internet skillz. 

[Jedi_Learner]

Happy to help.

In Cyclopean, there will be nine or ten different Backgrounds to choose from... All backgrounds have now been revealed!

Might want to change that.