[HOE] [HoE] Sykers and Soldier Backgrounds

[Matt and Teresa Steflik <grifflik@stny.rr.com>]

I think we can all agree that Sykers are soldiers.  However, I don't
think it makes sense that a Syker player should have to now spend
additional 5 points to reflect this.  Right now I'm leaning toward
modifying the soldier background costs for Sykers.  What do you think?
Two points (+3 for the arcane background)?  I wouldn't go higher than
3.  Were Sykers primarily infantry, did they overlap into other areas or
would "Syker" be it's own specialty within the soldier background?  If
the latter, are they any opinions on which attributes to give perks to?
Background in WW made it sound like Sykers constituted their own groups
(pg. 8 makes reference to a Syker platoon for example), but I seem to
remember reading in other areas that individual Sykers were also
assigned to other units (perhaps it was in Brainburners - can't find it
now).  By the tone of Brainburners, it sounds like Banshee Sykers were
infantry - were earth ones as well?  Should/should not Sykers be
required to take a soldier background (modified or no)?  I already know
there are a few folks on here that don't like the soldier background at
all - let's assume for the moment that, like it or not, I'm using it.
Any one else care to input on this?  Again, I can always just make my
own house rules, but I'd like to hear some ouside opinions.  As always,
thanks in advance.

Matt Steflik
Gimme Shelter - http://www.geocities.com/grifflik