diff --git a/Laptop/IMP Background.cpp b/Laptop/IMP Background.cpp
index d04a33fe..c6019fa1 100644
--- a/Laptop/IMP Background.cpp	
+++ b/Laptop/IMP Background.cpp	
@@ -491,6 +491,10 @@ void AssignBackgroundHelpText( UINT8 ubNumber, MOUSE_REGION* pMouseregion )
 		// ability description
 		for ( UINT8 i = 0; i < BACKGROUND_FLAG_MAX; ++i)
 		{
+			// some properties are hidden
+			if ( ((UINT64)1 << i) & BACKGROUND_HIDDEN_FLAGS )
+				continue;
+
 			if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].uiFlags & ((UINT64)1 << i) )
 			{
 				swprintf(atStr, szBackgroundText_Flags[ i ] );
@@ -589,6 +593,12 @@ BOOLEAN IsBackGroundAllowed( UINT8 ubNumber )
 	if ( !ubNumber  )
 		return FALSE;
 
+	// some backgrounds are only allowed to specific genders. Set both to forbid a background from ever showing up in IMP creation (for merc-specific backgrounds)
+	if ( fCharacterIsMale && zBackground[ ubNumber ].uiFlags & BACKGROUND_NO_MALE )
+		return FALSE;
+	else if ( !fCharacterIsMale && zBackground[ ubNumber ].uiFlags & BACKGROUND_NO_FEMALE )
+		return FALSE;
+
 	if ( SkillsList[0] == HEAVY_WEAPONS_NT || SkillsList[1] == HEAVY_WEAPONS_NT || SkillsList[2] == HEAVY_WEAPONS_NT )
 	{
 		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_ARTILLERY] > 0 )
diff --git a/Tactical/Interface.h b/Tactical/Interface.h
index 10de1f50..20de5a63 100644
--- a/Tactical/Interface.h
+++ b/Tactical/Interface.h
@@ -129,6 +129,7 @@ enum {
 	BG_MECHANICAL,
 	BG_EXPLOSIVE_ASSIGN,
 	BG_MEDICAL,
+	BG_WISDOM,
 
 	// ap modifiers for non-sector related tasks
 	BG_HEIGHT,
@@ -181,6 +182,7 @@ enum {
 
 	// various
 	BG_BONUS_BREACHINGCHARGE,
+	BG_PERC_CTH_CREATURE,
 
 	BG_MAX,
 };
@@ -196,7 +198,7 @@ typedef struct
 	INT16		value[BG_MAX];					// property values
 } BACKGROUND_VALUES;
 
-#define NUM_BACKGROUND 100
+#define NUM_BACKGROUND 200
 
 extern BACKGROUND_VALUES zBackground[NUM_BACKGROUND];
 
diff --git a/Tactical/SkillCheck.cpp b/Tactical/SkillCheck.cpp
index 08db1386..6d1888d1 100644
--- a/Tactical/SkillCheck.cpp
+++ b/Tactical/SkillCheck.cpp
@@ -68,6 +68,8 @@ INT16 EffectiveWisdom( SOLDIERTYPE * pSoldier)
 
 	iEffWisdom = EffectStatForBeingDrunk( pSoldier, iEffWisdom );
 
+	iEffWisdom = (iEffWisdom * (100 + pSoldier->GetBackgroundValue(BG_WISDOM))) / 100;
+
 	return( (INT16) iEffWisdom );
 }
 
diff --git a/Tactical/Soldier Control.h b/Tactical/Soldier Control.h
index 85c37cce..d3bc1ba6 100644
--- a/Tactical/Soldier Control.h	
+++ b/Tactical/Soldier Control.h	
@@ -401,10 +401,13 @@ enum
 
 #define BACKGROUND_TRAPLEVEL					0x0000000000000010	//16			// trap level +1
 #define BACKGROUND_CORRUPTIONSPREAD				0x0000000000000020	//32			// spreads corruption to others	- not used in trunk!
-//#define BACKGROUND_XENOPHOBIC   				0x0000000000000040	//64			// arrogant towards others without this background
-//#define BACKGROUND_CAPITULATION				0x0000000000000080	//128			// if present, the team's surrender strength is higher
+#define BACKGROUND_NO_MALE   					0x0000000000000040	//64			// background cannot be selected by males (IMP creation)
+#define BACKGROUND_NO_FEMALE					0x0000000000000080	//128			// background cannot be selected by females (IMP creation)
 
-#define BACKGROUND_FLAG_MAX	6					// number of flagged backgrounds - keep this updated, or properties will get lost!
+#define BACKGROUND_FLAG_MAX	8					// number of flagged backgrounds - keep this updated, or properties will get lost!
+
+// some properties are hidden (forbid background in MP creation)
+#define BACKGROUND_HIDDEN_FLAGS					(BACKGROUND_NO_MALE|BACKGROUND_NO_FEMALE)
 
 // Flugente: types of multi-turn actions
 enum
diff --git a/Tactical/Weapons.cpp b/Tactical/Weapons.cpp
index a3ec2b0f..414f1fed 100644
--- a/Tactical/Weapons.cpp
+++ b/Tactical/Weapons.cpp
@@ -5181,14 +5181,15 @@ if (gGameExternalOptions.fUseNewCTHCalculation)
 
 		// apply bonus from traits
 		// Flugente: moved trait modifiers into a member function
-		if(gGameOptions.fNewTraitSystem)
-		{
-			UINT8 targetprofile = NOBODY;
-			if ( pTarget && pTarget->ubProfile != NOBODY )
-				targetprofile = pTarget->ubProfile;
+		UINT8 targetprofile = NOBODY;
+		if ( pTarget && pTarget->ubProfile != NOBODY )
+			targetprofile = pTarget->ubProfile;
 
-			fAimModifier += pSoldier->GetTraitCTHModifier( usInHand, ubAimTime, targetprofile );
-		}
+		fAimModifier += pSoldier->GetTraitCTHModifier( usInHand, ubAimTime, targetprofile );
+
+		// Flugente: backgrounds
+		if ( pTarget && pTarget->bTeam == CREATURE_TEAM )
+			fAimModifier += pSoldier->GetBackgroundValue(BG_PERC_CTH_CREATURE);
 
 		// get aimbonus from target
 		fAimModifier += CalcNewChanceToHitAimTargetBonus(pSoldier, pTarget, sGridNo, iRange, ubAimPos, fCantSeeTarget);
@@ -5357,6 +5358,10 @@ else
 
 	iTraitModifier = pSoldier->GetTraitCTHModifier( usInHand, ubAimTime, targetprofile );
 
+	// Flugente: backgrounds
+	if ( pTarget && pTarget->bTeam == CREATURE_TEAM )
+		iTraitModifier += pSoldier->GetBackgroundValue(BG_PERC_CTH_CREATURE);
+
 	// SHOOTING AT SAME TARGET AGAIN
 	if (sGridNo == pSoldier->sLastTarget )
 		iBaseModifier += (FLOAT)gGameCTHConstants.BASE_SAME_TARGET;
@@ -6088,7 +6093,7 @@ else
 
 	// Impose global limits.
 	// Flugente: backgrounds
-	iChance =  min(iChance, gGameExternalOptions.ubMaximumCTH + (UINT8)(pSoldier->GetBackgroundValue(BG_PERC_CTH_MAX)) );
+	iChance =  min(iChance, min(100, gGameExternalOptions.ubMaximumCTH + (UINT8)(pSoldier->GetBackgroundValue(BG_PERC_CTH_MAX))) );
 	iChance = __max(iChance, gGameExternalOptions.ubMinimumCTH);
 	
 	return (iChance);
@@ -6920,6 +6925,10 @@ UINT32 CalcChanceToHitGun(SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, INT32 sGridNo, INT16 ubAimTime,
 		targetprofile = pTarget->ubProfile;
 
 	iChance += pSoldier->GetTraitCTHModifier( usInHand, ubAimTime, targetprofile );
+
+	// Flugente: backgrounds
+	if ( pTarget && pTarget->bTeam == CREATURE_TEAM )
+		iChance += pSoldier->GetBackgroundValue(BG_PERC_CTH_CREATURE);
 		
 	/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 	
@@ -7452,7 +7461,7 @@ UINT32 CalcChanceToHitGun(SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, INT32 sGridNo, INT16 ubAimTime,
 		// iChance = MAXCHANCETOHIT;
 
 		// Flugente: backgrounds
-		iChance =  min(iChance, gGameExternalOptions.ubMaximumCTH + (UINT8)(pSoldier->GetBackgroundValue(BG_PERC_CTH_MAX)) );
+		iChance =  min(iChance, min(100, gGameExternalOptions.ubMaximumCTH + (UINT8)(pSoldier->GetBackgroundValue(BG_PERC_CTH_MAX))) );
 	}
 	/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 	
diff --git a/Tactical/XML_Background.cpp b/Tactical/XML_Background.cpp
index c29eaf2e..b53ced2c 100644
--- a/Tactical/XML_Background.cpp
+++ b/Tactical/XML_Background.cpp
@@ -80,6 +80,7 @@ backgroundStartElementHandle(void *userData, const XML_Char *name, const XML_Cha
 				strcmp(name, "dexterity") == 0 ||
 				strcmp(name, "mechanical") == 0 ||
 				strcmp(name, "medical") == 0 ||
+				strcmp(name, "wisdom") == 0 ||
 				strcmp(name, "explosives") == 0 ||
 				strcmp(name, "leadership") == 0 ||
 				strcmp(name, "marksmanship") == 0 ||
@@ -116,12 +117,15 @@ backgroundStartElementHandle(void *userData, const XML_Char *name, const XML_Cha
 				strcmp(name, "approach_threaten") == 0 ||
 				strcmp(name, "approach_recruit") == 0 ||
 				strcmp(name, "breachingcharge") == 0 ||
+				strcmp(name, "cth_vs_creatures") == 0 ||
 				strcmp(name, "druguse") == 0 ||
 				strcmp(name, "xenophobic") == 0 ||				
 				strcmp(name, "corruptionspread") == 0 ||
 				strcmp(name, "level_underground") == 0 ||
 				strcmp(name, "scrounging") == 0 ||
-				strcmp(name, "traplevel") == 0 ))
+				strcmp(name, "traplevel") == 0 ||
+				strcmp(name, "no_male") == 0 ||
+				strcmp(name, "no_female") == 0 ))
 		{
 			pData->curElement = ELEMENT_PROPERTY;
 
@@ -294,6 +298,11 @@ backgroundEndElementHandle(void *userData, const XML_Char *name)
 			pData->curElement = ELEMENT;
 			pData->curBackground.value[BG_MEDICAL] = min(XML_BACKGROUND_STAT_MAX, max(-XML_BACKGROUND_STAT_MAX, (INT8) atol(pData->szCharData) ));
 		}
+		else if(strcmp(name, "wisdom") == 0)
+		{
+			pData->curElement = ELEMENT;
+			pData->curBackground.value[BG_WISDOM] = min(XML_BACKGROUND_STAT_MAX, max(-XML_BACKGROUND_STAT_MAX, (INT8) atol(pData->szCharData) ));
+		}
 		else if(strcmp(name, "explosives") == 0)
 		{
 			pData->curElement = ELEMENT;
@@ -474,6 +483,11 @@ backgroundEndElementHandle(void *userData, const XML_Char *name)
 			pData->curElement = ELEMENT;
 			pData->curBackground.value[BG_BONUS_BREACHINGCHARGE] = min(100, max(-100, (INT16) atol(pData->szCharData) ));
 		}
+		else if(strcmp(name, "cth_vs_creatures") == 0)
+		{
+			pData->curElement = ELEMENT;
+			pData->curBackground.value[BG_PERC_CTH_CREATURE] = min(20, max(-20, (INT16) atol(pData->szCharData) ));
+		}
 		else if(strcmp(name, "druguse") == 0)
 		{
 			pData->curElement = ELEMENT;
@@ -504,6 +518,16 @@ backgroundEndElementHandle(void *userData, const XML_Char *name)
 			pData->curElement = ELEMENT;
 			pData->curBackground.uiFlags	|= (UINT16) atol(pData->szCharData) ? BACKGROUND_TRAPLEVEL : 0;
 		}
+		else if(strcmp(name, "no_male") == 0)
+		{
+			pData->curElement = ELEMENT;
+			pData->curBackground.uiFlags	|= (UINT16) atol(pData->szCharData) ? BACKGROUND_NO_MALE : 0;
+		}
+		else if(strcmp(name, "no_female") == 0)
+		{
+			pData->curElement = ELEMENT;
+			pData->curBackground.uiFlags	|= (UINT16) atol(pData->szCharData) ? BACKGROUND_NO_FEMALE : 0;
+		}
 																				
 		pData->maxReadDepth--;
 	}
diff --git a/Utils/_ChineseText.cpp b/Utils/_ChineseText.cpp
index 993175a4..24351106 100644
--- a/Utils/_ChineseText.cpp
+++ b/Utils/_ChineseText.cpp
@@ -7614,6 +7614,8 @@ STR16		szBackgroundText_Flags[]=
 
 	L" +1 traplevel to planted bombs\n",
 	L" spreads corruption to nearby mercs\n",
+	L" female only",							// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
+	L" male only",								// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
 };
 
 // TODO.Translate
@@ -7636,6 +7638,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% mechanical stat\n",	
 	L" %s%d%% explosives stat\n",
 	L" %s%d%% medical stat\n",
+	L" %s%d%% wisdom stat\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% APs on rooftops\n",
 	L" %s%d%% APs needed to swim\n",
@@ -7682,6 +7685,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% effectiveness to recruit approach\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% chance of success with door breaching charges\n",
+	L" %s%d%% cth with firearms against creatures\n",
 };
 
 #endif //CHINESE
diff --git a/Utils/_DutchText.cpp b/Utils/_DutchText.cpp
index 6d3e84cd..70273bee 100644
--- a/Utils/_DutchText.cpp
+++ b/Utils/_DutchText.cpp
@@ -7613,6 +7613,8 @@ STR16		szBackgroundText_Flags[]=
 
 	L" +1 traplevel to planted bombs\n",
 	L" spreads corruption to nearby mercs\n",
+	L" female only",							// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
+	L" male only",								// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
 };
 
 // TODO.Translate
@@ -7635,6 +7637,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% mechanical stat\n",	
 	L" %s%d%% explosives stat\n",
 	L" %s%d%% medical stat\n",
+	L" %s%d%% wisdom stat\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% APs on rooftops\n",
 	L" %s%d%% APs needed to swim\n",
@@ -7681,6 +7684,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% effectiveness to recruit approach\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% chance of success with door breaching charges\n",
+	L" %s%d%% cth with firearms against creatures\n",
 };
 
 #endif //DUTCH
diff --git a/Utils/_EnglishText.cpp b/Utils/_EnglishText.cpp
index f951c3e4..3e0277da 100644
--- a/Utils/_EnglishText.cpp
+++ b/Utils/_EnglishText.cpp
@@ -7598,6 +7598,8 @@ STR16		szBackgroundText_Flags[]=
 
 	L" +1 traplevel to planted bombs\n",
 	L" spreads corruption to nearby mercs\n",
+	L" female only",							// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
+	L" male only",								// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
 };
 
 STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
@@ -7619,6 +7621,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% mechanical stat\n",	
 	L" %s%d%% explosives stat\n",
 	L" %s%d%% medical stat\n",
+	L" %s%d%% wisdom stat\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% APs on rooftops\n",
 	L" %s%d%% APs needed to swim\n",
@@ -7665,6 +7668,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% effectiveness to recruit approach\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% chance of success with door breaching charges\n",
+	L" %s%d%% cth with firearms against creatures\n",
 };
 
 #endif //ENGLISH
diff --git a/Utils/_FrenchText.cpp b/Utils/_FrenchText.cpp
index 044fa6cb..da369dad 100644
--- a/Utils/_FrenchText.cpp
+++ b/Utils/_FrenchText.cpp
@@ -7597,6 +7597,8 @@ STR16		szBackgroundText_Flags[]=
 
 	L" +1 traplevel to planted bombs\n",
 	L" spreads corruption to nearby mercs\n",
+	L" female only",							// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
+	L" male only",								// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
 };
 
 // TODO.Translate
@@ -7619,6 +7621,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% mechanical stat\n",	
 	L" %s%d%% explosives stat\n",
 	L" %s%d%% medical stat\n",
+	L" %s%d%% wisdom stat\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% APs on rooftops\n",
 	L" %s%d%% APs needed to swim\n",
@@ -7665,6 +7668,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% effectiveness to recruit approach\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% chance of success with door breaching charges\n",
+	L" %s%d%% cth with firearms against creatures\n",
 };
 
 #endif //FRENCH
diff --git a/Utils/_GermanText.cpp b/Utils/_GermanText.cpp
index c34e9e22..c3839b5c 100644
--- a/Utils/_GermanText.cpp
+++ b/Utils/_GermanText.cpp
@@ -7422,6 +7422,8 @@ STR16		szBackgroundText_Flags[]=
 
 	L" +1 traplevel to planted bombs\n",
 	L" spreads corruption to nearby mercs\n",
+	L" female only",							// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
+	L" male only",								// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
 };
 
 // TODO.Translate
@@ -7444,6 +7446,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% mechanical stat\n",	
 	L" %s%d%% explosives stat\n",
 	L" %s%d%% medical stat\n",
+	L" %s%d%% wisdom stat\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% APs on rooftops\n",
 	L" %s%d%% APs needed to swim\n",
@@ -7490,6 +7493,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% effectiveness to recruit approach\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% chance of success with door breaching charges\n",
+	L" %s%d%% cth with firearms against creatures\n",
 };
 
 #endif //GERMAN
diff --git a/Utils/_ItalianText.cpp b/Utils/_ItalianText.cpp
index 596ba362..b07b1437 100644
--- a/Utils/_ItalianText.cpp
+++ b/Utils/_ItalianText.cpp
@@ -7600,8 +7600,11 @@ STR16		szBackgroundText_Flags[]=
 
 	L" +1 traplevel to planted bombs\n",
 	L" spreads corruption to nearby mercs\n",
+	L" female only",							// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
+	L" male only",								// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
 };
 
+// TODO.Translate
 STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 {
 	L" %s%d%% APs in polar sectors\n",
@@ -7621,6 +7624,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% mechanical stat\n",	
 	L" %s%d%% explosives stat\n",
 	L" %s%d%% medical stat\n",
+	L" %s%d%% wisdom stat\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% APs on rooftops\n",
 	L" %s%d%% APs needed to swim\n",
@@ -7667,6 +7671,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% effectiveness to recruit approach\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% chance of success with door breaching charges\n",
+	L" %s%d%% cth with firearms against creatures\n",
 };
 
 #endif //ITALIAN
diff --git a/Utils/_PolishText.cpp b/Utils/_PolishText.cpp
index 0216702a..c4ad4d94 100644
--- a/Utils/_PolishText.cpp
+++ b/Utils/_PolishText.cpp
@@ -7619,6 +7619,8 @@ STR16		szBackgroundText_Flags[]=
 
 	L" +1 traplevel to planted bombs\n",
 	L" spreads corruption to nearby mercs\n",
+	L" female only",							// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
+	L" male only",								// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
 };
 
 // TODO.Translate
@@ -7641,6 +7643,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% mechanical stat\n",	
 	L" %s%d%% explosives stat\n",
 	L" %s%d%% medical stat\n",
+	L" %s%d%% wisdom stat\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% APs on rooftops\n",
 	L" %s%d%% APs needed to swim\n",
@@ -7687,6 +7690,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% effectiveness to recruit approach\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% chance of success with door breaching charges\n",
+	L" %s%d%% cth with firearms against creatures\n",
 };
 
 #endif //POLISH
diff --git a/Utils/_RussianText.cpp b/Utils/_RussianText.cpp
index ab0329dd..52f2df4a 100644
--- a/Utils/_RussianText.cpp
+++ b/Utils/_RussianText.cpp
@@ -7599,6 +7599,8 @@ STR16		szBackgroundText_Flags[]=
 
 	L" +1 traplevel to planted bombs\n",
 	L" spreads corruption to nearby mercs\n",
+	L" female only",							// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
+	L" male only",								// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
 };
 
 // TODO.Translate
@@ -7621,6 +7623,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% mechanical stat\n",	
 	L" %s%d%% explosives stat\n",
 	L" %s%d%% medical stat\n",
+	L" %s%d%% wisdom stat\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% APs on rooftops\n",
 	L" %s%d%% APs needed to swim\n",
@@ -7667,6 +7670,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% effectiveness to recruit approach\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% chance of success with door breaching charges\n",
+	L" %s%d%% cth with firearms against creatures\n",
 };
 
 #endif //RUSSIAN
diff --git a/Utils/_TaiwaneseText.cpp b/Utils/_TaiwaneseText.cpp
index cce6dd3e..3e1f6c59 100644
--- a/Utils/_TaiwaneseText.cpp
+++ b/Utils/_TaiwaneseText.cpp
@@ -7617,6 +7617,8 @@ STR16		szBackgroundText_Flags[]=
 
 	L" +1 traplevel to planted bombs\n",
 	L" spreads corruption to nearby mercs\n",
+	L" female only",							// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
+	L" male only",								// won't show up, text exists for compatibility reasons
 };
 
 // TODO.Translate
@@ -7639,6 +7641,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% mechanical stat\n",	
 	L" %s%d%% explosives stat\n",
 	L" %s%d%% medical stat\n",
+	L" %s%d%% wisdom stat\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% APs on rooftops\n",
 	L" %s%d%% APs needed to swim\n",
@@ -7685,6 +7688,7 @@ STR16	szBackgroundText_Value[]=
 	L" %s%d%% effectiveness to recruit approach\n",
 
 	L" %s%d%% chance of success with door breaching charges\n",
+	L" %s%d%% cth with firearms against creatures\n",
 };
 
 #endif //TAIWANESE