From 682dbaa8fcca3e5fda196028c4a22aeae4862608 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: kitty624 <58940527+kitty624@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2024 19:37:16 +0100
Subject: [PATCH] Alternative IMP Background Selection

- two new options in ja2options.ini
 ALTERNATIVE IMP CREATION
- adds new additional backgrounds, exclusive to this option
- which IMP backgrounds will be available at selection is determined by previously made choices for skills, character traits and disablities
- if a tag in background is contradicting to content of skill/character/disability, it won't be shown at selection
- what's considered contradicting is based on what's been found in code for conntent of skill/character/disability
- i.e. HeatIntolerant adds a penalty for desert and tropical sectors, so don't show backgrounds that add bonus for those sectortypes instead
- a new tag <alt_impcreation, has been added to backgrounds for this as well
- if that tag is found, it will be considered as additional IMP background exclusive to the option

REDUCED IMP CREATION
- same as above, but this time only the new additional backgrounds will be avaialable at selection
- same rules for possible restrictions to be shown

ALTERNATIVE IMP CREATION is required for REDUCED IMP CREATION to work

For ja2options.ini, a new category, "Backgrounds" was created.
This will contain the two new options and the general option to enable backgrounds

Accompanying changes in gamedir:

INIEditorJA2Options.xml
ja2options.ini
backgrounds.xml
---
 Ja2/GameSettings.cpp          |  12 +-
 Ja2/GameSettings.h            |   7 +
 Laptop/IMP Background.cpp     | 246 ++++++++++++++++++++--------------
 Laptop/IMP Disability Trait.h |   2 +-
 Laptop/IMP Minor Trait.cpp    |   2 +-
 Laptop/IMP Skill Trait.cpp    |   4 +-
 Tactical/Soldier Control.h    |   5 +-
 Tactical/XML_Background.cpp   |   8 +-
 8 files changed, 178 insertions(+), 108 deletions(-)

diff --git a/Ja2/GameSettings.cpp b/Ja2/GameSettings.cpp
index 00802dcb..e6ac7a4f 100644
--- a/Ja2/GameSettings.cpp
+++ b/Ja2/GameSettings.cpp
@@ -992,9 +992,17 @@ void LoadGameExternalOptions()
 	//Madd: set number of pItem files to be used
 	gGameExternalOptions.ubNumPItems					= iniReader.ReadInteger("Data File Settings","NUM_P_ITEMS", 3, 3, MAX_PITEMS);
 
+	//################# Backgrounds #################
+
 	// Flugente: backgrounds
-	gGameExternalOptions.fBackGround					= iniReader.ReadBoolean("Data File Settings", "BACKGROUNDS", TRUE );
-	
+	gGameExternalOptions.fBackGround					= iniReader.ReadBoolean("Backgrounds", "ENABLE_BACKGROUNDS", TRUE );
+
+	// Kitty: show additional IMP backgrounds and determine which IMP backgrounds are available at selection based on choices for skills, chararcter traits and disabilities
+    gGameExternalOptions.fAltIMPCreation                = iniReader.ReadBoolean("Backgrounds", "ALTERNATIVE_IMP_CREATION", FALSE);
+
+	// Kitty: only show additional IMP backgrounds enabled by AlternativeImpCreation (same rules which are shown as with AlternativeImpCreation)
+	gGameExternalOptions.fReducedIMPCreation            = iniReader.ReadBoolean("Backgrounds", "REDUCED_IMP_CREATION", FALSE);
+
 	//################# Merc Recruitment Settings #################
 	
 	// silversurfer: read early recruitment options 1=immediately (control Omerta), 2=early (control 1, 2, 3 towns including Omerta)
diff --git a/Ja2/GameSettings.h b/Ja2/GameSettings.h
index b5df2be5..1aeb3404 100644
--- a/Ja2/GameSettings.h
+++ b/Ja2/GameSettings.h
@@ -337,6 +337,7 @@ BOOLEAN UsingBackGroundSystem();
 BOOLEAN UsingImprovedInterruptSystem();
 BOOLEAN UsingInventoryCostsAPSystem();
 
+
 BOOLEAN IsNIVModeValid(bool checkRes = true);
 
 // Snap: Options read from an INI file in the default of custom Data directory
@@ -1558,6 +1559,12 @@ typedef struct
 	
 	// Flugente: backgrounds
 	BOOLEAN fBackGround;
+
+	// Kitty: Alternative IMP Creation (choices in skills/char-traits/disabilities determine available backgrounds, plus additional available backgrounds)
+    BOOLEAN fAltIMPCreation;
+
+	// Kitty: Reduced IMP Backgrounds (same as fAltIMPCreation, but for this only the additional backgrounds)
+	BOOLEAN fReducedIMPCreation;
 	
 	// Sandro: Alternative weapon holding (rifles fired from hip / pistols fired one-handed)
 	UINT8 ubAllowAlternativeWeaponHolding;
diff --git a/Laptop/IMP Background.cpp b/Laptop/IMP Background.cpp
index 1ab6cd75..14b30fa4 100644
--- a/Laptop/IMP Background.cpp	
+++ b/Laptop/IMP Background.cpp	
@@ -608,36 +608,53 @@ extern BOOLEAN	gfSkillTraitQuestions2[20];
 
 extern BOOLEAN	gfMinorTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_NUMBER_MINOR_SKILLS];
 
-BOOLEAN IsBackGroundAllowed( UINT16 ubNumber )
+BOOLEAN IsBackGroundAllowed(UINT16 ubNumber)
 {
-	if ( !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 )
+	if (fCharacterIsMale && zBackground[ubNumber].uiFlags & BACKGROUND_NO_MALE)
 		return FALSE;
-	else if ( !fCharacterIsMale && zBackground[ ubNumber ].uiFlags & BACKGROUND_NO_FEMALE )
+	else if (!fCharacterIsMale && zBackground[ubNumber].uiFlags & BACKGROUND_NO_FEMALE)
 		return FALSE;
 
-	/* kitty: fixed following skillcheck
-	* the previous used "SkillList" and the after-remap naming convention (i.e. DOCTOR_NT) didn't work in this place/point of character creation
-	* left the out-commented previous code for reference and potential rollback
-	* used distinctive single and dual trait for major traits to allow for possible future finetuning by trait level
-	* 2023/08/30
-	*/
+	// added new ini-options and accompanying background-tag
+	// choices in skills/character-traits/disabilities determine available backgrounds if true in ja2options.ini
+	// new tag <alt_impcreation> has been added to backgrounds.xml
+
+	if (!gGameExternalOptions.fAltIMPCreation)
+
+	{
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].uiFlags & BACKGROUND_ALT_IMP_CREATION) // don't show BG with tag <alt_impcreation> if Alt_Imp_Creation isn't true in ja2options.ini
+		{
+			return FALSE;
+		}
+		else
+		{
+			return TRUE;
+		}
+	}
+
+	// show BG with tag <alt_impcreation>, 
+	// but don't show BG whose tags would contradict with a main bonus/penalty gained by skill/char-trait/disability
+
+	if (gGameExternalOptions.fAltIMPCreation)
+
+    // define which tags are considered contradicting for major traits, minor traits, disablities and character traits
 
 	// major traits  (single-trait and dual-trait)
 	if (gfSkillTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_HEAVY_WEAPONS] || gfSkillTraitQuestions2[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_HEAVY_WEAPONS])
 	{
 
 		if (gfSkillTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_HEAVY_WEAPONS] && gfSkillTraitQuestions2[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_HEAVY_WEAPONS])
-		{
-			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_ARTILLERY] > 0) //dual trait (expert)
+        {    
+			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_ARTILLERY] > 0) //dual trait (expert) 
 				return FALSE;
 		}
 		else
 		{
-			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_ARTILLERY] > 0) //single trait
+			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_ARTILLERY] > 10) //single trait
 				return FALSE;
 		}
 	}
@@ -647,12 +664,12 @@ BOOLEAN IsBackGroundAllowed( UINT16 ubNumber )
 
 		if (gfSkillTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_PROF_SNIPER] && gfSkillTraitQuestions2[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_PROF_SNIPER])
 		{
-			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_CTH_MAX] < 0)  //dual trait (expert)
+			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_CTH_MAX] < 0 || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_MARKSMANSHIP] < 0 )
 				return FALSE;
 		}
 		else
 		{
-			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_CTH_MAX] < 0)  //single trait
+			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_CTH_MAX] < 0 )  
 				return FALSE;
 		}
 	}
@@ -662,12 +679,13 @@ BOOLEAN IsBackGroundAllowed( UINT16 ubNumber )
 
 		if (gfSkillTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_MARTIAL_ARTS] && gfSkillTraitQuestions2[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_MARTIAL_ARTS])
 		{
-			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_DAMAGE_MELEE] < 0)  //dual trait (expert)
+			
+				if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_RESI_PHYSICAL] < 0 )  
 				return FALSE;
 		}
 		else
 		{
-			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_DAMAGE_MELEE] < 0)  //single trait
+			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_RESI_PHYSICAL] < 0 )  
 				return FALSE;
 		}
 	}
@@ -677,12 +695,12 @@ BOOLEAN IsBackGroundAllowed( UINT16 ubNumber )
 
 		if (gfSkillTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_TECHNICIAN] && gfSkillTraitQuestions2[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_TECHNICIAN])
 		{
-			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_MECHANICAL] < 0)  //dual trait (expert)
+			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_MECHANICAL] < 0)  
 				return FALSE;
 		}
 		else
 		{
-			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_MECHANICAL] < 0)  //single trait
+			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_MECHANICAL] < 0)  
 				return FALSE;
 		}
 	}
@@ -692,20 +710,35 @@ BOOLEAN IsBackGroundAllowed( UINT16 ubNumber )
 
 		if (gfSkillTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_DOCTOR] && gfSkillTraitQuestions2[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_DOCTOR])
 		{
-			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_MEDICAL] < 0)  //dual trait (expert)
+			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_BANDAGING] < 0 || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_MEDICAL] < 0 )
 				return FALSE;
 		}
 		else
 		{
-			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_MEDICAL] < 0)  //single trait
+			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_BANDAGING] < 0)  
 				return FALSE;
 		}
 	}
 
-	// minor traits (single trait only)
+	if (gfSkillTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_SQUADLEADER] || gfSkillTraitQuestions2[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_SQUADLEADER])
+	{
+
+		if (gfSkillTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_SQUADLEADER] && gfSkillTraitQuestions2[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_SQUADLEADER])
+		{
+			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_RESI_SUPPRESSION] < 0 || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_RESI_FEAR] < 0 )
+				return FALSE;
+		}
+		else
+		{
+			if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_RESI_SUPPRESSION] < 0)
+				return FALSE;
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Minor Traits (single trait only) 
 	if (gfMinorTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_MELEE])
 	{
-		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_CTH_BLADE] < 0) //single trait
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_CTH_BLADE] < 0 || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_DAMAGE_MELEE] < 0 )
 			return FALSE;
 	}
 
@@ -715,97 +748,42 @@ BOOLEAN IsBackGroundAllowed( UINT16 ubNumber )
 			return FALSE;
 	}
 
-	if (gfMinorTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_ATHLETICS])
+	if (gfMinorTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_DEMOLITIONS])  
 	{
-		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_SPEED_RUNNING] < 0)
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_BONUS_BREACHINGCHARGE] < 0 || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_EXPLOSIVE_ASSIGN] < 0 )
 			return FALSE;
 	}
 
-	if (gfMinorTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_DEMOLITIONS])
+	if (gfMinorTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_SURVIVAL]) 
 	{
-		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_EXPLOSIVE_ASSIGN] < 0)
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_TRAVEL_FOOT] < 0 || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_TRAVEL_CAR] <0 || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_TRAVEL_AIR] <0 ||
+			zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_RESI_DISEASE] < 0  || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_SNAKEDEFENSE] < 0 )
 			return FALSE;
 	}
 
-	if (gfMinorTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_SURVIVAL])
+	if (gfMinorTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_BODYBUILDING])
 	{
-		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_CAMO] < 0)
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_CARRYSTRENGTH] < 0)
 			return FALSE;
 	}
 
-	/* previous code for reference
-	*
-	if ( SkillsList[0] == HEAVY_WEAPONS_NT || SkillsList[1] == HEAVY_WEAPONS_NT || SkillsList[2] == HEAVY_WEAPONS_NT )
+	if (gfMinorTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_AMBIDEXTROUS])
 	{
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_ARTILLERY] > 0 )
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_INVENTORY] > 0)
 			return FALSE;
 	}
 
-	if ( SkillsList[0] == SNIPER_NT || SkillsList[1] == SNIPER_NT || SkillsList[2] == SNIPER_NT )
+	if (gfMinorTraitQuestions[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_NIGHT_OPS])
 	{
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_PERC_CTH_MAX] < 0 )
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_SLEEP] > 0 || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_HEARING_NIGHT] < 0 )
 			return FALSE;
 	}
 
-	if ( SkillsList[0] == SURVIVAL_NT || SkillsList[1] == SURVIVAL_NT || SkillsList[2] == SURVIVAL_NT )
-	{
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_PERC_CAMO] < 0 )
-			return FALSE;
-	}
-	
-	if ( SkillsList[0] == MARTIAL_ARTS_NT || SkillsList[1] == MARTIAL_ARTS_NT || SkillsList[2] == MARTIAL_ARTS_NT )
-	{
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_PERC_DAMAGE_MELEE] < 0 )
-			return FALSE;
-	}
-
-	if ( SkillsList[0] == TECHNICIAN_NT || SkillsList[1] == TECHNICIAN_NT || SkillsList[2] == TECHNICIAN_NT )
-	{
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_MECHANICAL] < 0 )
-			return FALSE;
-	}
-
-	if ( SkillsList[0] == DOCTOR_NT || SkillsList[1] == DOCTOR_NT || SkillsList[2] == DOCTOR_NT )
-	{
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_MEDICAL] < 0 )
-			return FALSE;
-	}
-
-	if ( SkillsList[0] == MELEE_NT || SkillsList[1] == MELEE_NT || SkillsList[2] == MELEE_NT )
-	{
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_PERC_CTH_BLADE] < 0 )
-			return FALSE;
-	}
-
-	if ( SkillsList[0] == STEALTHY_NT || SkillsList[1] == STEALTHY_NT || SkillsList[2] == STEALTHY_NT )
-	{
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_PERC_STEALTH] < 0 )
-			return FALSE;
-	}
-
-	if ( SkillsList[0] == ATHLETICS_NT || SkillsList[1] == ATHLETICS_NT || SkillsList[2] == ATHLETICS_NT )
-	{
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_PERC_SPEED_RUNNING] < 0 )
-			return FALSE;
-	}
-		
-	if ( SkillsList[0] == DEMOLITIONS_NT || SkillsList[1] == DEMOLITIONS_NT || SkillsList[2] == DEMOLITIONS_NT )
-	{
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_EXPLOSIVE_ASSIGN] < 0 )
-			return FALSE;
-	}
-	*/
-
-	/*kitty:
-	* added BG_TROPICAL to case HEAT_INTOLERANT - since tropical sector also is part of "MercIsHot"+HEAT_INTOLERANT (SoldierProfile.cpp), like desert
-	* added case DEAF - if merc is deaf, granting any bonus to hearing seems implausible
-	* 2023/08/30
-	*/
-
-	switch ( iChosenDisabilityTrait() )
+	// Disabiliies
+	switch (iChosenDisabilityTrait())
 	{
 	case HEAT_INTOLERANT:
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_DESERT] > 0 || zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_TROPICAL] > 0 )
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_DESERT] > 0 || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_TROPICAL] > 0)  
 			return FALSE;
 		break;
 	case NERVOUS:
@@ -815,7 +793,7 @@ BOOLEAN IsBackGroundAllowed( UINT16 ubNumber )
 			return FALSE;
 		break;
 	case NONSWIMMER:
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_RIVER] > 0 || zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_COASTAL] > 0 || zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_SWIMMING] > 0 )
+		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_RIVER] > 0 || zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_COASTAL] > 0 )
 			return FALSE;
 		break;
 	case FEAR_OF_INSECTS:
@@ -823,39 +801,109 @@ BOOLEAN IsBackGroundAllowed( UINT16 ubNumber )
 			return FALSE;
 		break;
 	case FORGETFUL:
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_LEADERSHIP] > 0 )
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_INVENTORY] < 0 || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_ASSAULT] < 0 )
 			return FALSE;
 		break;
 	case PSYCHO:
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_LEADERSHIP] > 0 )
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_LEADERSHIP] > 5)
 			return FALSE;
 		break;
 	case DEAF:
 		if (zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_PERC_HEARING_NIGHT] > 0 || zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_PERC_HEARING_DAY] > 0)
 			return FALSE;
 		break;
+	case SHORTSIGHTED:
+		if (zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_PERC_CTH_MAX] > 0 || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_SPOTTER] > 0 )
+			return FALSE;
+		break;
+	case HEMOPHILIAC:
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_RESI_DISEASE] > 0)
+			return FALSE;
+		break;
 	case AFRAID_OF_HEIGHTS:
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_HEIGHT] > 0 )
+		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_HEIGHT] > 0 || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_AIRDROP] > 0 )
+			return FALSE;
+		break;
+	case SELF_HARM:
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_RESI_DISEASE] > 0)
 			return FALSE;
 		break;
 	default:
 		break;
 	}
 
-	switch ( iChosenCharacterTrait() )
+	// Character Traits
+	switch (iChosenCharacterTrait())
 	{
 	case CHAR_TRAIT_SOCIABLE:
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].uiFlags & BACKGROUND_XENOPHOBIC )
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].uiFlags & BACKGROUND_XENOPHOBIC || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_SPOTTER] < 0)
 			return FALSE;
 		break;
 	case CHAR_TRAIT_LONER:
-		if ( zBackground[ ubNumber ].value[BG_LEADERSHIP] > 0 )
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_LEADERSHIP] > 0 || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_SPOTTER] > 0)
+			return FALSE;
+		break;
+	case CHAR_TRAIT_OPTIMIST:
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].uiFlags & BACKGROUND_TRAPLEVEL)
+			return FALSE;
+		break;
+	case CHAR_TRAIT_ASSERTIVE:
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_INTERROGATION] < 0 || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_APPROACH_THREATEN] < 0)
+			return FALSE;
+		break;
+	case CHAR_TRAIT_INTELLECTUAL:
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_ADMINISTRATION_ASSIGNMENT] < 0)
+			return FALSE;
+		break;
+	case CHAR_TRAIT_PRIMITIVE:
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_ADMINISTRATION_ASSIGNMENT] > 0)
+			return FALSE;
+		break;
+	case CHAR_TRAIT_AGGRESSIVE:
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].uiFlags & BACKGROUND_TRAPLEVEL || zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_DISARM] > 0 )
+			return FALSE;
+		break;
+	case CHAR_TRAIT_PHLEGMATIC:
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_ASSAULT] > 0 )
+			return FALSE;
+		break;
+	case CHAR_TRAIT_DAUNTLESS:
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_CROUCHEDDEFENSE] < 0 )
+			return FALSE;
+		break;
+	case CHAR_TRAIT_PACIFIST:
+		break;
+	case CHAR_TRAIT_MALICIOUS:
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_APPROACH_FRIENDLY] > 0)
+			return FALSE;
+		break;
+	case CHAR_TRAIT_SHOWOFF:
+		break;
+	case CHAR_TRAIT_COWARD:
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].value[BG_PERC_CAPITULATION] > 0)
 			return FALSE;
 		break;
 	default:
 		break;
 	}
 
+	// show exclusivly the BG's with tag <alt_impcreation> if Reduced_Imp_Creation is true in ja2options.ini
+	// requires Alt_Imp_Creation to be true in ja2options.ini (otherwise BG's with tag <alt_impcreation> won't be shown)
+
+	if (gGameExternalOptions.fReducedIMPCreation)
+
+	{
+
+		if (zBackground[ubNumber].uiFlags & BACKGROUND_ALT_IMP_CREATION)   
+		{
+			return TRUE;
+		}
+		else
+		{
+			return FALSE;
+		}
+	}
+
 	return TRUE;
 }
 
diff --git a/Laptop/IMP Disability Trait.h b/Laptop/IMP Disability Trait.h
index ce728d73..58ffd66a 100644
--- a/Laptop/IMP Disability Trait.h	
+++ b/Laptop/IMP Disability Trait.h	
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ void RenderIMPDisabilityTrait( void );
 void ExitIMPDisabilityTrait( void );
 void HandleIMPDisabilityTrait( void );
 
-INT8 iChosenDisabilityTrait();
+INT8 iChosenDisabilityTrait(); 
 INT8 iPlayersAttributePointsBonusForDisabilitySelected();
 
 #endif
diff --git a/Laptop/IMP Minor Trait.cpp b/Laptop/IMP Minor Trait.cpp
index 51286ca9..848b4c49 100644
--- a/Laptop/IMP Minor Trait.cpp	
+++ b/Laptop/IMP Minor Trait.cpp	
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ UINT8 gusNewMinorTraitRemap[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_NUMBER_MINOR_SKILLS] =
 
 BOOLEAN gfIMT_Redraw=FALSE;
 
-BOOLEAN	gfMinorTraitQuestions[ IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_NUMBER_MINOR_SKILLS ];
+BOOLEAN	gfMinorTraitQuestions[ IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_NUMBER_MINOR_SKILLS ]; 
 
 // these are the buttons for the questions
 INT32 giIMPMinorTraitAnswerButton[ IMP_SKILL_TRAITS_NEW_NUMBER_MINOR_SKILLS ];
diff --git a/Laptop/IMP Skill Trait.cpp b/Laptop/IMP Skill Trait.cpp
index eb1e18df..93fab856 100644
--- a/Laptop/IMP Skill Trait.cpp	
+++ b/Laptop/IMP Skill Trait.cpp	
@@ -98,8 +98,8 @@ UINT8 gusOldMajorTraitRemap[IMP_SKILL_TRAITS__NUMBER_SKILLS] =
 // Global Variables
 //
 //*******************************************************************
-BOOLEAN	gfSkillTraitQuestions[ 20 ];
-BOOLEAN	gfSkillTraitQuestions2[ 20 ];
+BOOLEAN	gfSkillTraitQuestions[ 20 ]; 
+BOOLEAN	gfSkillTraitQuestions2[ 20 ]; 
 
 
 BOOLEAN gfIST_Redraw=FALSE;
diff --git a/Tactical/Soldier Control.h b/Tactical/Soldier Control.h
index f461f30d..74c08462 100644
--- a/Tactical/Soldier Control.h	
+++ b/Tactical/Soldier Control.h	
@@ -466,12 +466,13 @@ enum
 
 #define BACKGROUND_ANIMALFRIEND					0x0000000000000200	//512			// refuses to attack animals
 #define BACKGROUND_CIVGROUPLOYAL				0x0000000000000400	//1024			// refuses to attack members of the same civgroup
+#define BACKGROUND_ALT_IMP_CREATION				0x0000000000000800	//2048			// BG can only be used when ALT_IMP_CREATION is TRUE in ja2options.ini (IMP creation)
 
-#define BACKGROUND_FLAG_MAX	11					// number of flagged backgrounds - keep this updated, or properties will get lost!
+#define BACKGROUND_FLAG_MAX	12					// number of flagged backgrounds - keep this updated, or properties will get lost!
 
 // some properties are hidden (forbid background in MP creation)
 // corruption property is not relevant in 1.13
-#define BACKGROUND_HIDDEN_FLAGS					(BACKGROUND_NO_MALE|BACKGROUND_NO_FEMALE|BACKGROUND_CORRUPTIONSPREAD)
+#define BACKGROUND_HIDDEN_FLAGS					(BACKGROUND_NO_MALE|BACKGROUND_NO_FEMALE|BACKGROUND_CORRUPTIONSPREAD|BACKGROUND_ALT_IMP_CREATION)
 
 // anv: externalised taunts
 // taunt properties
diff --git a/Tactical/XML_Background.cpp b/Tactical/XML_Background.cpp
index 26fa67b8..829f8669 100644
--- a/Tactical/XML_Background.cpp
+++ b/Tactical/XML_Background.cpp
@@ -152,7 +152,8 @@ backgroundStartElementHandle(void *userData, const XML_Char *name, const XML_Cha
 				strcmp(name, "no_female") == 0 ||
 				strcmp(name, "loyalitylossondeath" ) == 0  ||
 				strcmp(name, "animal_friend") == 0 || 
-				strcmp(name, "civgroup_loyal") == 0 ))
+				strcmp(name, "civgroup_loyal") == 0 ||
+				strcmp(name, "alt_impcreation") == 0 ))
 		{
 			pData->curElement = ELEMENT_PROPERTY;
 
@@ -693,6 +694,11 @@ backgroundEndElementHandle(void *userData, const XML_Char *name)
 			pData->curElement = ELEMENT;
 			pData->curBackground.uiFlags |= (UINT16)atol(pData->szCharData) ? BACKGROUND_CIVGROUPLOYAL : 0;
 		}
+		else if (strcmp(name, "alt_impcreation") == 0)
+		{
+		    pData->curElement = ELEMENT;
+		    pData->curBackground.uiFlags |= (UINT16)atol(pData->szCharData) ? BACKGROUND_ALT_IMP_CREATION : 0;
+		}
 		else if (strcmp(name, "drugtypes") == 0)
 		{
 			pData->curElement = ELEMENT;