[Basic] Disadvantage of the Week: Mundane Background

[johndallman]

Mundane Background [-10] is a mundane mental disadvantage. It is only available in game settings that have magic, or other supernatural or weird elements, and is the disadvantage of being entirely unaware of those things, and lacking even the most basic knowledge of how to deal with them. I believe it first appeared in Illuminati University (aka IOU) for GURPS 3e.

At character generation, you can only have mundane skills and equipment. Spells and other magical skills, cinematic skills, and skills such as Hidden Lore and Occultism were not available in your background. You can have advantages that are not mundane, but you have no idea how to use them, nor any skills related to them, and you are unaware of them. Before you can learn non-mundane skills, or learn how to use non-mundane advantages, you must buy off this disadvantage.

In a world with widely known supernatural or weird abilities, this disadvantage is a bit implausible, and might attract reaction penalties like some form of Social Stigma (Uneducated). It seems to be mostly useful in settings where the supernatural isn’t widely known, but definitely exists. Buying it off in instalments seems practical, via Aspected limitations, or a self-control roll.

Mundane Background isn’t mentioned in many GURPS supplements. Discworld and Dungeon Fantasy are both examples of games where it makes no sense. Fantasy gives it to settled halflings and cross-timers investigating Roma Arcana, and makes it an option for Barbarians; it’s a key feature of games that use Portal Realms. Infinite Worlds points out that most inhabitants of no-mana worlds have this disadvantage, while Psis points out that it’s compatible with Anti-Psi abilities used at default.

I've never seen this disadvantage used, or even wanted. Has it been fun in your games?