the complexity of character creation is what has kept me from the BT roleplaying game scene.. when you read the rules for making a character and can't even sort out where to start despite examples given in the book, it is a no go for me.
It took a while, but I think...THINK....I've gotten the hang of it.
It isn't really that complex when you get down to it, but it is VERY badly laid out and has some weird decisions that do not make sense.
The rebate for example, doesn't do anything except add complexity and make the system mote confusing.
You also have a lot listed under Compulsion that would be better listed as a Quirk, you are awarded skills that would be better as a specialisation, the optimisation process removes a fair bit of flavour as well, a sidestep that reputations can be good and bad at the same time, and so on.
When it should just be....
Start with 4500 -5300 points.
Choose your faction
Choose your subfaction and era
Choose your phenotype
Assign base xps
Age...0-10. Stage 1
Age...11-16 Stage 2
Age...17-20 Stage 3...field skills get 20% off
Stage 4...20+
Assigning XPs, skills and traits as you go.
Then use the heroic rules from the Companion.