I agree with Stabbey. I don't think the cycles are mandatory; on the other hand, I've never been too fond of the RPGs that implemented it (not because this cycles, but for the game themselves).

I must say, though, that the other stretchgoals are awesome. I really like the traits/backgrounds ideas, it's something I love to find in these games, probably because it enrichs the best part of RPGs for me -character personalization. Also, I would greatly welcome henchmen backgrounds; that kind of details would really make Original Sin stand in greatness. Or so I think, of course laugh