Builder's Manual · Chapter 4

Adding Leader Paths

A Leader Path is a file of the Leader Path type: a focus rating, a signature (the benefit for taking it as your first path, with a signatureBonus object), and a perks array.

The perk shape

Each perk row has:

  • key: a stable slug. A character's leaderPerks stores these keys, so never rename one.
  • name and effect.
  • tier: 1–4, or 5 for a capstone.
  • cost: 1 for tiers 1–2, 2 for tiers 3–4, 3 for a capstone.
  • pick: "any", "one of two" or "one capstone".
  • bonus: an object with any of command, stewardship, diplomacy, intrigue, justice and authority. The sheet sums these into the ruler's ratings and Authority bonus.

Balance shape

  • Three tier-1 perks, two tier-2, and then two-way forks at tier 3, tier 4 and the capstone: 11 perks, 12 points for a full path.
  • Rating bonuses: about +1 at tier 1, +1 on each tier-4 option, and +2 on at most one capstone. A path should add +3 to +4 to its focus rating in total.
  • Authority bonuses are rare: at most +2 in any one path.
  • Every effect names a number and a rule it changes. "Better at war" is not a perk; "+2 to batter rolls" is.

Adding a module path

Write it the same way and mention its module in the description. Add it to the Your Sovereign chapter's list.

Manual updated Nov 8, 2026.