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.