Just what it says on the tin. Anybody else curious why people like Tarkin, Vader, even the Emperor all lack the "Leader" keyword, as seen on Leia, Mon Mothma, etc. At first thought this keyword might specifically refer to founding members of the Alliance, but then I saw that Ackbar has it as well.

Could this point to a political bias against the Empire among the game's design team?

"I was born to lead, not read"

In all seriousness, while there may be charismatic characters with actual leadership abilities in the Empire, most of those in power manipulate/threaten/coerce/use force instead.

As for the Leader trait, whether it is an oversight or deliberate on the designers' part I do not know.

Very interesting observation. I'm curious to see where those traits will go with Rebels in the future.

EDIT: If I'm not mistaken, I believe the DS has Officers and the LS doesn't. Even the Fleet Officer does not have the Officer trait.

That was my thinking. LS gets "leaders", DS gets "officers". I guess because the Rebels are less formal.

"I was born to lead, not read"

In all seriousness, while there may be charismatic characters with actual leadership abilities in the Empire, most of those in power manipulate/threaten/coerce/use force instead.

As for the Leader trait, whether it is an oversight or deliberate on the designers' part I do not know.

Solid point. If they were to release Pelleon (or maybe even Thrawn), you could argue that they should be "Leaders".

It's probably to make cards that affect one or the other less confusing by only giving them to one side.

I think it's a mixture. I think of a 'leader' as a concept with a bit more nuance than 'someone in a leading position,' which, to be fair, is the technical definition. I'd say that a leader has the willing support of those he/she leads, and has earned said support, rather than coercing it from others.

Then again, I'm a lit grad student, and I might be reading into this too deeply.

The gameplay effects mentioned above are likely, too!

I think it's a mixture. I think of a 'leader' as a concept with a bit more nuance than 'someone in a leading position,' which, to be fair, is the technical definition. I'd say that a leader has the willing support of those he/she leads, and has earned said support, rather than coercing it from others.

Then again, I'm a lit grad student, and I might be reading into this too deeply.

The gameplay effects mentioned above are likely, too!

Conversely, what would you choose to name the Dark Side "Leaders"? Not being sarcastic, just curious.

Would you say they are... Tyrants?

Honestly, I'm not sure. Good question.