A spoiler-light first-path comparison
Systems unique to each path
Cai introduces farming, lures and the stable. Dietrich’s Teach Secrets lets him pass learned Combat Arts to allies. Theodora has Send Supplies objectives and battalion-focused tutorials. Leda’s Perform requests grow out of her tavern activities. These differences change what you do during Free Time without making one path a permanent commitment.
Does the choice lock the other paths?
After any complete Part I path, Replay opens. You can revisit chapter snapshots and start another path. Support and Blessing progress can persist globally; chapter-one replay also imports explored map and completed subquests. Replay rules explain the difference between restarting and loading a later snapshot.
What should decide your first path?
Choose the lead whose story premise interests you most, then check route-specific paralogue windows if optional content matters. There is no evidence-based universal best first route.