[0.30][BUG/GAMEPLAY] Can't raise attributes above 15

Yep, but I guess this was an intended change.

I thought that too, but noticed that some of the included, storied Sovereigns have attributes as high as 19.

What is the point of having storied sovereigns if you can create custom sovereign with the same attributes?

You're kidding, right?  Let's take Lord Capitar or Gilden, with strengths of 19.  I want my sovereign to have Dex of 19 instead, for example. Capitar's Intimidating, Hardy, Shrewd.  I want mine Organized, Lucky, Blunt, and Ugly.  Maybe I misunderstood your question/point, Phoenix.

I don't want to create Sovereigns with the same attributes, but I don't want a gimp either!  Besides, that just means I have more points left for Talents and Spellbooks since I can't min/max attributes.  That can be overpowering in of itself I imagine.

I believe it is not a bug.

for example before the patch I created a sovereign with 20 on dex, str and health equipped him with the best equipment took every gimping that is not combat related and took every that helps with combat. He was so strong that nothing (including trolls) could do anything against him. I walked with him in the map clearing every thing in his path. i didn't even bother upgrading my town, I just cleaned house. I believe thats why they put only the first tier of equipment and limited the attributes to 15.

   BTW, even now with some luck with potions/books/ring (for example ring of +20 health + 4 str and few potions to raise your defense) u can have a very powerful sovereign very early in the game.  

Not a bug, just a temporary change.