I'm currently creating a bunch of NPCs to guard my homes, and I'd like to give them perks.

Do I need to give them perks in progressive order or not? For example, if the perk I wish to give is Shield Wall Rank 5, do I need to give them Ranks 1 through 4 as well or just 5? What about if the perk I wish to add requires ANOTHER perk before being unlocked, do I need to put that perk too, or no?

Also, do they require the respective level needed for unlocking them, or does adding it in the CK bypass any level requirements?