I noticed mention of traits a few times in the patch. Are these now working?
I don't think so, the wording sounds more like heroes get equipment based on their traits, children gain traits periodically, and companions were given different traits - but there doesn't seem to be any changes to the mechanics of traits themselves.
Last I checked:
* None of the traits except potentially Valor appear to change lords' behaviour in any noticeable way.
* All positive/negative traits are either difficult or
impossible for the player to gain except for Valor and Honor. Eg: Mercy is only gained through a couple of quests, and Impulsive trait doesn't seem to be possible to gain.
* Executing people decreases Honor stat, and so makes the player "Deceitful" rather than "Sadistic" like it should.
* Releasing prisoners doesn't seem to increase Mercy trait.
* Keeping your troops well paid and fed doesn't seem to increase Generosity trait.
* Companion Traits don't do anything except Sadistic and Merciful.
Some of these I've observed myself, and some of these are from other people's testing attempting to gain various traits that might be outdated now. But since 1.5.8 I haven't seen any changes to traits.