Ethnos
Can you play a band smaller than your markers in a Kingdom just to use its leader's ability?
The band-play steps let the leader's ability be used whether or not a marker goes down.
- Ethnos rulebook · Rulebook · Playing a Band of Allies
Yes. A band can be played without placing a marker, and the leader's ability can still be used. Some abilities need a marker: the Centaur's extra band needs a placed marker, and the Minotaur's discount only matters when a marker is placed.