The Elasunders encounter a large flock of white ravens, which they ecstatically interpret as a good omen from the god Odin. The white ravens evoke their well-known Legend of Catan, leading them to believe that Catan is the shore they now walk upon.
Shortly after landing, Candamir's slave-girl Gunda bears him his first-born child, Nils, whom he names after his sister Asta's deceased husband.
... Osmund and Candamir both are attracted to Siglind, but she has devoted herself to the Christian God. Osmund proposes marriage to her, but she refuses, saying she has sworn off all men.
Osmund instead marries Inga, a 13-year-old girl. Brigitta, Osmund's grandmother-in-law from his first marriage, deems them anointed and secretly prophesies to them that their firstborn will be king of Catan. Furthermore, Inga is to one day take Brigitta's place as the priestess of their religion, while Osmund will be ruler of the island.
Absolutely not. The trading is the whole point. You talk to each other, you negotiate, it's interactive. Sure it means the same person always wins, but it's the interaction that keeps it alive.
It's a difficult issue because I think the trading is also the core of what makes the game interesting; it's hard to force players to cooperate with their competitors while avoiding the kingmaker issue.
I played another game fairly recently where people could negotiate trades for resources. Also a mistake in game design. I want to say it was Moonrakers?
You can make a deal with another losing player to maximize your chances of winning. On the next dice roll, seven or above you trade all your cards for one, and vice versa. However, all contracts are nonbinding in Catan so it never works out
