The Lords card has been made optional because it greatly advantages the last player in turn order. However I think there's an even bigger balance problem in the game, and that is when Merchants card comes out while boats are on the board. Whichever player(s) get the boat (by being the first to draw desert or canyon, which is entirely down to luck) will win or fight for the win, while the player(s) who can't get boat don't have a chance. In a two player game where both players get a boat (because one draws desert first and the other draws canyon first) it's not a problem, but in every other possibility it determines the outcome. I don't think I've ever seen a player win a game with Merchants without a boat. The difference in skill would have to be enormous for that.
An option to avoid the Merchants / Boat combo would be great. I know it's unlikely to happen this long after the implementation, but I was wondering if other players agree.
An option to avoid the Merchants / Boat combo would be great. I know it's unlikely to happen this long after the implementation, but I was wondering if other players agree.