This is more of a funny commentary rather than a question about the actual rules:

The rules state that ONLY influence can be "traded", so why even use the term "trade", since they are all the same? (I find myself thinking of games like Settlers of Catan where there are multiple types of resource cards.) Why not just say something like "bribe using influence tokens" or "give influence to an ally"? Otherwise, we are left with this scenario:

Joe: "Hey, John, can I have three of your influence tokens for three of mine?"

John: "Sure. I like your tokens better than mine."

[Joe and John swap their three influence tokens, while all other players stare at the two of them, perplexed.]

Though I haven't played the game yet, I imagine just from reading the rules and playing similar games, you can use them to broker unofficial deals. For example, Joe gives John three influence tokens if John will move out of a certain territory. Or, Joe gives John six influence tokens if John doesn’t attack him for the next two rounds.

Whiles these can’t be enforced; they’d still be a possibility if you’re willing to take the chance.

Also, I'm surprised you can't trade/purchase strategy cards from other players, I don't quite see how this would hurt the game, but like I aid, I haven't played yet and have only read the rules once.

zefert1 said:

Right, that's called "bribing". I just think it's funny the way that they word it. That's all.