Settlers of Catan Scenario: The Volcano

Description

--- <TLDR> Catan Volcano scenario features an erupting tile that destroys settlements/cities and optionally yields gold, balancing hazard and resource rewards. </TLDR> Key mechanics include: - *Volcano Eruption* Triggered by rolling the Volcano's number (not 7); a die roll selects one of six intersections, destroying settlements or downgrading cities there. - *Setup Restrictions* No starting settlements on intersections bordering the Volcano. - *Destruction Effects* Settlements removed (rebuildable); cities reduced to settlements (or destroyed if no settlements left); Robber does not block eruption. - *Gold Variant* Optional; adjacent settlements produce 1 resource, cities 2 before eruption (Robber blocks production). - *Seafarers Compatibility* Replaces desert/sea tile adjacent to two land tiles. - *Krakatoa Variant* Three Volcano tiles form an island with numbers 4-6, requires Gold Variant. The Volcano scenario in Catan replaces the Desert tile with a Volcano that erupts when its assigned number (not 7) is rolled, determined by a die roll selecting one of six intersections to devastate: settlements are destroyed and removable (owners may rebuild later), cities downgrade to settlements of the owner's color (or destroy if no settlements remain). Setup prohibits initial settlements bordering the Volcano, and the Robber on the hex does not prevent eruptions. The optional Gold Variant, requiring unanimous agreement, allows resource production prior to eruption—settlements adjacent yield any one resource, cities any two—mimicking Seafarers' Gold River, though the Robber blocks this production. With Seafarers, the Volcano can replace any agreed desert or sea tile adjacent to at least two resource land tiles. The Krakatoa Variant, Seafarers-exclusive, uses three Volcano tiles as an island numbered 4, 5, 6, mandating the Gold Variant for mineral-rich play. ---