Look, Island....95% of us are disappointed with the top 5 traits you chosed so it's embarrasing to see you try to hype it up like it's a big deal or something....(Congrats again, and we can't wait to see that trait in the game!)

Outlaw Connections is IMO the best trait of the top 5 but it's like an average guy that have fought a little would win the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) because the others tripped and knocked themselves unconscious. The average guy won, but the audience would BOOO until their lungs hurt and people would make fun of him instead of celebrating him.

Congrats, xmorg!

Congratulations xmorg. You had my vote.

Oh indeed, I can't wait to see this awesome trait in the game! /sarcasm

I mean, it's not a bad trait by any means. But if the coolest trait you can come up with is my dude walking into a forest and paying some gold to hire a bunch of bandits... then well... I saw many traits that were much more interesting.

Oh, and finish FE already, now that is something I really have a hard time waiting for!

What a bunch of party pooper we have.

WOW sour grapes Ds and Ahara.

ps Congrats on winning.

Submitted the exact same trait, did you?

What?? No???

Well then I guess ANYONE can't come up with it... But I sure you would have if you thought it would win.  

Congrats xmorg.  Wasn't the one I picked, but I like it.  Besides, the more diversity in gameplay options the better. 

Can we maybe get a companion trait that lets you feed your citizens to wandering monsters to win their loyalty? 

How.. Interesting. So have the bandits behave somewhat similiar to how the pirates behave in SoASE. I'd vote the hell out of that idea.

As for the new trait, that is rather groovy, more or less. Though we all have to remember that this idea was the best/most voted for of the community submitted ideas. These are just traits, nifty little perks that should be more fluff than function imo, instead of giving some grand tactical/strategic advantage. So I'd suggest that for the next contest.. If you have an idea that you believe is good, yet not OP or moot, then post it and let it come to a vote.

...and game forum communities are obviously noted for their deep insight and intelligence?

In all seriousness it's not a bad trait but as other people have said it adds nothing new to the game. Some of the other options were innovative game changers that would add new dimensions and expand existing parts of FE, but Outlaw Connections is as bland as paper flavored oatmeal.

I mean my first thought after reading all the contest entries was WOW these are way over done. There is no chance that 95% of these ridiculous 4 page, empire destroying, completely game reworking traits are going to be included. I actually thought the devs did alright picking out the ones they did. So I guess I blame the community(Yes You), I mean we did vote and stuff. This is just another reason why I favor monarchy over democracy.

I think this is mildly uncalled for, as island dog is really just trying to give congratulations to someone for winning a contest. While some of us may not agree with the choices of that contest, I am pretty sure being rude to the developers doesn't strength their relationship with the community. In all honesty, I feel like this trait would be better made into a faction trait similar to the green civic in SMAC allowed you to recruit mindworms.

Immersion. Something a little extra to draw you into the game world, or something to help you out a little early on. Not a "Hey, I can have my whole army move at warp speed with this little trait, damn..better get that one if I want to be a real winner. Right? Right?" ...Traits should be minor things imo, not something that can make or break you.

 Purpose is open to the interpretation of the viewing individual. I do not think what I do or do not do with my lint is of any consequence. And as for fluff content being completely forgettable.. Maybe to you, but certainly not to myself. I like seeing a game world come to life, and the fluff helps that happen. But anywho, that is my opinion on traits.

Allowing your hero to add bandits to his group is interesting? I'm sorry but I find it to be utterly unoriginal: now instead of just being able to hire from one group of people (heroes) you can hire from two!