[NFP] AI wants to trade relics

[Goodenuf]

I'm finding that the AI often will want to trade relics of Heroes that have died. For example, as part of a trade in a game I just finished, Russia wanted to trade their relic from Oya for my relic from Arthur.

The benefit for the relics are the same (2 faith, 10 tourism) so why bother with the trade? What's the benefit?

 

[Jaybe]

Here’s the best I can offer: They are trying to build a trading relationship leading to more trades and possibly friendship or alliance.
Do zero-sum trades lead to a tendency to do it more often, leading to favorable trades (for either party), or a knife in the back?

Feeble offering but there could be something to it.