Ah. (Also I read that as 'imperial law' at first and got
really confused until I read it about three more times)
I mean, there was probably some pretext or another for the war, in mortal terms. Sure, everyone would know it was an attack for the sake of Conflict and imperialism.
Also, Andres, hundreds or thousands is not genocide. >.> Hundreds
of thousands, maybe. Not hundreds or thousands. And your religion wasn't fully banned. Only mostly banned.
Although I really don't get why you people are starting wars and shit over banning your worship in your area. Or the loss of a few souls ((coughcoughrmmharmmm)), or whatever. Tiny fractions of power loss, considering how many people were probably worshipping you in an enemy god's territory anyway. You have to let some things slide. Hell, Teburshe is doing pretty damn well and he's barely been messing with his people. Well, other than just stuff like weather and he made them self-sufficient for that. And helping make sure they can expand, since they need his help for that. But stuff like behaviour and culture, they're mostly doing fine on their own.
Granted, part of this is because I know a little bit about Stirk (it's probably all wrong though, and given Mavnon/Liuthus's success, it seems a decent bet) and expected a 'hands-off' approach to be more favorable to him, but it's also just the way Teburshe is. He's kinda aloof for a god, or at least I try to play him that way.
Also, you're sorta right, but think of it like feudal Europe. Sure, fighting and killing the armies and taking the land and maybe some burning and pillaging and raping (sorry but it happened, don't like it but it's true) is fine according to the general law of the land and other rulers if some dick attacks you. But if you just start trying to assassinate the monarch, everyone's gonna be pissed. It also depends entirely on what you consider a 'good reason'.
Oh, and about Sapling cities; in case it wasn't clear to anyone for some reason, Sapling cities are the Great Trees. They probably have towns, even some pretty damn big ones maybe, outside of the Great Trees, and it's possible they have some cities other than them...I just find it unlikely. There's probably some living outside of Sapling territory, though.
Speaking of which! Who would objec to/who would be alright with me establishing Sapling enclaves in other countries with Great Trees? There would be some jurisdictional stuff, but I get the feeling having a group of exceedingly good farmers with magic plants (and I've only just begin with those) is helpful to most countries. They would obviously remain neutral in any wars the country joined.... oh and the tree would probably be dedicated to the god of the country/area they're in and as such have more powers in that regard, have a good portion of the Saplings worshipping that god as well or at least paying homage to them, and serve as a representative in the Arboreal Council.
I should probably give them limited communication with each other for that Arboreal Council at some point...oh Izgamlooooo~