1)Shai did the faction you refused passage to attack you? I only remember one time I refused passage and was not attacked, probably because they were such a small force compared to mine. Are you listed as at war with this faction and are they blockading you elsewhere?
2)I don't know if they mod generals increasing their rank by number of victories, like in STW, but jumping from 5 stars to 8 in one battle is something I haven't been blessed with yet. Makes one wish to know why, so you can repeat it. You must have done some real fighting against heavy odds with your general. Maybe your king also got a positive vice the same turn that increased your generals rank.

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Diplomacy is the art of telling someone to go to hell so that they look forward to making the trip.