Excommunication for selfe defence?

[Ciaran]

Well, I´ve managed to get recommunicated once without anyone (important) dying. I had a couple of Crusade marker standing around gathering dust and the turn after I got excommunicated the pope called for a Crusade against the Almohads. To my big surprise I could crusade and when I checked my diplomatic status, the little cross on my shield was whole again.
I´m not sure, though, whether this works only with called-for or any Crusades.

[gaijinalways]

Its possible to manipulate this to your advantage. When you get a warning the warning lasts for 10 years and so you can attack another faction relentlessly without worrying about excommunication.

I always thought the warning was for about 2 years? Can anyone confirm that as I don't have a copy of Medival installed now (too busy and computer is too buggy !

[Ludens]

I always thought the warning was for about 2 years? Can anyone confirm that as I don't have a copy of Medival installed now (too busy and computer is too buggy !

You have got two years to comply (meaning that you can still storm any castles, but conquering any new castle-guarded territory is a bad idea); and then do not commit any acts of aggression against that faction for the next ten years.