Some errors in descr_strat don't cause immediate crash or error message but they do stop the game reading any further down the descr_strat file than the point where error occurs, if you have one of those type of errors within or above your factions section then it will cut off your settlements and /or family tree section. No family / settlements = dead faction = victory conditions failed..

Check every thing you cut and pasted to see if you are missing any {} have any extra odd symbols or anything else that doesn't follow normal format. If you can't spot anything copy your back up version and do it again more carefully!