Sword & Scroll is a grand strategy game originally inspired by fantasy book series such as A song of ice and fire with warfare and political schemes constituting the core mechanics. The game has also been heavily influenced by other grand strategy games in particular by paradox and also from 4X games like the civilization franchise. The game is set in a medieval fantasy world where splintered factions, noble houses, fight for power. You take on the role of one of these houses.
Pillaging allows your armies to recover moral. You also receive money depending on the pillaged holding, but a significant number of inhabitants will be killed. You can pillage holdings of enemys of war or holdings of vassal familys as well als your own holdings should the situation demand for it.