I noted that one of the things you mentioned was population. In which case, shouldn't attacking naturally decrease/possibly destroy buildings? How's that all work?
ALso, possble 
Skills here: Cites gain population when attacked/ when elements start fighting.
could get population bonuses for settling differences/creating peace.
of course gets a bonus for picking a fight/incenting a fight to start...
Maybe these should all just be 
skills?
Well, one could assume that the general public does not participate in the battle, therefore there wouldn't be many casualties. On the other hand, there should probably be some collateral damage, especially when using siege weapons. Also, when you conquer a City/Town, that should definitely destroy some of the buildings and population. So maybe attacking by itself does not do anything, but when you capture the City, damage will be done.
Enemy buildings can also be destroyed using saboteurs, but maybe we'll get some other options, like skills, as well. It will all be more clear closer to launch. Thanks for those skill suggestions.
I added some new stuff to the tech page. It now shows all 12 elements, what they are currently researching, and what techs they have completed.
