A better historical example than the spread of Christianity by the British Empire is the spread of the Roman Empire into Brittania. Tribes who sided with the Empire, or were just neutral to them, gained considerable power and influence over their enemies.
Missionaries began coming to Sartar before the invasion. After Tarsh divides in Civil War, the lowlanders, who embrace the Lunar Way, spread the word of the goddess to Sartar. Some people kill or drive off the new missionaries, citing the mistakes of the past, others give them hospitality and listen to their words (check the clan generator).
When invasion comes (IMO a reaction to Sartarite aid and comfort to Tarshite rebels) some tribes aid the invaders, seeing their future within the Lunar Way, not against it. Many gain prestige and status from collaboration.
Post-invasion some still tribes resist Lunar missionaries, for exactly the reasons you state. The result: the Dundealos massacre in which in entire tribe is wiped out, following its rebellion over illtreatment by the Empire (shades of Boudicca here). This sends a powerful message to the other tribes, rebel and you will be wiped out.
The Sartarites can be conquered because they are disunited. The king is a weak puppet and there is no one to take his place. Should a figure arise whom the tribes can unite behind, of course, then the Empire may find its divide and conquer strategy fails. Meanwhile Lunar supporting tribes continue on the ascendancy...
Ian Cooper
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