Can someone explain this term that I see sometimes, thanks.

its reparations paid by pacted alliance after its member or members attack against pacted alliance. pact terms sometimes say how much is owed as per troops etc or sometimes (often) its paid as land or if its special attack or spy operation then losses (bushels/buildings/techs/military/land) are paid (and some extra).

example: alliance a member x attacks against alliance b member z and alliance b is pacted so alliance a member x or some1else from alliance a pays lost land (or whatever was lost) to alliance b's member z.

If packed why attacked?

typo and being idiot are 2 most common reasons, 3rd is that didn't check embassy before attacking and 4th is that country tag ups between spy op and attack etc. alliances have 72 hrs responsibility of its members after they leave tag and some are too eager exact revenge and don't wait that 72 hrs and attack so alliance where that player was needs to pay reps.

oh ok..thanks

most common reason is people like to stir the pot

aka being idiots if leader of alliance hasn't said that try to provoke war.