Atlechian-Vulperium War

The Atlechian-Vulperium War was a regional conflict taking place between the Kingdom of Atlechia and The Vulperium and it's allies following the Vulperium annexation of Ahalia, which Atlechia had previously declared war on. Following the declaration, Atlechia would amass a mercenary army and invade the Vulperium city of Lazodi, to which it was beaten back in a decisive defense by the Vulperium and it's allies, notably The Hands. Currently, the war is still officially ongoing as both sides attempt to make peace.

Early Relationship
Atlechia and Ahalia are two bordering nations in the Pentamorea region of the Arsine continent. The roots of the conflict stem back to late December of 2021, when a legal conflict arose over Atlechia's claims and hold on several territories bordering Ahalia. The expansionist kingdom of Atlechia was denounced by Emperor Theo for allegedly neglecting the care of these lands and letting it fall into ruin and depopulation.

Ahalia then moved in and had new structures built on the disputed land, after which king Swen made an attack on these Ahalians, deepening the crisis.

A neutral party, the court of the nation Qadakh, was asked to make a ruling on this matter and is said to have ruled in Atlechia's favor. Ahalia did not recognize the integrity of the judge, claiming Atlechia engaged in bribery and corruption, and thus Emperor Theo continued his policies towards them, with further Atlechian blood shed in the battle of Agoge.

This conflict would sour the long-lasting relations between the two nations and remain in king Swen's rhetoric as a national injustice to be repaid in time.

Prelude to the War
In the midst of regional chaos, following a devastating succession dispute known as the Ahalian Civil War, the Autokrator of the Ahalian Empire Theo Zevedeos would make a move to allow the Serene Republic of Novastonia to annex Ahalia into it's lands. This was however rejected by the people of Ahalia who broke out into rebellion. These rebels were led by Arindor Zevedeos, son of the failed former civil war crown-claimant. They would succeed in securing Ahalian independence, but not without losing many of the Empire's former territories.

Atlechia and Ahalia got off to a fresh start with the dissolution of the Empire and the ascension of King Arindor. During the events of the revolt, Arindor and king Swen had been in discussions on what would happen after the war, with talks of a possible unification afterwards brought up. During such talks, Swenking would get the impression that Arindor promised that Ahalia would join Atlechia after the war. Arindor would argue this by stating that he never actually agreed to the deal, and the deal only mattered if military action occured, which it didn't. Regardless, Atlechia declared war on Ahalia with intentions to place a puppet king on the throne.

Arindor would begin negotiating with BeastlyBrock, Grand Valar of the Vulperium, about unification, as Arindor had learned of Atlechian plans to invade the Vulperium and divide it between itself and it's allies, with Swen even promising the lands of Bai to Ahalia in exchange for vassalship. Seeing as an invasion of his lands was going to occur regardless of what happened, Brock would agree to allow Ahalia to join as a Duchy.

This would greatly anger Swenking, who later wrote numerous responses in a rushed and blunderous manner, which would be seen as a national embarrassment for Atlechia and quickly prohibit him from receiving international support. He would send an ultimatum to the Vulperium, demanding the lands of Ahalia as well as $1,000,000 and a public apology, to which he was laughed at by Vulpur leadership. They would promptly deny the ultimatum, which led to Atlechia declaring war on the Vulperium.

Declaration of War
Atlechia would declare war upon the Vulperium following the denial of the ultimatum. Immediately, their ally of Belmore would declare official support, followed by a call for support by Arindor Zevedeos to the allies of Vulperium and beyond. An official response by BeastlyBrock would be written, similarly calling for assistance from their allies. Many nations would declare neutrality, notabily Duruk Kunar, an ally of Atlechia, and the U.S.S.E, a longtime ally of the Vulperium.

Vulperium's allies would begin to honour the call, from the Pale and Anglunia to Sylvania and Vladigrad. Oddly, the Vulperium would be contacted by the Hands, a mercenary organisation mostly based in Rathnir, offering assistance in the conflict, to which the Vulperium swiftly agreed. The Hands would play a major part in the defense of Lazodi, and were vital to the Vulpur victory. Oceanum, Eleanor and Rodinnbrok would follow suit.