Ahalian Civil War

The Ahalian Civil War was a succession crisis occuring after the abdication of Theo Zevedeos from the Ahalian Throne between his two sons, Fousas Zevedeos and Wambold Zevedeos. The war would begin with an official announcement of Wambold's claim to the throne shortly after Fousas's coronation. Upon the Battle of Dinas, Fousas would win the civil war, leading to Wambold's death, and secure the throne, shortly before Theo reclaimed it.

Prelude
The Kingdom of Ahalia would transform into the Empire of Ahalia upon the desires of Autokrátor Theo Zevedeos, after previous stagnation of the kingdom and a demoralised population. The Empire entered rapid growth by integrating various lands throughout Eldham as provinces and ended up at a moderate size for a nation. Theo's reign had been long and tiresome, with crisis after crisis happening, and when he became sick with the Illness of the Desert, he saw that his reign was drawing to an end. Rather than die on the throne, he peacefully abdicated, allowing Fousas Zevedeos, the Porphyrogennetos to the throne and the current heir, to become Autokrátor.

Wambold Zevedeos was enraged with the decision. Many years past, his father, Theo, had only just told him that they were of the same bloodline, keeping Wambold's heritage secret for decades while he helped govern Ahalia. Wambold had worked tirelessly to grow the state and from his perspective sacrificed too much to not be the fit ruler for Ahalia. He saw his brother as an incompetent ruler, only interested in blood and glory instead of maintaining the Ahalian prosperity that had recently started.

Outbreak
The day after Fousas's coronation, Wambold would speak to all that would listen. He announced that he saw the throne as rightfully his and would attempt a march on the capital, Jepola, later that month. He ordered any and all Ahalians to flock to his cause, and would write letters to as many nations as possible to support, but none would respond. Immediately, many of his personal friends would flock to his banners, but he was distraught to see that not all Ahalians supported his cause. Fousas would attempt to bargain with those that were on the fence, which would win many Ahalians over to his side.

After Wambold's initial declaration, many towns and provinces would declare their support. As Wambold was the mayor of Dinas, the entire town would be controlled by him, except for the Great Ahalian Pyramid, which would be occupied by Fousas's supporters, and they continued to resist the Dinasian militias for the time being. As the capital, Jepola would be controlled by Fousas. A revolt in Rochdale would occur, led by Batchatap, who pledged support to Wambold. The rest of Rochdale began supporting Fousas as a result of this. As a friend of Wambold's, Alpha Samuel announced that all of Kekrifalia would support his cause, but pleaded for no battles to take place there, which both Autokrátor's agreed to. The Province of Vladigrad would announce full support to Fousas, and would begin sending forces to Jepola to reinforce the current garrison. The Provinces of Varos and Sinterland would maintain neutrality, and support whomever won.

Wambold would order immediate skirmishes to take place on Fousas's territories, raiding what they could, but sparing all lives, so as not to slay his Ahalian brothers. These raids would prove successful and destabilising the supply lines for Fousas's forces, but otherwise were very limited in success. It was announced that a great battle would take place later that month, where the Dinasian militias would storm the Great Ahalian Pyramid, which houses the Ahalian Government, and declare victory.