The War of Kings

The War of Kings was a civil war between King Wacain and King Wulfa II that erupted after the death of Prince Brythor Aethling son of King Baglen.
Prince Brythor died during a cruise on one of his ships, the Swan, during a wine-soaked party when the ship struck a jutted rock, exposed by low tide. Brythor escaped the wreck but turned back when he heard the cries of his half-sister Adney. The boat in which he rowed was overturned by people trying to clamber aboard. It has been speculated that if Brythor hadn't turned back he would have lived. King Baglan came down with a sickness and died only a year after his son's death
But the strings of fate cannot be changed. After Brythor's death, Wicain of Penworth, who was the grandson of Ingen the Vanquisher (who united the four kingdoms of Aethland and made peace with the northmen granting them lands in the north of Aethland) and son of Marged of Penworth (sister to King Baglen), rushed to Dunchester, the ancient seat of royal power, and where his Brother Godric of Nanlon was bishop. Wicain with the help of his brother convinced the Arch Bishop of Brichington to crown and anoint him king.
Unfortunately, Wicain wasn't the only person with claim to the throne. Wulfa II was the son of Odeyla, second cousin to Ingen. Though the claim itself was shaky. But the appropriate documents were procured too late and Wicain had already been crowned. This divided the country. Lords all over the country pledged to their chosen king or turned warlord, throwing the kingdom into chaos.