The Vulgar Holy War is the name given to the first contingent of the Holy War to march against the Fanim. Emperor Ikurei Xerius III conspired to send the first half of the Holy War to its destruction, for multiple political reasons: to confirm a secret alliance with the Fanim, and to convince Maithanet and the other nobles of the Holy War of the strength of the Fanim so that they would accept his Indenture in exchange for the leadership of Ikurei Conphas. His machinations are successful, and the entire group that marches is wiped out at the Fourth Battle of Mengedda.