Tsavellas was the king of Yanina during the Derlavaian War. He initially sought to keep his country neutral, but his decision to give King Penda of Forthweg sanctuary angered Swemmel of Unkerlant. Tsavellas refused to turn Penda over to Unkerlant, further provoking Swemmel. Ultimately, the decision was made for Tsavellas: the Kingdom of Lagoas sent an agent to carry Penda away. However, the damage was done: Unkerlant seemed determined to punish Yanina. In response, Yanina allied itself to Algarve, and declared war on Lagoas, attacking Lagoan claims in the austral continent. Not long after, Yanina joined Algarve's war against Unkerlant.