After Erik XIV's son Gustav was born in January 1568, he became calmer, happier, and lighter as having an heir was a big concern of his.

[3] In the Swedish nobility, they had long believed that Erik was not the right man to lead the country, the circle which preferred John was however killed at Uppsala in 1567.

On 12 July, John and Charles captured Vadstena turning it into their headquarters[5] and gaining control over a large part of Östergötland along with a strong connection by sea to Västergötland.

Charles' response also explained that the uprising was not against Sweden, rather against Erik himself for his "unchristian government" along with giving Jöran Persson power.

If we still had them and you alone, with your kin and followers, we would gladly meet you on the battlefield; but now, we are content to face you alone with equal swords, without deceit, on a fair fighting ground, so that the blood of our subjects may be spared.

You, who are younger and of lower rank than we, come here to Stockholm on an appointed day, fully armored and on foot, with sword and dagger!

Whichever of us is defeated shall, by the judgment of honorable men who are witnesses, be deemed to have the less just cause!The rebel army soon conquered Stegeborg and Nyköping, and the clergy at the Diocese of Linköping hailed John as their "true lord," and the congregations throughout Västergötland slowly swore allegiance to the Duke.

[11][12] By the end of July, eight banners of cavalry and 18 fähnleins of infantry, commanded by Åke Bengtsson Färla and Gisle Nilsson had promised to support Erik but were convinced to not do so by the dukes.

[13] When the rebel army approached the Mälaren in August, they encountered Erik's troops in Hölö forest, who were quickly repulsed.

He led them in a similar approach to when Danish general Daniel Rantzau was expelled from Sweden, and he was far more successful this time.

However, Jöran refused to reveal anything and was later brutally tortured again and later decapitated on Galgbacken on 22 September on charges of negatively affecting Erik.

[13] During the confusion that followed, Erik managed to flee into Stockholm Castle with his forces, but quickly surrendered himself to John after a demand by Duke Charles.

[15] Per Brahe also convinced the garrison of the castle to surrender, and on 29 September, Duke John marched into Stockholm with his forces.