I think it depends on how attached Pindicator gets to his plan. Building the military already counts as forcing the other players to react to him, even if he doesn't use it, or doesn't go all-in on the 'cut off Alhambram's army to destroy it' plan. It sounds like he's correctly identified a weakness in Alhambram - both the lack of ranged units and the ability for Pindicator to fight offensively while taking advantage of Defender of the Faith, due to his balloons. A limited war ought to let him nibble at the edges of Alhambram, destroy a bunch of units and take a few cities.
If he takes advantage of those weaknesses and then stops to reevaluate, then I think this could work out fine. He ought to be able to inflict disproportionate damage on Alhambram. If he gets too invested, and pushes to a point where Alhambram can meaningfully counterattack, then not so much. Although - part of why I say this is that Alhambram doesn't seem to be particularly upset about being attacked, it's just part of the game for him. So Pindicator might actually be able to fight a limited war here.
If he takes advantage of those weaknesses and then stops to reevaluate, then I think this could work out fine. He ought to be able to inflict disproportionate damage on Alhambram. If he gets too invested, and pushes to a point where Alhambram can meaningfully counterattack, then not so much. Although - part of why I say this is that Alhambram doesn't seem to be particularly upset about being attacked, it's just part of the game for him. So Pindicator might actually be able to fight a limited war here.
EitB 25 - Perpentach
Occasional mapmaker
Occasional mapmaker