River of Tears

The River of Tears is a saltwater river on the continent of Onthukhan in the realm of Eldham. It forms an international border between 2 nations: The Pale on the south and Swardia on the north. The river has recently begun to have a more prominent role in the regional geopolitics of Onthukhan.
As of January 2022, there is one bridge on the river - the bridge between the cities of Perria in The Pale and Neukromore in Merkonis.
== Name ==
The precise origin of the name is disputed. Many suggest the name originated from the high salt content of the river. Some suggest it originates from the region's history of conflict and betrayal. While it was referred to as the River of Tears by the local populace for quite some time. There has also been records of it being named the Anatonian river after the city of Anatonia. The first time the name was recorded in writing was in the beginning of the Pax Fractura era, when Baeked Perron - Jarl of Northguard in The Pale - and Rhay Ariano - son of Jarl Kaidus Ariano - made a joint statement to the Freemen of The Pale regarding the territorial aggression of Merconis. "Today the River of Tears to our north takes on a new meaning. Its waters are not only our tears after being backstabbed by our former ally Merconis. Its waters are the salty tears of Merconis for daring to try to conquer us. They shall face the full wrath of The Pale."
== History ==
=== The Sand War ===
While no fighting occurred on the River of Tears itself during the Sand War, the bridge on the river was heavily relied on for reinforcements as The Pale sought to defend its ally Merkonis against the Zamotz Union.
=== The River of Tears Skirmish ===
The River of Tears Skirmish was a battle that occurred on January 27, 2022, between the forces of The Pale and Merkonis in and around the River of Tears. While the Battle of Perria was not slated to happen for a few more days, tensions ran high on the banks of the river until fighting broke out.
The Skirmish saw fighting between a large group of around 15 on the side of the Pale against a small group of mercenaries on the side of Merkonis.
The side of Merkonis consisted of battle-hardened and well-geared bandits and mercenaries led by Wolfgang God-Fjell, Prime Minister of Merkonis. The group rushed to the border upon reports that The Pale was constructing defenses on the river. 
The side of The Pale consisted of forces led by High Councilor Senny, Jarl Kaidus Ariano of Greywatch, and Jarl Baeked Perron of Northguard, all of whom were aiding in the construction of defenses in and around the River of Tears when they were provoked. A few civilians of the Pale - those with no intention of fighting in the upcoming war and who were working on defenses around the city of Perria - also hastily took up arms at the sudden prospect of fighting and in fear for their lives.
It ended as a victory for The Pale, with relatively few losses. Surviving Merkonian forces aborted the ad hoc invasion of The Pale and retreated across the river back into Merkonisan territory
Category:Geography
Category:Locations
Category:Battles
Category:Traveler's Era