The time is one of relative peace. A major war has not disturbed the nations in roughly 70 years.This peace follows the Saltstorm Wars, when much of the northlands were plagued by a stream of hurricans, destroying towns and leaving lands barren. The mass exodus from northwestern Goldenvale, which had steadily expanded its borders beyond the Northern Rapids, caused havoc in the economies of both Goldenvale and Tidesward.
As the immigrants moved south, they faced strong resistance at the Tidesward border. Fearful of the coming invasion, Tidesward strengthened its northern defenses, forcing back the immigrants upon their arrival and killing several Goldenvalors. The populace of Goldenvale was outraged at this and demanded retribution.
Border skirmishes quickly erupted and grew into large-scale battles. Though Goldenvale had superior numbers, Tidesward's extensive trade with the Western Fey and seafarers had supplied them with a dramatic technological edge, so that Goldenvale was soon pushed back.
However, Tidesward was without means to launch a sea invasion. Rivers were out of the question, as Goldenvale controlled both the Fourstream Lake and the Sea of Greenfront. In addition, attacking from the North Sea would require sailing into a head wind as well as crossing into either Rockfall or the Northern Federation's territorial waters, something Tidesward could not afford. Thus they made their assault at the Twixtstream bog.
The battles there proved the futility of encounters at Twixtstream for both sides, costing over 4,000 lives without significant gains by either country. The skirmishes continued for several months, and morale steadily declined on both sides. Eventually, recognizing the impossibility of victory for either army, a truce was declared.
The terms of this truce were as follows:
1. Tidesward holds claim to both sides of Swiftstream, as well as the area immediately surrounding said river.
2. Goldenvale reliquishes all claims to the lands south and west of West Bogmater, as well as all lands south and east of East Bogmater.
3. Neither country shall place a fortress within forty miles of Bogmater. Exceptions shall be made for the Eastern Crossing.
4. Goldenvale shall receive recompense of 100 gold a head for each citizen accosted by Tidesward in the five months prior to the Saltstorm Wars (totaling ~1,000,000 gold).
