The economy of Illian has, in recent years, taken a disturbing spiral. After thousands of years of a dependable stock of fish so near their shore, Illian has finally succeeded in clearing them out. With very few fish coming in, Illian can raise almost no money. National debt grows, at the same time, income decreases greatly, making Illian unable to pay their debts, or even feed their own people. Nearby, Tear continues to prosper thanks to their production of olive oil, Seafolks’ demand for it. Illian looks to Tear to help them, with the exesses of grain they have stored up, but Tear is unwilling to help its longtime enemy. They see Illian failing, and prefer to save their grain to feed their own people in case they come up against similar hardship.

The animositiy between the nations has grown greatly because of this, and each nation has taken precautions. Both Tear and Illian have sought aid from other countries, trying to form alliances to make sure that they do not stand alone if their disagreements come to blows. Tear currently has the backing of Murandy and Andor, while Illian counts Amadicia, Altara and Ghealdan among its friends. Cairhien, Tarabon and Arad Doman have all been approached, but none has made a decision yet, or has even decided whether they want to have any part in this war.

The Towers have been working extra to keep such a great war from beginning. Aes Sedai and Asha’man have been sent to each nation to try to convince rulers that a war is unnecessary, and the alliances will only cause future problems. Some have hope of avoiding any war, while some are already resigned to future bloodshed. Rulers of most nations are unwilling to listen to the voice of the Towers, but none have gone so far as to end all negotiations. Many argue that there is still hope, leaning on the fact that three nations may stay out of things entirely. Three nations remaining neutral, they say, would be a voice of reason to the other countries, and certainly aid the Towers in their work for peace.