The Ocean of Tears

The sea

"The Ocean of Tears is the second largest salt water sea in Norrath, rivaled only by the emerald waters of Timorous Deep." That is how SOE's 2002 atlas, The Maps of Myrist, opens. It goes on: "It lies between the continents of Antonica and Faydwer and can be crossed in either direction using the ports of Freeport and Butcherblock."

"Several islands have risen above the calm, royal blue waters over the passing eras." The atlas's map labels Seafury Island, the "Oracle of K`Arnon" and the Sisters of Erollisi. Its bestiary lists goblins, aviaks, cyclopes and sirens.

Sources: EverQuest Atlas: The Maps of Myrist (SOE, 2002), Ocean of Tears, Background · Maps of Myrist, pp. 321–323 (map labels p. 321; bestiary p. 322; oracle p. 323)

Zek's stranded soldiers

"When Zek's mortal armies were cast down from the plane of Karana, cursed battalions of goblin and giant soldiers were stranded upon one of these isles." The atlas then says: "Bearing but one enormous eye, the Seafury tribe of cyclopes patrols the isle, viciously attacking any adventurer that comes within sight."

Sources: EverQuest Atlas: The Maps of Myrist (SOE, 2002), Ocean of Tears, Background

The aviaks

"Not long after the goblins and giants arrived, so did the odd birdmen known as aviaks. The origins of these peaceful creatures are a well-guarded secret." The ocean's aviaks are "very vibrant and beautiful in their plumage, unlike the dull black, ravenesque appearance of their cousins upon Antonica."

Sources: EverQuest Atlas: The Maps of Myrist (SOE, 2002), Ocean of Tears, Background

The Sisters of Erollisi

One island belongs to "the Sisters of Erollisi – a small band of female elves and half-elves who voluntarily left their homeland of Kelethin to establish their own temple and culture without disturbing the ancient order of the Fier`Dal." According to the atlas, "The Sisters of Erollisi are very kind and generous toward adventurers who are not of dark orientation."

Sources: EverQuest Atlas: The Maps of Myrist (SOE, 2002), Ocean of Tears, Background

The Oracle of K`Arnon

According to the atlas, the oracle was born in Felwithe and "presented to the high priest of Tunare". He later served as "royal advisor to his majesty, King Tearis Thex." Then he broke away: "Without the blessing of the priesthood nor his majesty, the young oracle left the city of Felwithe". The atlas continues: "Today, the oracle resides in the Ocean of Tears with his loyal bodyguard".

Sources: Maps of Myrist, pp. 321–323 (map labels p. 321; bestiary p. 322; oracle p. 323)

Provisions at sea

The atlas's field notes say "two of the region's islands possess inns and taverns where weary adventurers may sell their goods and purchase supplies without having to return to Butcherblock or Freeport."

Sources: Maps of Myrist, Ocean of Tears, Field Notes

Crossings in story

Verant's short story "The Swashbuckler's Homecoming" puts a ship on the crossing. The "Shark's Bane" was "chartered to carry the scroll from Butcherblock to Freeport". In the Ocean of Tears, its captain sought "refuge at the Sisters of Erollisi Isle". Al'Kabor later identified the attacker as "a water elemental", and "Tillerman Jairik" was "the only survivor".

Sources: Verant, "The Swashbuckler's Homecoming", Harpy's Head Tavern (mirror)

Through the tabletop lens

From the licensed White Wolf EverQuest RPG, a separate canon layer from the game. Realms of Norrath: Freeport says "Two strong currents run through the middle regions of the ocean" and that "The few ports of call that can be considered safe are all found within the Fairsea Isles".

Sources: White Wolf, Realms of Norrath: Freeport, ch. 7 (RPG layer)

The 2007 update

According to everquest.com, "The Ocean of Tears received a new look in the May 16th Game Update." That article is dated May 21, 2007.

Sources: everquest.com, "Ocean of Tears – Past and Present" (May 21, 2007)