You say we should look at the facts of the situation, so let's do that.

Hashan has chosen to serve a stronger power out of fear, with no reason to believe the Tsol'teth will let them keep their freedom if the other cities fall. They have chosen to give up and let others decide Hashan's fate, than to stand up and fight.

The facts are, the Tsol'teth have no interest in long-term diplomacy, or for leaving allies with free will. If they did, they would have approached the Overworld with real negotiation, not declared an all out invasion for the third time. The Tsol'teth only came to you because they want your wellspring, you have all said as much and knew it when you made the deal. And so you happily agreed to give them this power to make them stronger, with no resistance at all. When they have that, what will keep you useful to them?

Dividing your enemies is a basic strategy, one that you have apparently fallen for. You say we're the ones waiting for a miracle, but Hashan is the one praying that the Tsol'teth will show mercy if they win, and not do to Hashan what they've done to every part of the Underrealm -and- to their own people.

And let's remember, it's not as if Hashan were the brave defenders of Sapience until they saw what happened to Cyrene. Hashan did not want to be in the coalition, and wanted to leave the fighting to everyone else from the start. Let's not pretend it's surprising you dropped out again at the first excuse you got, but I guess talking about your freedoms is easier when other people are the ones fighting for them.

*

Let's take a look at our situation, too, like you suggest. Cyrene fell because we were taken by surprise, and drew too much on our experience from their last attack on our city. We were not ready for what they could do with their litany, we didn't understand their goals during the attack, and it was only our second time fighting them since they returned.

But from that battle, we've learned. We have done better in every fight against the Tsol'teth, and we know more of their goals. If they attack a city again, we'll be ready, and even if we lose another battle, we'll learn from that. This is how wars are fought and won, not by getting scared and surrendering after the first battle, but I don't suppose Hashan has ever been one for winning.

You're right to say that our path to victory isn't easy. But there's a clear reason to believe that we might be able to win, and no reason to believe that submitting to the Tsol'teth offers anything more then a slightly slower destruction. I would take a chance of victory on my feet to a certain loss on my knees.

In the end, none of this should have been a surprise. Hashan has, as usual, decided that it would rather not matter in world affairs. That all their talk about standing against zealots and caring for freedom just flies out the window the moment they would have to stand up for it. They'd rather have an easy death than a hard fight.

I'm just glad the rest of the world is willing to do what it takes to survive. And I'm proud to stand beside every person working to help the third Black Wave being the third we win.

Ever Loyal,
Keorin, Commander of the Resistance


Penned by my hand on the 14th of Scarlatan, in the year 799 AF.