You should know well that these are not my matters. The cogs I maintain deal with war and conflict. However, in hopes that you will return home from your jaunt through the woods soon, I shall offer explanations for the misunderstandings in your words.

- Indeed. No one called Progress a religion. Nor did anyone say you did. I do not put words in the mouths of others, and you know this.

- Unfortunately, the nature of your sermon was indeed rather indoctrinating. I will continue to speak of it as such.

- That is simple. Hashan has always rejected the notion that mortals require the Divine in order to thrive. However, in a battlefield where our foes have their multiple Religions invested in them, it is useful to have a Patron whose powers you can barter for, is not? We would be halted entirely without a Divine to hold off the others, as we would no doubt be subjected relentlessly to the same twisted teachings they offer you. It just so happens that He Who Hides In Shadows doesn't give two shits what we do, and we don't give two shits what He does. We'll make the world interesting and give Him something to watch, and in return he'll keep Them away.

Penned by my hand on the 19th of Scarlatan, in the year 850 AF.