anwi wrote:(In fact, the Dohlarans would probably decline an "invasion" of Harchongians troops into their territory unless the ICA troops threaten Sairhalik (e.g.). And I don't think that this invasion is sensible at this point in time, i.e. for HFQ.)
And here's the crux of the matter. How would Dohlar "decline" an invasion of a million Harchongian troops? Especially with a good chunk of its army already defeated - about 2/3 of all who went with Rainos Ahlverez? And the remaining 1/3 struggling to get back, which is an uncertain thing.
My point is, Clyntahn & Co will not let Dohlar become neutral, not if they can help it. In fact, they will punish anyone in Dohlar who tries to push in that direction.
And as long as the Harchongian contingent is live and kicking, the COGA will have the force to do that punishing with, and to enforce whatever decrees they want in Dohlar. And Dohlarans know that.
Not to mention that some number of Dohlarans, those who believe in the COGA, will obey them and not king Rahnyld if it ever comes to that. Dohlar is not Charis.
Now, I did assume that the majority of the MHoGatA will go through Dohlar. Mostly because of the need to supply them along the way. I guess they can go through the Border Kingdoms, but supplying an army of that size will be... a challenge, to say the least. And by now, there is not enough food (or anything else) in western Siddarmark for an army of that size to forage in any way, including robbing the peasants along the way.
Furthermore, Charis simply cannot afford to leave something like Dohlaran Navy and what remains of its army free to recover, rebuild and become a threat. They have to make sure Dohlar is not going to be a threat again, when they go for the final phase - Temple Lands and Zion.