Dimitrios
Dimitrios asked John Gwynne:

Hello John! I started Malice yesterday (page ~60 right now), and I think that I can spot a lot of analogies between the Kingdom of Scotland and its various fiefdoms and the invasions of Norwegian reavers. Am I to assume that you read a lot of Scottish history and used a good part of it in the series? Regards, Dimitrios P.S. 1 Does everyone in Tenebral wear kilts? P.S. 2 Nice Dane axe in your photo!

John Gwynne Hi Demitrios,

Great to hear from you. Hope you're enjoying Malice :)

There are a lot of historical references in Malice, and I can see why you're thinking of Medieval Scotland and the Norse raiders. A fascinating time in history.

The historical influences in Malice are mostly from an earlier time period. Caesar's Conquest of Gaul, Boudicca's revolt and a lot of Welsh and Norse mythology were my main influences - as well as Milton's Paradise Lost, with warring armies of angels and demons.

I wrote the Banished Lands as an alternative ancient Europe, reminiscent of the early medieval/Dark Ages period. If you held the Banished Lands map over one of ancient Europe you'd seen countries align - Tenebral is Italy. Ardan, Cambren, Narvon is Briton, Domhain is Ireland, Benoth, Scotland. Forn is Germania, Carnutan and Isiltir is Gaul.

I'm glad you like the Dane Axe! :)

Best,

John

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