One of the most interesting aspects that separates Waste Land from After World was writing about the inter-faction politics in this world. In all there are now six core factions of the Time Keepers:
- Sol – Headed by Captain Elara.
- Sachimis – Headed by Captain Joy.
- Vault – Head by Captain Praetor.
- Weave – Headed by Captain Adonis.
- Nullity – Headed by Captain Faxis.
- Achroma – Headed by Captain Chronos
While in After World there seemed to be only two factions at war with one another, we quickly find out at the beginning of Waste Land that there are far more powerful bodies that exist in the land of the dead. Chronos and Elara are no longer the only ‘big dogs’ in the park, if you excuse the phrasing. This change to the series was deeply needed as I felt the world would be too small with only two division leads contending with one another, and now being in the midst of the Audio Book’s post-production process I must say that I am very happy with the depth that these new character’s have afforded the series. In particular I loved writing the character of Praetor as he stalks through the Wastes after our wayward heroes of time.
Its something to create characters with a backstory, but when you create one’s with ever-interconnecting ties throughout the series you quickly realize that they the characters are starting to write the story for you, rather than you the author conducting it for them. A great example of this was having the opportunity to show an old character from the first book into a previously unseen new role. I myself grow more curious about the fates of these divisions in future upcoming books and adventures.
-Ean

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