Ask the Author: Zephyr Axiom
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Zephyr Axiom
The initial idea for The Hermit came after watching the anime Zipang. I thought it was really cool seeing one modern era warship going up against the different classes of WWII vessels. It wasn't just the one-sided nature of it all, but also the contrast between the old and new ways of waging warfare and the reactions of the WWII soldiers and sailors. The show got me thinking about what if someone from today were to be pitted up against a Roman legion. From that seed developed the settings and characters that would allow me to facilitate that kind of face-off (and plenty more like it).
Incidentally, the modern army versus Roman army ended up getting done in the novel/manga/anime GATE, which goes about how you'd expect. I liked most of the action, but I was kind of disappointed when it came to the one man army scene where a single JDF soldier totally destroyed a company of sword and shield units in close combat. Every type of warrior has its advantages and disadvantages, which is something that came through in Zipang--the Mirai didn't make it to the end completely intact. This scene in GATE should have been the Roman style soldiers' time to shine, since their specialty was in bladed tactics.
Consideration for strengths and weaknesses of various types of soldiers, even when the lineup is seemingly one-sided, is something I hope comes through in Kahverengi's Dilemma. There are elements of power fantasy, sure, but I don't want ethnocentrism to blind me to genuine advantages other cultures from other eras could possibly possess. And that allows for some very interesting story opportunities.
Incidentally, the modern army versus Roman army ended up getting done in the novel/manga/anime GATE, which goes about how you'd expect. I liked most of the action, but I was kind of disappointed when it came to the one man army scene where a single JDF soldier totally destroyed a company of sword and shield units in close combat. Every type of warrior has its advantages and disadvantages, which is something that came through in Zipang--the Mirai didn't make it to the end completely intact. This scene in GATE should have been the Roman style soldiers' time to shine, since their specialty was in bladed tactics.
Consideration for strengths and weaknesses of various types of soldiers, even when the lineup is seemingly one-sided, is something I hope comes through in Kahverengi's Dilemma. There are elements of power fantasy, sure, but I don't want ethnocentrism to blind me to genuine advantages other cultures from other eras could possibly possess. And that allows for some very interesting story opportunities.
Zephyr Axiom
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