Influences Part 2

Another strong influence for the main character is Miyamoto Musashi. (1584 - 1645)

I am a big fan of this historic figure, his life story was so interesting and his book of five rings is very inspirational.

For all you who don't know Musashi was a Japanese Swordsman and a well known Ronin (Master less Samurai). He was well known for his swordsmanship even at a young age (His first duel at the age of 13).

Clave shares a lot of parallelisms with Musashi, even some of his battles are inspired from Musashi's adventures.

Musashi roamed the lands looking for the next challenge, always wanting to test his skill. He was undefeated and only had one draw during his time as a swords man. He typically carried two swords and used whatever advantage he could to win the life or death battles.

Musashi once battled a man Shishido Baiken who wielded the Kusarigama. He almost lost that battle if it wasn't for him throwing his second sword. This tactic was not common as it was typical for a swordsman to fight with honor and hold on to his sword to the death. Musashi had no qualms casting aside the code in order to win the battle.

Very interesting man.

Q and A Part 2

This is Q and A part 2.

Q: Why the name Beta Earth? Isn't one Earth good enough?

A: LOL, Yes one Earth is good enough, gonna dodge the first question and it will soon become apparent why Beta Earth if you read the story, no hidden symbolism there sorry.

Q: Why are the main characters who are so young, handling such big or violent problems?

A: This is a good question. I really modelled this story off of the olden times (think Roman age) where there was the appearance of stability inside the walls of a huge city but in reality chaos was all around. In those times young men and I'm sure even some (undocumented women) would be forced to fight. Either as a Roman solider or as a struggling peasant in a unprotected village outside of the Roman walls.

There is a lot more to this question but ill leave it at that for now.

Q: Why did you choose UK Breakbeat for a lot of your themes?

A: I discovered UK Breakbeat back in 2006 by then I already had a story but something was missing... After listening to some UK Breakbeat artist: Breakfastaz, Freestylers, Station Warriors, etc. It filled in the "intensity" of the world gave it mood and drive. I swore as I would listen to some of these tracks, scenarios would write themselves.

Here is my thought on UK Breakbeat - I would say it's bitter and a bit hard to swallow at first, like a good beer, but eventually it becomes that thing you wouldn't mind having after a tough day at work (it's a good escape and good work out music).

Q: Is this going to be another one of those clear cut (I can predict the ending) stories? Or is it ridiculously convoluted?

A: Well with out giving spoilers, I would say it's a bit of both. Between Worlds is a pretty straight forward as it is a setup piece but the saga in general takes twists and turns that you couldn't imagine.

My main motivation for the characters isn't necessarily judged by a moral compass. Their own personal ambitions and goals are heavily at play, this may lead to a conflict in morals or in alliances.

As Andy Warhol once said:

What's great about this country is that America started the tradition where the richest consumers buy essentially the same things a the poorest. You can be watching TV and see Coca Cola, and you know that the President drinks Coca Cola, Liz Taylor drinks Coca Cola, and just think you can drink Coca Cola, too. A coke is a coke and no amount of money can get you a better coke than the one the bum on the corner is drinking. All the cokes are the same and all the cokes are good. Liz Taylor knows it, the President knows it, the bum knows it, and you know it.

I really liked this quote how we are in a time where we created an "equalizer" among the people. This becomes a building theme in Beta Earth where people everywhere begin to discover their true potential.

Q: Why are you answers so... wordy?

A: Sorry it's what I do, thanks for viewing.