Die Vorboten des Todes - Das Schwert der Wahrheit

The characters often operate in shades of gray, which makes their choices more complex. I'm curious what inspired this nuanced approach.

The setting feels richly detailed, but I wonder if the author mapped out this world extensively or let it develop during writing.

It seems to symbolize more than just hatred — perhaps the characters' internal struggles or the world's dark history. What are others' interpretations?