Der Kampf um die Smaragdmine

The detailed setting really immerses readers in a historical fantasy. I'm curious whether the worldbuilding came first or the story itself.

The choices made by the characters added so much tension. I wonder how much of that was based on real historical conflicts or pure imagination.

The pacing kept me hooked, but I also cared about the characters' growth. Was this a deliberate choice to keep readers invested during intense moments?