@SparkwellWell, I've been thinking about that. We've already got werewolves, and I think the wolves that I've created have still got that "magical" element to them...I mean scientifically, do they really sound plausible? Nope. But I tried! LOL
So, I have already been thinking of a way to implement Native Americans. Their cultures are so varied that, it's a lot to take into consideration, and I want to keep some accuracy with what tribes we include as we travel through the pre-settled USA. At first, because the image of the Native American is so notorious for riding horses, I thought I would include Centaurs as a part of their culture; but its a Greek idea, and ultimately, I just didn't like it.
I much preferred the idea of skinwalkers, and the idea of them being completely and totally native to the North American continent,
as well as being found in the Native American population only.
I think, this is where you can see just how blurred science and magic get in this RP. While I'd prefer magic play the subtlest of roles in this RP, I don't mind having these skinwalkers, who are able to totally morph into a single animal, preferably an animal found on the North American continent. These Skinwalkers would be, like the Werewolves and Amazons, subspecies of Human.
To expand upon Native Americans: while many of them would be found in tribes, many others have begun the transition into "civilization". That is to say, certain Native Americans are now trying to integrate with the invasive foreign "American" invaders, meaning that among our little rail family, we could find a good deal of Native Americans and by that extent, Skinwalkers.
To expand more on magic and science: Magic is not something that every character should be able to wield, and for that matter, its not very commonplace either. I think it would make things to easy, and quite frankly, I don't see it playing the conventional role of character wielded power. Rather, I like the idea of plots revolving around enchanted and alien artifacts, those of with are so magic'd up that our characters will be baffled by them. I also like the idea, of, among the Native American, a rather powerful shaman boss. I think, where big magic is concerned, I will reserve it for very powerful characters, so to speak.
Does all of this make sense? Or does it just sound like a jumbled up mess?