[quote=@Famotill]
I'm thinking the world will be pre-industrial, as in gunpowder has been discovered but it isn't incredibly prevalent just yet (some firearms are used, but close combat and magic is still preferred). The world is a bit more 'advanced' in scientific study and research, but even then it's still probably not incredibly advanced by industrial standards. The more industrial feel comes from the study of magic. This world is fixated with studying magic, and has come to understand some of its properties. Thoughts about the Gods and magic is being questioned by prominent scientists, and magic is being weaponized (and halted) in innovative ways. The era certainly isn't our Industrial Revolution, but it's inching ever-closer to it. 

As well, there will be geographical differences in technologies. Some areas/nations will be more advanced than others. 
[/quote]

So to keep it short it wasn't technology (and genius minds) which actually pushed advancement of humanity (although in this case it would be more fitting to say sentient beings/humanoids) but magic was responsible for that progress... well, sounds cool to me.

Although isn't this kind of similar to D&D Eberron (not sure if you heard about it) ? There are still crucial differences, but Eberron in short is kind of steampunk world mixed with magic (high level magic exist there, but it's far less common then in standard D&D systems) and low level magic is far more common here.

And go with novice level. Simple dice throwing may decide success or failure of some actions, but I don't think it's really necessary.