[quote=@Famotill] I'd like to think it was a bit of both. People's fear (and interest) in magic furthered the desire to discover its secrets. Meanwhile, these discoveries about magic helped to enhance other technological marvels. While I haven't played Eberron, I'm sure there are quite a few settings that are similar. My intent wasn't to be the most original in terms of setting, but to create an original and unique experience through world building and character interaction. I'm definitely taking influences from Dragon Age, Elder Scrolls, Fable, D&D, etc. I'm hoping that the players and I can work to make it more than just a period piece. I hope that helps, and thank you for the questions! It's helping me put the ideas to [s]paper[/s] keyboard. [/quote] I didn't mean it's a bad thing that you aren't 100% original. Good luck finding truly original idea in internet era, it's really hard. And in my years of RPG playing I can count the amount of this kind of magic worlds on one hand, it's actually rare. Personally I wouldn't mind if this idea for example was actually connected with our history. It would be amusing to see for example Napoleon forces with orc and elves mixed in (just random pick :D). For example the nations you mentioned are behind some sort of 'barrier' (if you read or watched Rosario & Vampire this kind of thing) which was some sort of 'pocket dimension' connected to our pre-industrial world. Those two suddenly started to connect with each other, causing fantasy creatures showing up in our realm. Kind of pre-industrial/steampunk version of Shadowrun. Just throwing this idea here. Improving technological level wouldn't be bad as well, the battle between firearms/canons and magic in my book always sound interesting. But if you just want to go with 100% your own work, it looks good as well. And sure, I don't mind brainstorming and I may always suggest something if you want me to.