Yes, I was ribbing Rukio, but he seems to be able to take it.<br/><br/>While I agree with you about generalizing the time frame and even pushing the tech/education level forward a bit to suit our needs, what I really want to maintain is the FLAVOR of the era.  The Victorian era as we think of it today really got kicking and screaming good in the later 1880's & 90's - like in the Sherlock Holmes setting.<br/><br/>Which is why I chose 1850 as our starting point.  I'm hoping for a setting where things seem to be just getting going, organizations just coming together and recruiting new members, new discoveries about the Aether being made, old magical families suddenly comming into their full power, vampires and all the other baddies consolidating their power bases, mad scientists discovering new uses for steam (and flesh) - that sort of thing.<br/><br/>The whole 'pack of butts and a lighter' bit seemed suddenly 1980's to me.  The scene suddenly lost that 1850's flavor.  BUT, I'm not complaining, nor am I asking anyone to go back and edit posts - that'd be too draconian.  I love the fact that the character smokes, so few do these days.<br/><br/>Also, all parties involved handled the situation well and the story is moving along nicely.<br/><br/>I totally understand that we have time constraints and can't spend all day researching the little things - I'm just looking for the flavor... God, that sounds like a cigarette ad.<br/><br/>As for inspiration, not to worry.  We're all moving pretty slow at times.  Hell, I've had a conversation between Emma and Hale in my head since Friday night and here it is Tuesday morning... I better get posting before I forget.  Maybe you could do an Aether Knight?  I've recently figured out how we can excuse... erm<em>explain</em>having light sabres... err I mean Aether swords.