Oh, I like this. I like it a lot. And personally give no two thoughts to being realistic to a time period, it is fantasy in a fantasy world and we do have magic I feel like that itself blows it all out the window. 

I enjoy the mage scenario, always wanted to play some magic racism but perhaps I'm biased as I always play mages(I have an affair with magic). Speaking of which, what sort of system do you have in mind for magic? How does it work in this world yadayada? Also, religion & gods? Is there a main religion or is it not very uniform? Do we have gods? Are these gods real in any sense or just fictional ideas people put faith into?

Personally, I actually hate it when people just give a world magic for the hell of it. I enjoy magic having a reason to be, from being god gifted to being part of the very fabric of the world or...aliens. I do hope that makes sense.