woo1108, Arcanum is one of my favorite games of all time.
That is the problem with the setting. I think about setting more as about a base where to start develop a world, not as a guideline I should follow accurately.
If some cliches could be removed or some things could be added, and it makes the world better (I know that is a very complicated and relatively personal word, but anyway) - it should be done (I think). Yes, I know that some people will hate that "steampunk looks not like steampunk as they used to see", but I hope some people will love it as much as others hate. It will be the biggest reward for me if somebody will love the world I develop.
If laser swords or any other thing that is not common in steampunk or fantasy suits for this particular game - why not to bring it to the game? But of course I'll try to be careful, because in that way it's easy to have some messy thing with no style in the end.
I don't want to rush world design because I think that is a very important part of the game, especially when it has no unique gameplay features. If as a result it be 5% of steampunk and 5% of fantasy and 90% what-the-hell-is-it but it looks, plays and feels good - I will be glad. If it be quite solid pure steampunk world it also will be ok.
Speaking about Arcanum: for now I don't want to follow that magic vs. technology feature. It really cool part of Arcanum (as for the gameplay and as for the game world), but it's Troika's concept and vision that I respect. I have some references in rough design document for it, but nothing more than references (that only fans could notice).
Speaking about Steampunk: for now I don't think that rusty-looking design so common in steampunk today is a thing that I will use in the game. Probably some few influences, not more than.
Sorry for so much words on my "English", but I don't know how to explain this idea better and shorter.