Been doing a good deal of research into the setting and mood of the game.  I still believe that a pre-Steampunk-ish Renaissance-based game (14th-17th century timeline) is what I would like to see. The closest interactive/game that I feel has been created is Arcanum and I feel that this should be on our list of requisite games for developers.

One thing I am naturally researching this for is for setting (which technologies spanned which time periods, the art and architecture, clothing), but there is something that interests me more (as setting is truly our whim).

Thought landscaping, and mechanics that can be derived from.   Humanism, modern philosophy, science and the Scientific Revolution occured during this time period.  Problems and theories that were forefront during these times: political ones, economic ones, scientific ones, cultural ones.

Battles that changed the sociological landscape.

First-ever concepts in economics.
Some things we can use as a guide for making our own initial political structures in the game.

I’d like to highlight a possible extrapolation:

The high concept of the game is rooted in the concept of the Guild, and the era and setting simple follow suit to the most interesting time dissection of that concept.

One set of possible mechanics to derive from this:  In the rise from Apprenticeship to Master Craftsman you need to go through a Journeyman stage.  When you attempt to become a Master Craftsman you must create a unique Masterpiece which could be unique and patented to your character, such that you have a lasting effect on the world if you achieve this position.

Just some Wiki-food for thought.