The inconsistencies are not actually inconsistencies.
As you point out, things are consistently inconsistent.
The Abyss in particular is supposed to be full of anachronisms. In particular, demons don't really "build" anything.
They STEAL things, they have been pillaging the rest of the multi-verse for millenia. The demon princes and archdemons can open Demonic Gateways to other planes and have their minions drive truckloads of stuff through.
Very little is actually "made" in the Abyss. Although quite a bit is "created" via various more magical mechanisms. For example the cars run on Sorcehol. A synthetic ethyl-alcohol created by demon sorcerors (hydromancers, aquamancers--various Water Elementalist demons)
Also, remember how Antfalken notes that the appearance of the Courts changes frequently? Don't assume that everything Tom or others report seeing there is exactly what it seems. There are real things, facade things and illusions. Remember, Demons are about showmanship, perceptions, smoke, mirrors, LIES...appearance is everything, reality is second best. It's not what is real that matters, it's what people believe that matters.
Because for demons, belief can shape reality.
As far as Astlan:
1) No pictures/images are canonical only the writing is; so if pictures seem inconsistent that is the Author Guy's poor artistic skills.
2) However, Astlan is supposed to be very technologically advanced, the same as Earth; they just have different technology.
Do NOT make the mistake of assuming Astlan is medieval Europe etc. It's very definitely not. Remember, these guys (Lenamare) have nukes, or something similar. Medicine and healing is far far more advanced in Astlan than on Earth today. While not widely used by non mana-wielders, they do have instant long distance communication in the forms of mirrors, crystal balls, dreamspeaking and all sorts of other methods.
They have sailing ships, flying ships, magic carpets, teleportation, runic gateways and dragons (and other creatures) for long distance travel.
Also, remember wizards have access to other planes of existence as well. They can't go as far as Earth, but they can steal ideas from other planes. Also, there are demons from far out planes visiting Astlan and introducing ideas and concepts, and masquerading as humans. They will often import ideas from their home realm to make themselves comfortable and Astlanian's will steal it.
Book binding is extremely advanced. It has to be because that's how they have distributed spells for centuries.
I've mentioned this before, where does Lenamare get the money for his expensive research? His school?
He gets it by inventing spells, patenting them and selling them. Check out the various committees of the Council, you'll note there is a patent committee.
They have really good patent laws in Astlan. Most nations or groups have pretty good trade laws and intellectual property laws, all of which foster innovation, trade and growth.
So in short...you are supposed to see lots of inconsistencies, because that's just how Astlan really is.
Edited by user Thursday, July 24, 2014 2:22:44 PM(UTC)
| Reason: Not specified