I think it's definitely a possibility that we might run into a problem with a made up element that we hadn't foreseen, but I'd argue that that's a possibility with any part of the story. And at that point I'd just do what I'd do for anything and take a step back and rework it from where it went off rails. That's a very important part of the writing process you know, fucking up. ;)

I stay away from magic, but I can see how magical elements might fall into that attitude. In one of the discussions I sat in someone mentioned that some of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels could be counted toward the steampunk feeling, and I agree with that. I also can't wait to read more about this cog shedding dragon. Thinking about it makes me kind of happy.

*pokes your motivation with a stick*

YAY. When are you going to be in town? We're going to the roller derby Sunday, and probably see Easy A on Saturday night, if you want to come to any of that!