I'm aiming to create an ultimate fantasy setting (for me at least) to use in fantasy RPGs. I'm looking for ideas but I'm also interested in any methods you may use for drumming up some inspiration/ideas. So far I have this:

1) A magical or natural element that holds a spell cast upon it indefinitely or until the spell is discharged. So a light spell makes the element glow with an intensity equal to the size of the stone/gem. This made indoor lighting (and lots of other advances) possible much earlier than the discovery of electricity, therefore electricity may exist in other capacities but not lighting (one nation [poor in this element] may have developed technology much as our world has).

2) Society organized by castes possibly religious possibly not.

3) Western/1930s pulpy backdrop.

I played in a homebrew many years ago which had a strict caste system and PCs were a unique form of tainted / outsider / unworthy who were used by the upper caste for missions which would violate the various intricate religious laws of the setting. If PCs reached a certain level, they could be "forgiven" and join a separate caste like samurai who became monks in retirement.

I believe Eberron was a magitech style setting. You might want to check that out for ideas about magic as tech.