I'm somewhat expecting to increase the technology levels of the three cities through their airship designs. It's so hard to get over the fact that Garleans are living in the year 4500 but Gridania still feels like the Middle Ages.
Evil Empires always have a technological edge. That's what makes the so evil. Because they "disturb the harmony of nature" and stuff... you know, the usual reasons stated to justify the mindless slaughter of helpless force-levied recruits of the enemy ^.^/