The reason Manatopia feels like the real world is because it is geographically the same and the races are based upon the real human cultures. Also, the era, the Industrial Age, is something we can relate to in our time. Most of this was done to ease the creation process and assist others in understanding the world we have made without having to memorise a tome of world history. Tolkien races are handy in that they are commonly recognised and understood, hence they can easily be inserted into the story. I do agree there is far more imaginative potential available in this world.
What matters most is that you are comfortable with your character. I'm happy to help anyone develop their character or posts. Just PM or email me.
