[Broken Muse]

I was thinking London at the turn of the century for the place in the real world.

And now slightly off topic, you mentioned the entire House of Hearts being dead. I was thinking maybe you could have it that the original House of Hearts has all been murdered/died out but as per profecy the hero of Wonderland must come from the House of Hearts meaning that when Alice's desendant comes through the gates they automatically becomes the Queen/King of Hearts. As they work towards their goal of saving Wonderland they, without meaning too, pick thier court and recreate the House of Hearts. (Which also means, should you chose to play it that way A) History repeats itself, B) Alice's desendant isn't allowed to leave Wonderland, or C) None of the above)