Culture is one of the biggest impacts on our lives. Women born and raised in America tend to be very outspoken and independent, which is very different than Arab women, and that has a lot to do with what is acceptable to their cultures. Even those who try not to be are influenced by the culture in which they live, as can be seen by the changes in cultural groups that come to the United States. The one thing we cannot deny is culture.

So, of course, I had to create a culture profile to create the cultures that influence my characters. As with my other profiles, I don?t always fill out everything, but they sure get me thinking. The profile is shown below, but can be downloaded here

Zip last updated 04/2004. The profile below is the original version. The zip contains a new version. Feel free to copy and paste the original from this page if that's your preference.

~~~

name (pronunciation)

where found/ homeland
preferred climate
family organization
intelligence
ht/wt range
lifespan

physical
appearance, distinctive traits
fashion & dress
special markings or ornamentations
population, breeding

culture, customs & society
social structure, government
courtship, marriage, family
treatment of children & young adults
adulthood & responsibilities
rituals related to birth, aging, death
education, professions
daily customs, arrangements (eating, bathing, etc)
food preferences

housing, architecture
crime, legal system
army, weapons, war
transportation, trade, etc
science, technology, magic
medicine
arts, entertainments

social values
social taboos
cultural celebrations

languages spoken
relations with other countries
attitudes towards strangers

history, legends, language, etc
history
heroes, villains
deities, value of religion, view of after life
legends, myths
basics of language, select words & definitions

gaming notes
ability scores
comeliness adj
movement rate
racial hear noise
abilities, immunities, weaknesses, magic resistance, etc
common classes
classes never or very rarely taken
multi-class restrictions
bonus weapon/ non-weapon profs
thieving skill adjustments
other