Another big impact on society is religion. Just take a look at Earth's history: the number of wars that have been started because of religion is astonishing. There are entire cultures built on religion, and the Catholic church had a stranglehold on most of medieval Europe. The lesson to be learned: you need to know the religious influences on your cultures, the gods they worship, how and why.

Below is a deity profile I created to help me do just that. It's very AD&Dish because that was my first real look into how to develop a god. Feel free to modify it as necessary for your world and your culture's religions.

Oct. 19, 2004 update: You can download a zipped copy of this profile here.

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name (pronunciation)
title God of ?
culture/planet/race/gender of believers

position in pantheon
portfolio
symbol

about the deity
the deity’s avatar
special attacks/defenses
spells
other manifestations

the clergy
gifted powers
magic

vestments
travel wear
armor allowed
weapons allowed
skills required

advancement
restrictions
day to day activities/duties
priestly duties
rites of the priesthood

the church
hierarchy/ priest orders

worshippers
temples
misc notes

worship
ceremonies/rituals
minor holy days
major holy days

spells particular to the order
description