Entry 4

Culture. Culture is the collection of beliefs, customs, and behaviors of a group. If you write fantasy, this is where the fun begins (besides making obnoxious characters, of course). The following is a suggested checklist of cultural elements, as well as questions to ask yourself. After each question, also ask "How does this affect my people?"

Religion
What do my people believe about creation?
What do they believe about death and beyond?
What forms of worship/ prayer are acceptable?
How many deities exist?
Is it only a belief, or is it real (in your world)?
Are there any religious holidays?

Environment
What is the climate like?
What sort of flora/ fauna exist?
What sort of natural resources exist?
What is the geography?

Family
What size family is common?
Why?
How are various members treated?
Is there an inheritance system?
Who works?
Are there branches of families?
How do they treat each other?

Art
How advanced is art?
What types of art are there (ex. statues, tapestries, paintings, architecture, jewelry)?
What sort of symbolism is common?
Does art take a place in all the social classes?
If not, which ones?
Why?

Money
How much can the currency be broken down?
Is the money literally worth something?

Just remember, you have the rules and you can change as much or as little as you want from real life. Maybe, if you're like me, you'll live there someday.

Leara