Well, both nations have a pretty unique culture.
Stylistically, the Crimson Empire is fairly European in the design of it's weapons, armor and structures. They live in a very cold part of the skylands, so heavy clothing is pretty common. That being said, even though a lot of the society functions according to their cultural basis, they hold quite a premium on honor.
The Steel Isles are of a more Nodric influence. Wisdom is still valued there, but strength and prowess almost a bit more so. Their lands are fairly hot, and they share it with quite a number of feral and non-feral dragons, which are a deep part of their culture.
