In our previous chapter, we delved into regions, flora, and fauna. Now it’s time to describe the alien races that inhabit this newly created planet.

Let’s get straight into the prompt, shall we?

Lira is a thriving, peaceful planet twice the size of Earth, with a single moon, Veil. It’s part of the Laniakea Supercluster and forms the Amity Ring with nearby habitable planets Zyre, Hela, and Tora, fostering trade and cultural exchanges.

In addition to humans, a multitude of other physical, land-dwelling alien races peacefully coexist on Lira. Please start with a comma-separated list of the names of the eight most common races (including humans). Then devote a paragraph to describing each one. Include physical descriptions, the name of the race’s home planet, and words about their culture and common vocations.

Humans, Yrinthi, Vesperians, Talcorians, Glireans, Oraquill, Nevith, Sylphine,

Humans on Lira are diverse in appearance, much like on Earth. They originally came from Earth and have adapted to Lira's environment. Culturally, humans on Lira are known for blending technological prowess with a deep respect for nature. Common vocations include botany, ecology, and planetary engineering.

Despite asking for physical, land-dwelling alien races, the model still generated ethereal beings, gaseous beings, sea-dwelling beings and stuff like that. I just deleted those and generated more when that happened.

I find it better to not ask too much about a race’s appearance when combining a large language model and an AI image generator. This is because it is extremely difficult, at least at the time of writing, to describe something in detail and have an AI art model actually generate that thing to spec. If you’re generating these descriptions for purely written content, feel free to ask the model to generate additional detail for each race. A prompt such as “Please describe Nevith physical appearance in detail” issued directly after its brief description below should suffice.

Let’s try to imagine the seven non-human races of Lira below.

Yrinthi are a reptilian species with shimmering scales that reflect Lira's lush environment. Coming from the arid planet Yrinx, they have adapted to Lira with ease. Yrinthi are well-regarded as scholars and historians, dedicating themselves to the study of ancient civilizations and the preservation of knowledge. Their culture emphasizes the importance of communal living and learning.

Midjourney prompt: two robotic reptilian aliens in an offworld engineering bay; pink glowing eyes, narrow snouts, feminine; colorful high tech robotic components; dimly lit scene; closeup shot, 35mm f/2.8L –stylize 200 –style raw –ar 3:2 –v 6.0

The prompt here probably looks a bit odd. But it works quite well for a reptilian race that is addicted to augments. A little extra detail I added myself.

Another prompt that works for these might be something like: robotic reptilian aliens in an offworld engineering bay; glowing glass eyes, narrow snouts, feminine; colorful high tech robotic components; dimly lit scene; extreme closeup shot, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens on a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera –ar 3:2 –v 6

The above works with Midjourney 6.0, and not with 5.2.

Vesperians possess a distinctive bioluminescent quality, usually shimmering with a soft purple glow, which intensifies during nightfall. Vesperians come from the twilight planet of Vespera. They value community and shared knowledge, often working as historians, librarians, or educators on Lira.

Midjourney prompt: two translucent bioluminescent aliens in a futuristic video game parlour; purple skin, elven ears, silver glowing eyes. long thin tendrils flowing from head, glittering white gossamer gowns; portrait shot, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens on a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera –ar 3:2 –v 6.0

Honestly, I kinda preferred Midjourney 5.2 for these. Here’s a prompt I used. Bear in mind that it generates quite a variety of images, and so you may need to run it a bunch of times and then drill into strong variations to get what you want.

beautiful biolumiescent alien in an offworld nightclub; silver eyes. purple skin. long thin tendrils flowing from head. glittering intricate white gown; hyperdetailed photography, photorealistic. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens on a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera –ar 3:2 –v 5.2

Talcorians are a stout, resilient race, with skin tones ranging from earthen brown to shades of green.  Their ancestral home is the cavernous planet of Talcor. They are known for their skilled craftsmanship and engineering, often working as architects and stonemasons. Talcorian culture is centered on family lineage and historical legacy, with great emphasis on recording their exploits and achievements.

Midjourney prompt: two stout golems in an offworld starship; scaled, earthen skin; heavy black armor; brightly lit indoor scene; closeup shot, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens on a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera –ar 3:2 –style raw –v 6.0

I used “golem” instead of alien here for much more consistent results. The call for “brightly lit indoor scene” was largely ignored. I guess Midjourney can only do golems in dingy places.

Glireans are small, gregarious creatures covered in soft, multicolored fur. They come from the vibrant forests of their homeworld, Glirea. With large, expressive eyes and a natural talent for mimicry, Glireans often become entertainers and communicators. Their society values humor and storytelling, and they are very fond of communal living.

Midjourney prompt: two short aliens at a stall in an offworld night market; short shaggy fur. large black eyes. long, thin, pointed ears, short snouts, whiskers; work attire; portrait shot, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens on a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera –ar 3:2 –style raw –v 6.0 

Expect a lot of ewoks and yodas with the above prompt.

Oraquill are an insectoid species with exoskeletons that provide natural armor. Originating from the chitinous landscapes of Ora, they are seen as the scholars of Lira, with a great passion for knowledge and science.  Their culture highly prizes education, and they frequently pursue careers in academia, research, and exploration. With a communal mindset, the Oraquill are often involved in collective projects that aim for the betterment of all races on Lira.

Midjourney prompt: two intelligent insectoid aliens drinking in an offworld market; black futuristic body armor. insectoid antennae. small gossamer wings; rainy outdoor night scene; Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens on a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera –ar 3:2 –v 6.0 

I found that rainy scenes often added to photorealism when using Midjourney 5.2. This trick is not needed in 6.0. Since Midjourney 6.0 came out of left field and caused me to have to re-do most of the imagery in this guide, I often just copy-pasted my 5.2 prompts over first to determine whether they’d work or not. And that included my “rainy night scene” clauses. So, that’s what you’re seeing here.

Nevith are a reclusive race with a slender, feline appearance, often with coats of smooth, dark fur and eyes that gleam in the night. From the shadowy realms of Nevia, they are exceptional hunters and trackers, naturally stealthy and agile. The Nevith culture is one of silent reverence for the natural world, valuing solitude and the hunt. Their common vocations include environmental surveillance, animal husbandry, and espionage.

Midjourney prompt: two female aliens wearing sleek black attire in an offworld spaceship; elongated snouts. large pointed ears. short fur. whiskers. feline; blue and pink neon; portrait shot, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens on a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera –ar 3:2 –style raw –stylize 200 –v 6.0 

Sylphine are ethereal and graceful, with transparent wings and luminous bodies that shimmer in Lira's sunlight. Their origin is the serene world of Sylpha, where they live among crystalline canyons and floating islands. The Sylphine are peaceful, deeply spiritual, and have a culture centered around harmony with the environment. Many of them are healers, environmentalists, and musicians, often using their innate magical abilities to soothe and revitalize the land and its inhabitants.

Midjourney prompt: two winged aliens drinking wine in a night market; lithe, ethereal, otherworldly. iridescent feathers. long pointed ears. snow white skin, intricate flowing white dresses. tattooed; closeup shot, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens on a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera –ar 3:2 –v 6.0

A summary of the output is definitely something we’d want to save. Here it is:

Please summarize the above.

Humans, Yrinthi, Vesperians, Talcorians, Glireans, Oraquill, Nevith, and Sylphine are the eight most common races coexisting on Lira. 

Humans, although originating from Earth, adapt and flourish on Lira, with vocations focused on ecological and planetary sciences. 

Yrinthi, the reflective-scaled, reptilian beings from Yrinx, have become scholars and historians, emphasizing communal learning within their culture.

Vesperians are bioluminescent and value education and historical stewardship, making them fitting educators and librarians on Lira.

Talcorians, with their diverse skin tones and stout build, excel in architecture and stonemasonry, stemming from their Talcor heritage of craftsmanship and a culture deep-rooted in familial and historical importance.

Glireans, the colorful, fur-covered species from Glirea, contribute to Lira's society as communicators and entertainers, with a societal penchant for humor and communal storytelling.

Oraquill, insectoid academics from Ora, are recognized for their collective intelligence and contribution to Lira’s scientific community, embodying the pursuit of collective progress. 

Nevith, graceful and feline, are from Nevia and specialize in roles that capitalize on their stealth and affinity for the natural world, like environmental surveillance and espionage.

Sylphine, from Sylpha, with their delicate wings and connection to the environment, serve as healers and musicians, fostering harmony and environmental care on Lira.

The above summary can be used to add race-wide cultural traits. One example would be to define the main religions followed by each race. Here are some example prompts that would follow the above.

Do the Yrinthi have any religions? If they do, please name and describe each one.

The Yrinthi do indeed have religions. Known for their deep historic and scholarly traditions, they have developed various beliefs over the centuries. Here are their main religions:

Xylyxism is an ancient Yrinthi religion focusing on the worship of nature spirits that they believe to inhabit all things on Yrinx. It teaches that balance with the environment is paramount to the prosperity of their race. Xylyxites often engage in rituals to honor these spirits and seek their guidance for a harmonious life.

The Sthrendu is a monotheistic religion that reveres a single deity known as Sthr, the Great Scale. Followers believe that Sthr created the Yrinthi and demands adherence to a set of guidelines known as the Scales of Order. The Sthrendu prioritize a structured society and are known for their methodical approach to life, cultural preservation, and legal systems.

Yrinthi also practice Scintillanism, a philosophy rather than a traditional religion, based on the continuous acquisition of knowledge and celebrating intellectual pursuit as the highest form of worship. Scintillanists operate many of the academies on Yrinx and partake in scholarly debates as a form of devotional activity. 

Please name and describe some notable Yrinthi historical figures.

Historical figures within the Yrinthi society have shaped their culture and understanding of the universe. Notable Yrinthi individuals include:

Kalris the Unifier. Known as the father of modern Yrinthi society, Kalris was a visionary leader who brought together the fragmented tribes on Yrinx under a single government. His diplomatic skills and belief in the shared destiny of all Yrinthi were instrumental in creating a cohesive, prosperous culture that values both individual and collective achievement.

Scholar Prime Ghyrix. A legendary figure in the world of Yrinthi academics, Ghyrix was a pioneer of multiple scientific disciplines.  Hailed for her groundbreaking research in Yrinthi physiology and ecology, she also established the first Academy of Sciences on Yrinx, setting the standard for educational excellence that continues to inspire contemporary academic institutions on Lira.

The Seeress Vymira. Vymira was a revered mystic and prophet within the Xylyxism belief system. Known for her enigmatic prophecies and deep connection with the nature spirits, she played a key role in the spiritual evolution of her people. Her teachings on the importance of environmental balance remain a cornerstone of Yrinthi culture even in present times.

The above line of questioning could easily be extended to include questions about racial customs, traditions, and etiquettes, culinary traditions, festivals, and religion or tribe-specific practices and celebrations. The sky’s the limit!

Now that we’ve briefly defined physical and cultural traits for the eight most predominant races on Lira, let’s have some fun and translate some of our vocabulary into language used by those non-human races. Here’s an example of a prompt I provided to GPT-4-turbo to do this.

Lira is a thriving, peaceful planet twice the size of Earth, with a single moon, Veil. It’s part of the Laniakea Supercluster and forms the Amity Ring with nearby habitable planets Zyre, Hela, and Tora, fostering trade and cultural exchanges.

Lira features five unique continents: Zirah, home to the luminous Andara Forest and sparkling Crystalline Spire Range; Velnas, known for the Shrouded Plains and the snowy Nosk Volcano; Ero, an archipelago with the striking Kivu Arch and the Sea of Talir; Sion, culturally rich with the Sahiri Desert and the musically enigmatic Yavi Rainforest; and Orbix, with its Tesserine Lakes that mirror the sky.

The planet is embraced by three oceans: the clear-watered Belenic Ocean with its deep canyons; the tumultuous Thalric Ocean, full of mysteries and ancient shipwrecks; and the calm Silvian Ocean, with its Coral Labyrinths teeming with a myriad of life.

The Liran system of timekeeping is unique, with a day called “Dilune” divided into 20 “Rylix” (1.6 Earth hours each). “Qentas” subdivide each Rylix and consist of 0.96 Earth minutes, which are further broken down into “Picos” (0.576 Earth seconds). Their calendar, “Valax,” features ten “Briska” (months), each with 45 “Solons” (days), with cultural significance ascribed to each. The names of the days of the week are “Nayada,” “Beryl,” “Cyane,” “Dravite,” “Elore,” and “Feyara,” symbolizing values such as reflection, communication, commerce, craftsmanship, artistry, and celebration. The Briska are named with a natural and mythological emphasis on life’s cycle, like “Alevora” for the season of rebirth and “Ombrulex” for closing the year with harvest. Each unit of time and date carries cultural importance, aligning Liran life with celestial events, especially the phases of their moon, Veil.

Humans, Yrinthi, Vesperians, Talcorians, Glireans, Oraquill, Nevith, and Sylphine are the eight most common races coexisting on Lira. 

Nevith, graceful and feline, are from Nevia and specialize in roles that capitalize on their stealth and affinity for the natural world, like environmental surveillance and espionage.

Here’s a list of Nevith words that describe Liran continents, oceans, and timekeeping.

Yes, that’s a long prompt. But we needed all that stuff to introduce the AI to all those terms that need translating. Here’s some sample output.

• Zirah: “Valithor” (Gleaming Sanctuary)  
• Velnas: “Noctara” (Veiled Ground)
• Ero: “Seclu” (Clustered Isles)
• Sion: “Abadir” (Ancestral Sands)
• Orbix: “Miranoth” (Sky’s Mirror)
• Belenic Ocean: “Calaris” (Deep Blue Beyond)
• Thalric Ocean: “Talum” (Storm’s Whisper)
• Silvian Ocean: “Prystan” (Serene Waters)
• Dilune: “Lunaris” (Moon’s Path)
• Rylix: “Timar” (Shrouded Division)
• Qentas: “Secor” (Moment’s Breath)
• Picos: “Nisyr” (Fleet Beat)
• Valax: “Varolan” (Great Cycle)
• Briska: “Kambrin” (Time of Change)
• Solons: “Solari” (Day’s Journey)
• Nayada: “Natrix” (Inner Search)
• Beryl: “Berinth” (Day’s Utterance)
• Cyane: “Cyelum” (Gathering Shine)
• Dravite: “Dranith” (Maker’s Day)
• Elore: “Elunir” (Creation’s Melody)
• Feyara: “Fyrelar” (Festival of Starlight)

Naturally, the prompt can be edited to perform the same type of translation for the other races we created. We can then dig into that race’s culture a little further with prompts such as “Please expand upon Nevith society, customs, and cultural traits.” Those terms generated from the previous prompt, the ones printed just above this? They’ll help the AI expand on that race’s culture immensely.

Midjourney prompt: two short, plump white – furred female aliens on a stage in an offworld spaceship; sleek black attire; elongated snout. pointed ears; dimly lit scene; blue and pink neon; 35mm f/2.8L –ar 3:2 –v 5.2

Dunno why I did that. Sometimes Midjourney outputs something really cool. I guess it’s like photography – you get these really neat shots every now and then. Like one in a thousand. This felt like one of those.

In the next chapter, the fun continues as I demonstrate how to create places – countries, cities, districts, and landmarks.