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How do you create an alien species?
Anyone who watches or reads enough Star Trek, Babylon 5, and other science fiction, such as Poul Anderson or Robert A. Heinlein, understands intuitively how to go about creating a new alien race. There are plenty of others. I just mention my favorites.
I have observed the simple key is to extract one common characteristic from humanity and make that character flaw or trait the basis of the alien's culture. With Klingons it's a militant code of honor, for example.
One can also anthropomorphize an animal into a humanoid, such as a dog or a cat. It is possible to idealize human and animal characteristics in the form an alien in any likely mix depending on the purpose of the character.
What is the ideal space creature like? One possible answer is the octopus. What would you create? What purpose does it serve in your story?
Discussion started by Steve V , on 15 December 02:56 PM
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Well put Vero.
I like the development of Superman, dense molecular structure evolved from the proximity of the red Krypton sun. On earth he is then exposed, although humanoid as a true alien.
So an alien character evolves on the basis of environment, then appearance from that, ie humanoid, exoskeletal, reptilian etc, all being the bases of the norm for the alien, but becoming alien outside it's norm.
I like the development of Superman, dense molecular structure evolved from the proximity of the red Krypton sun. On earth he is then exposed, although humanoid as a true alien.
So an alien character evolves on the basis of environment, then appearance from that, ie humanoid, exoskeletal, reptilian etc, all being the bases of the norm for the alien, but becoming alien outside it's norm.
Monday, 21 May 2012 16:20
Vero,
Absolutely, that particular Alien would be quite terrifying if it evolved and became socially organized.
I create my aliens starting usually with a need, a role they must fulfill. Then I build the raw sketch of creature that would be interesting / unexpected to see in that role. Then I work my way back the evolution ladder of that species and figure out the major necessary elements, such as home planet & environment, reproductive system, hunting methods, how society came to be and why, why did it become technological (if it did) and so on. When it's a well enough rounded species, I see if I can turn that society in such a way that it's against fulfilling the role I initially created it for. Now what extreme circumstances could force the species into that role anyway, against its customs or religion or natural physical abilities? How does it want to achieve normalcy again? How does its struggle suit the purpose of my plot?
I create my aliens starting usually with a need, a role they must fulfill. Then I build the raw sketch of creature that would be interesting / unexpected to see in that role. Then I work my way back the evolution ladder of that species and figure out the major necessary elements, such as home planet & environment, reproductive system, hunting methods, how society came to be and why, why did it become technological (if it did) and so on. When it's a well enough rounded species, I see if I can turn that society in such a way that it's against fulfilling the role I initially created it for. Now what extreme circumstances could force the species into that role anyway, against its customs or religion or natural physical abilities? How does it want to achieve normalcy again? How does its struggle suit the purpose of my plot?
Monday, 21 May 2012 12:37
Oops 'Throw' in some carbon. And a foot note, imagine if Ridley's Alien had another few million years, the species would probably inherit, (or infest), the known universe.
Monday, 21 May 2012 11:09
I'm inclined to be an evolutionist remaining steadfast on the principles of life, from life from 'amino acids' as per Dispatcher, through in some carbon and DNA, and of course a mother, (Ridley's Alien). Thus the theory that all alien's regardless of appearance simply, or not so simply through selection can be developed through the evolutionary principle.
They would look and act unique, specific to the conditions of where they evolved, based on survival through the nurturing process and finally advanced intellect millions of years later.
They would look and act unique, specific to the conditions of where they evolved, based on survival through the nurturing process and finally advanced intellect millions of years later.
Monday, 21 May 2012 10:50
Vero,
Shlabloink, the idea of an addiction to the communications of the queen reminds me of the (newer) TV series V, where the alien queen regularly floods her subjects with a state of "bliss", addicting them to her and assuring their submission to her will is always an act of self-preservation on their part. I love the idea, and it has so many possible spins, depending on the insectoids created.
Steve V, how about good old chemical addiction to the queens pheromones?
Steve V, how about good old chemical addiction to the queens pheromones?
Monday, 21 May 2012 08:14
Well, I always start with some amino acids (the ones found inside meteorites), blending them into a chemical soup; finally I add a dash of gamma rays. Viola! Life!
OK, really now, my series of books will encompass a variety of alien life, both sentient and less so. I'm attempting to make them really "alien", yet have attributes (at least in their motivations) which we can understand, if not relate to.
Easier said than done.
OK, really now, my series of books will encompass a variety of alien life, both sentient and less so. I'm attempting to make them really "alien", yet have attributes (at least in their motivations) which we can understand, if not relate to.
Easier said than done.
Tuesday, 24 January 2012 17:06
Maybe instead of thinking of it as light and sound addiction it would be more like a complex form of conditioning and hypnosis, but it amounts to the same thing.
Tuesday, 24 January 2012 13:26
I've already vetoed any psychic linkage, but the light show could be part of their complex sound and chemical based system of communication. Thanks, rmoore080.
Tuesday, 24 January 2012 04:53
