One of the most rewarding—and sometimes challenging—aspects of writing Merchant of Vision has been developing the alien cultures that fill this universe. Science fiction has an incredible opportunity to explore not just new worlds, but new ways of thinking, living, and surviving. Each alien society needs to feel distinct and alive, with beliefs, technologies, and social structures that make sense given their environments and histories.
In this post, I want to take you behind the scenes into my process for building these cultures, and how I try to make them feel as real as possible.
From Ecosystems to Worldviews: Where Alien Cultures Begin
One of the first questions I ask when creating a new species or culture is, What kind of environment shaped them? A civilization that developed on a desert world, for instance, might have different values and technologies than one from a lush, jungle-covered planet. Desert dwellers might focus on resource conservation, with strict social codes around water usage and food sharing, while a jungle society could prioritize knowledge of local flora and fauna for survival.
For example, in the Merchant of Vision universe, the Taxxu Felis evolved on a world with harsh winters and short summers, where survival depends on community bonds and preparation. This has led to a culture that prizes loyalty and resourcefulness, where every member of society has a role, and individualism is often seen as risky or even dangerous.
Language, Rituals, and Beliefs: Building Depth
Language and rituals are the heart of any culture, alien or otherwise. In developing the different societies within the Merchant of Vision universe, I spend a lot of time thinking about what languages might sound like, how they would write, and the phrases they’d use to describe their world. Sometimes I’ll invent entire sayings or rituals based on what a culture values.
For instance, the Taxxu Felis have a saying: Naow huang phu khu “A tail for a tail.” It’s a simple phrase, but it’s used to express a bond of mutual loyalty, a promise that one will never abandon another. This concept of loyalty is woven into their rituals, from the way they welcome new members into a group to how they say farewell to someone departing on a dangerous journey.
Alien Technology: Unique Yet Functional
Another fun challenge is designing technology that feels alien, but also practical. An alien race with a different physiology or environmental pressure might develop tools and vehicles that are nothing like ours. In the Merchant of Vision universe, I try to keep the technology grounded but visually distinct, often designing starships or equipment that reflect the needs and values of each culture.
For example, the Taxxu Felis’ starcraft are lightweight and built for speed, often with technology focused on survival, rather than luxury. These ships don’t have much in the way of creature comforts, but they’re robust and reliable—qualities prized by a species that needs to be adaptable to survive.
Bringing it All Together: Making the Universe Feel Alive
The goal is to create a universe that feels rich, layered, and alive. I want readers to feel like they could visit each of these worlds, walk through a market filled with strange foods and sounds, or watch an alien ritual and understand the meaning behind it. It’s about creating a universe where every culture has its own unique story, shaped by the trials and triumphs of its people.
Working on Merchant of Vision has been a deep dive into these alien societies, and I’m constantly expanding on them as the story grows. There’s always a new ritual, a phrase, or a piece of technology waiting to be discovered, and it’s this endless potential that makes world-building one of my favorite parts of writing science fiction.
What’s Next? A Look at Upcoming Alien Societies
While Merchant of Vision introduces a handful of these cultures, there are so many more waiting to be explored in future books. Without giving too much away, some upcoming alien societies have connections to ancient mysteries, and others have a level of technology that even Kars finds baffling. Each one will bring a new layer to the universe, giving readers a deeper view into the vast, interconnected world of Merchant of Vision.
I hope you enjoyed this look behind the scenes into how I create alien cultures. What kinds of worlds or societies would you like to see in the series? Let me know—I’d love to hear your ideas!
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