I was recenly asked to create a primer course on how to use AI to create complex fantasy characters. However, every time I started to put something together I would get stymied by the fact I couldn’t pick a few samples, I wanted to use them all. That would not have been a primer. That would have been a master class hurled at the unwilling and the unsuspecting.

So, I did what I’ve done before. I asked for help on social media. And, HOO DOGGIE, did social media come through. Over one hundred humans, and those who identify as same, sent me suggestions. I removed any images that took more than one prompt, since that is not a good way to introduce people to the concepts, think of it as your first day of Driver’s Ed and they point you to a Ferrari. Anyway, I then narrowed it down to the top ten, packed it all up, and sent it off to a happy AI company overseas.

Bonus, of the one hundred and seventeen entrants, ninety-seven picked one shot as their favorite. It is the top image below. A Feirstan and a Badgebeth having a picnic by a small waterfall. It is simple, poignant, and seems as real as if I’d snapped it with my trusty 1888 Kodak 540. Although the specific scene is only implied in the book, those who’d read The Brittle Riders recognized it as being part of the downtime when the various armies are getting to know each other in Book 1.

I know that several of you have written me in the past asking how I created this prompt or that. It is exactly that line of questioning that led me to assemble the primer. So, here is the prompt that led to the image everyone seems to love.

An enchanting waterfall scene captures two chimeras in a moment of shared joy beside a pristine wading pool. The female chimera crouches with athletic confidence, her four arms positioned in varied welcoming stances while her distinctive mottled black and red skin creates organic patterns across her form. Her human features display genuine warmth as she tends to an elaborate picnic featuring a handwoven basket filled with gourmet delicacies, fresh fruits, and artisanal breads spread across a colorful blanket. Across from her is a full-body fantasy concept art illustration depicting a male chimera standing five feet tall, his body covered with black and white fur. He has a face like a badger and is heavily muscled. He wears a loose vest and denim pants. Documentary photography captures this scene with cinematic lighting and sharp detail focus.

All total, I ended up with eleven usable images, and picked this one. The compilation image below shows all ten images that made the cut for the primer. Many people were kind enough to include their reasoning as to why they made their selections. That kind of information is good to have and was truly appreciated.

At this point I almost exclusively use DEEP AI since it gives me the freedom to create what I need. I know others who use different programs and are well pleased with their choices. You’ll need to try a few to find what works for you. If you think I can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to ask.

If this isn’t enough awesomeness for you, you can MEET THE CHARACTERS BY NAME when you click that link, or you can see SEE SAMPLES OF THEM IN ACTION via this link, or if you’re still trembling and craving more, you can head over to check out ALL THE SCENES FROM THE BOOK that people viewed to make their choices. Feel free to share if you would have picked something different. There is no right or wrong here.

In any case, you are and continue to be wonderful. Thank you for your unwavering support. Until next time.