Aristand

Aristand is a fictional planet featured in the science fiction novel "Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. It is a terrestrial world inhabited by an intelligent, uplifted species of spiders known as the Portiids. The planet is described as having a varied environment, with diverse ecosystems supporting the Portiid civilization.

The Portiids on Aristand have developed a complex society, technology, and culture over many generations. Their evolutionary path, guided by the nanovirus left by the extinct human race, has led them to develop unique forms of communication, social structures, and scientific understanding. They are depicted as communal beings with a strong emphasis on collective progress and survival.

The story of Aristand is central to the narrative of "Children of Time," as it becomes a focal point for the remnants of humanity seeking a new home. The interactions between the human explorers and the Portiid inhabitants of Aristand form a significant part of the novel's exploration of themes such as evolution, intelligence, conflict, and coexistence between different species. The planet itself serves as a testament to the adaptive capabilities of life and the potential for non-human intelligence to flourish.