Oseders

Oseders is a fictional species featured in the science fiction novel "Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. In the narrative, Oseders are a species of highly intelligent, arachnid-like creatures that have evolved on a terraformed planet. They are characterized by their complex social structures, advanced technological capabilities, and a unique method of reproduction.

The Oseders are depicted as having a communal consciousness, with individuals contributing to a collective knowledge base. Their society is highly ordered and efficient, driven by a shared purpose of exploration and survival. They have developed sophisticated tools and weapons, including biological engineering and orbital weaponry. Their physical form is described as multi-limbed with a hard exoskeleton and a complex sensory system, allowing them to perceive their environment in ways alien to humans.

Throughout the novel, the Oseders serve as a foil to the human protagonists, highlighting different approaches to intelligence, society, and the challenges of interspecies interaction. Their development and evolution are a central theme, showcasing a plausible alternative path for sapient life. The story explores their history, their interactions with other species, and their eventual confrontation with the remnants of humanity. Their ultimate fate is tied to the larger narrative arc of the planet and its inhabitants.