Varmegon

Varmegon is a fictional entity that appears in the novel "Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Within the narrative, varmegon are a species of intelligent, six-limbed creatures that inhabit the planet of the same name. They are described as having a semi-aquatic lifestyle, living in shallow seas and estuaries.

The varmegon society is characterized by a complex caste system and a communal intelligence. Individuals within the species are linked through a biological network, allowing them to share thoughts and experiences, which forms a collective consciousness. This shared awareness is central to their decision-making and survival strategies. Their physical form is adapted for both land and water, featuring powerful limbs and gill-like structures.

The species' development and interactions with other sentient beings, particularly the human refugees from Earth in the novel, drive much of the plot. Their unique biology and social structure present both challenges and opportunities for interspecies communication and understanding. The varmegon's perspective offers a contrasting view of intelligence and civilization compared to the human protagonists. Their role in the story explores themes of evolution, adaptation, and the nature of consciousness.