Coraghessan

Coraghessan is a fictional planet featured in the science fiction novel "A Fire Upon the Deep" by Vernor Vinge. The planet is home to a unique and ancient civilization known as the Tines. These beings are characterized by their pack mentality, with individuals consisting of multiple distinct organisms that merge to form a single sentient entity. This pack structure is fundamental to their society, communication, and individual identity.

The Tines of Coraghessan possess a highly developed but somewhat alien culture. Their technology is advanced, but their societal norms and ethical considerations are often difficult for outsiders to comprehend. The planet itself is described as having a diverse and sometimes harsh environment, which has shaped the evolution and resilience of the Tine species. Coraghessan plays a significant role in the narrative of "A Fire Upon the Deep" as a central location where key plot developments occur, involving both the Tines and other alien races encountered by the protagonists. The interactions between the Tines and other species highlight the novel's exploration of diverse forms of intelligence and the challenges of interstellar communication and understanding.