Isornos

Isornos is a fictional planet featured in the science fiction novel "A Fire Upon the Deep" by Vernor Vinge. The planet is a world of unique and dangerous creatures, known for its unusual flora and fauna. Isornos is home to the Tines, a species of sapient canine-like beings who live in packs. These packs are a fundamental aspect of Tine society, with each individual Tine possessing a fragmented consciousness that is completed by the presence of other Tines within their pack. A single Tine is considered unintelligent, but a pack of Tines exhibits a high level of collective intelligence and self-awareness.

The environment of Isornos is described as challenging and untamed. The planet's ecosystem is characterized by a pervasive intelligence that influences the behavior of its inhabitants. This planetary intelligence, often referred to as the "Deep," plays a significant role in the lives and evolution of the species that dwell there. The Tines have developed a complex social structure and culture that revolves around their pack dynamics and their interactions with the environmental forces of Isornos. Their technology, while not as advanced as some other species in Vinge's universe, is adapted to their specific needs and the conditions of their homeworld. The planet serves as a crucial setting for the narrative, highlighting themes of intelligence, consciousness, and the nature of life.