Tolmuses

Tolmuses are a fictional species that appear in the science fiction novel "A Fire Upon the Deep" by Vernor Vinge. They are a highly intelligent and technologically advanced race characterized by their unique biological structure and societal organization. Tolmuses are described as having a complex, multi-limbed physiology and a distributed consciousness, meaning their individual minds are not confined to a single physical body. Instead, their awareness is spread across a network of interconnected individuals, allowing for rapid communication and collective decision-making.

The Tolmuses inhabit a region of space known as the Tines' World, a planet with a harsh environment that has shaped their evolution and culture. Their society is highly communal, with individuals often sacrificing personal desires for the benefit of the collective. They are known for their philosophical depth and their pursuit of knowledge, particularly in the realm of superintelligence. In the narrative, the Tolmuses play a significant role in the overarching plot, acting as both allies and enigmatic figures whose motivations are not always immediately clear to other species. Their advanced technology and unique way of thinking make them a formidable and intriguing presence in the novel's universe.