Tilnes, a satellite of Cularin, was known for its subterranean crystal mines. While possessing an atmosphere, life on Tilnes was difficult to sustain. This was primarily because, for a period of two months each year, its orbit brought it dangerously close to Morasil, one of the suns in the Cularin system. Only resilient grasses and the yri worms were naturally found on this moon.
The wealth of crystal resources on the moon remained hidden until a meteor strike exposed a significant deposit. These crystals proved valuable, with some suitable as power foci for T-32S light blasters and others perfect for constructing lightsabers. Initial attempts to colonize Tilnes faced challenges during its close passage to Morasil. Ultimately, underground settlements were established as a refuge from the intense radiation. Around 62 BBY, the Verga Mer Mining Company (VMMC) pioneered the first of these settlements. Their success led to a charter, solidifying their position as the largest mining entity on Tilnes. Miners from VMMC and other companies congregated in The Underground, a cantina that was regarded as "politically neutral territory".
The moon's unique combination of crystal deposits, radiation, and seismic activity produced pulses that disrupted the functionality of droids (all droids that were originally sent had left, with the exception of advisor S-4QD). Consequently, mining on Tilnes became an endeavor reliant on a "purely organic workforce," a feature that proved to be a compelling draw for recruiting miners. The positive outcomes observed in the initial two years motivated Verga Mer to pursue more ambitious goals, though these were never realized. Nevertheless, the company readily attracted investors from Cularin and other star systems, elevating Verga Mer to a position of significant economic influence in the surrounding region.
One of Tilnes' most notable geographic features was a vast crevasse known as Kaernor's Smile. The unsettling dreams and power malfunctions associated with the canyon deterred all mining activities from approaching its vicinity.