Bob's GURPS Traveller Campaign

The Federation of Arden is a relative latecomer to the stage of interstellar politics, occupying a unique position as a neutral state between the Imperium and the Zhodanii Consulate. This has provided the great powers of the region wiht an avenue of communications even at times when diplomatic relations have been formally cut off.

• Starport: Class III
• Diameter: 5,194 miles (8,357 km)
• Atmosphere: Thin oxygen-nitrogen
• Surface Water: 40%
• Climate: Warm
• Population: 823,000,000
• Government: Hereditary Oligarchy
• Control Rating: 5
• Tech Level: 9

Arden is the captial of the Federation of Arden, and serves as its governmental center, The world is ruled by a hereditary noble class , who elect a lord chancellor from among their number every six years. Arden is a hotbed of Imperial/Zhodani espionage and diplomacy. Arden's commercial port is a modest affair. The private Federation Government port is quite sophisticated.

The Goblyn homeworld is Hanstruus, in the Ylinwruth system. Although it is a relative large world, its gravity is only slightly greater than earth norm. This is because of the lack of heavy metals on the planet. In addition to the lack of heavy metals, the world has a shallow atmosphere to shield the ultraviolet light. This results in high levels of ultraviolet light and radiation reaching the planet. This has two effects, higher than normal mutation rate among inhabitants and increased vegetation on the surface. The planet is covered by 40 percent water, however there are no oceans. There are several small seas and a few minor mountain ranges, but primarily a large number of lakes, swamps, and rain forest regions. The humidity is high on nearly the entire planet with 75-95 percent humidity being the norm. It not only rains often but violently. Archeologists assume the ancients seeded Hanstruus, around 300,000 years ago with Humanti stock. This is based on the fact that Goblyns genetic structure is basically human, although a great deal of divergence has taken place, and the fact that there are three other star systems in this subsector which show definite signs of Humanti introduction by the ancients around that time period.

The Goblyn race itself is humanoid in form. The typical Goblyn stands 4’6” tall and weighs about 40 kilograms. There skin is rough and warty. Their teeth are pointed and widely spaced. Although they are primarily carnivores, they willingly eat almost anything when hungry and have a remarkably tolerant digestive system. Another feature of the Goblyn race is the high level of diversity, obviously coming from the high mutation rate. There is a large variance in size and weight. Their skin color also varies greatly (yellow, brown, black, red, green, etc).

The Goblyn psychology is generally considered unpleasant. They are liars, cheats, and thieves. They have almost no regard for life, other than their own, which they consider overly valuable. They are bullies and cowards. When these traits are combined with their unpleasant physical appearance, it is no wonder humans have shunned them. Considering the fact that they have few minerals of their own it is no surprise that they have been isolated on their homeworld of Hanstruus.

The Goblyn race does posses a few positive qualities. First, they are extremely loyal within their family structure (mother, father, and young). This only applies while the family is under one roof. This is partly due to the rituals performed every night within the home, and partly due to a genetic trait designed to keep the race from driving itself to extinction. Secondly, the race is intelligent and agile. They are also cunning, industrious, and mentally flexible. They do not believe in revenge, and are too cowardly for murder. Finally they are creative and have a marked ability and appreciation for art of all kinds.

Most Goblyns who leave the homeworld have done well. Unfortunately they generally do well in such fields as smuggling, fencing, gambling, drug trafficking, blackmail, slave trading, and any other field where a lack of morals would come in handy. If a leader can harness their positive qualities, with a strong personality and consistent discipline, an individual Goblyn is likely to prove a valuable resource.