Rhylanor (world)

Rhylanor/Rhylanor (Spinward Marches 2716) Milieu 1116 A434934-F Starport A Excellent: Starship Construction, Overhaul, Refined fuel Size 4 Small (6,400 km, 0.32g - 0.46g) Atmosphere 3 Vacuum (very thin) Hydrographics 4 Wet World 40% Population 9 High (8 billion) Government 3 Self-Perpetuating Oligarchy Law 4 Moderate Law (no light assault weapons) Tech Level F High Stellar (anagathics)
See also	UWP
style="width: 220px; height: 250px;" Jump map from Travellermap.com
System Details
Primary	M2 V
Worlds	12
Gas Giants	0
Planetoid Belts	1
Cultural Details
Government	Self-perpetuating oligarchy
Law Level	Moderate
Cultural Extension	7D3D
Army Size (BEs)	500
Economic Details
Technology Level	15
Economic Extension	C8G+2 Resources C Very abundant Labor 8 Moderate (800 million) Infrastructure G Very comprehensive Efficiency +2 Good
Importance Extension	4
Resource Units	3,072
GWP (BCr)	120,000
World Trade Number	6
Trade Volume (MCr/year)	675,710
Starport Details
Classification	Class-A
Port Size	6
Building Capacity (Tons)	7,200,000
Port employees	71,515
Port passengers (annual)	415,600

Rhylanor is a high-population world with a billion or more sophonts in population size. This system serves as the capital for the subsector. This is a high technology world with available technology over the standards for Charted Space. It is a member of Third Imperium in the Rhylanor Subsector of Spinward Marches Sector and in the Domain of Deneb. Rhylanor, as a member world of the Third Imperium, holds the estate of an Imperial knight and the fiefdoms of a count and the Subsector duke. All three are members of the Imperial Nobility charged with overseeing the world. The system supports both an Imperial Naval Base and a Scout Base with the additional starship traffic.

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• This is a "high technology" world with technology achievements at, near, or over technology standards for Charted Space.
• This is a temperate world, with a climate of pleasant, average temperatures, considered to be an ideal or near-ideal environment by many different sophont species.
• A significant population of Llellewyloly exists on this world.

Astrography and planetology

Rhylanor is a smallish, normal climate planet with a very thin oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere located in a cluster of three star systems just off the Spinward Main. As such it provides a useful short cut for high-Jump vessels and Xboats but is inaccessible to most commercial ships. The majority of traffic into Rhylanor comes via the Celepina-Jae Tellona link or from Fulacin to Porozlo.

Monostellar System

Rhylanor Monostellar System

Star Name	Hierarchy	Category		Mass (Sol)	Temp (K)	Luminosity (Sol)
Rhylanor M2 V	Primary	Main Sequence		0.44	3470 - 3560	0.0565
	Unit	Diameter	Min Distance	Hab Zone	Jump Shadow	M-Drive Limit
	AU	0.0021	0.0197	0.25 - 0.48	0.21	2.1
	Orbit #	*	*	1	0	4

System Data

The bright supergiant star Deneb is visible in Rhylanor's sky even during the daytime. This world is a member of the Rhylanor Cluster

Mainworld Data

Rhylanor occupies the innermost orbit of its star system, at a distance of 0.21 AUs from its primary, with an orbital period of about 54.9 standard days. Rhylanor's axis is tilted to the plane of its orbit by approximately 15^o. Its retrograde rotational period of 10.98 standard days causes Rhylanor to make exactly five rotations per revolution about its sun. From the vantage point of Rhylanor's surface, the sun rises in the west and travels eastward, completing one local day every 9.15 standard days, sunrise to sunrise.

Mainworld Geography & Topography

Rhylanor has a diameter of about 6400 km, and has a large, dense core, resulting in a surface gravity of about 0.50g and a surface atmospheric pressure of about 0.4 atm.

Native Lifeforms

Rhylanor has primitive multi-celled native life (similar to lichens) which maintains some free oxygen in the atmosphere, though it is not enough for humans to breathe without mechanical assistance.

IISS GURPS Astrographics Survey

2716 Rhylanor (Imperial) - Green Zone

Starport: Class V (Class A) - Naval & Scout bases.

Diameter: 3,978 miles (6,400 km). Gravity: 0.50g.
Atmosphere: Very Thin oxygen-nitrogen.
Hydrographics: 40%.
Climate: Normal.
Population: 8.3 billion.
Government: Oligarchy (hereditary nobility).
Control Level: 3.
Tech Level: GTL12 / TTL15.
World Trade Number: 12.

Point of Interest: Warships' Graveyard

During the Fifth Frontier War Rhylanor was the site of several critical naval battles between the Imperial and Zhodani fleets. The Rhylanor system still contains relics of the climactic battle, in the form of the Warships Graveyard, where the shattered hulks of disabled vessels were gathered together by tugs in order to prevent their being a hazard to navigation. The whole graveyard is classified as a red zone, and patrolled to prevent any but licensed salvage operatives from entering. The area is designated as a war grave by both Zhodani and Imperial authorities.

History and background

Rhylanor is the birthplace of Olav hault-Plankwell -- the first of the Emperors of the Flag. As Grand Admiral of the Marches, Olav led the March Fleet against the Outworld Coalition in the First Frontier War.

Imperial High / Landed Nobility

Rhylanor is the home of a member or members of the Imperial Nobility, a narrow class of persons at the upper strata of Imperial society who hold noble rank.

• This world is the fiefdom of a Imperial Subsector Duke: His/Her Grace the Duke of Rhylanor
• It contains the fiefdom of an Imperial Count: His/Her Lordship the Count of Rhylanor
• It contains the estate of an Imperial Knight: The Honourable Knight of Rhylanor
• See: Nobles of Rhylanor

World Starport

Rhylanor has a Class A Starport, an excellent quality installation which includes all the expected amenities including refined fuel for starships, brokerage services for passengers and cargo, and a variety of ship provisions. There is a shipyard capable of doing annual maintenance, overhauls and other kinds of repair, and construction of both starships and non-starships. Most ports of this classification have both a Highport and a Downport.

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While the modern Rhylanor Highport is extensive and sees major traffic, the older Stanford-torus style highport that was built in the year 606 (known affectionately as "Old Station" to locals) still sees its fair share of visitors and through-traffic.

The modern Rhylanor Highport is a self-sufficient sealed habitat sustained by more than 20 bio-domes which maintain its atmosphere and contain sufficient hydroponics bays to support the entire indigenous population as well as livestock. While the majority of the facility is maintained to accommodate human and human-like biological needs, the great diversity of travellers who pass through the station has resulted in the maintenance of a number of Alternate Atmosphere Districts, collectively known as the "Alien Quarter". One of the most famous landmarks on Rhylanor Highport is the "Admiral's Fountain" - an enormous water-spout that issues from the Rhylanor Shipping Tower. The spray dissipates into a fine mist almost 2.0km wide which catch the rays of the rising sun over the planetary horizon below, creating an iridescent rainbow that locals refer to as "the jewels of Rhylanor".

Rhylanor "Old Station" Highport, on the other hand, is of a dual-torus construction with an overall diameter for each "wheel" of 2100 meters, and a rim-diameter of 150 meters. One of the two tori is the main habitat (including the approximately 500 shops and businesses of Old Station's famous "Main Concourse" spanning four separate levels), while the other torus is given over to the agricultural needs of the station.

While the main Rhylanor Highport is an immense orbital city, Rhylanor Down, is, by comparison, a meager affair occupying only several square kilometers, and its associated Startown is a somewhat "scruffy" place filled with those who were unsuccessful in their attempts to "strike it big".

World Technology Level

Rhylanor possesses a Technology Level of TL–15 or TL-F in Hexadecimal Notation.

• Common Communication technologies for this TL include: Meson Communicators and Pseudo Reality Communications.
• Common Power Generation technologies for this TL include: Miniature super-batteries, improved collectors, and advanced Fusion+.
• Common Transportation technologies for this TL include:
  • Land & Water: Advanced gravcraft.
  • Air: Advanced gravcraft and speeders.
  • Space: Advanced gravcraft and G-Carriers.
  • FTL: Jump Drive-6.

World Government

Rhylanor is governed by Self-Perpetuating Oligarchy. A single family or small group provides the leadership and important positions in the government. These positions are inherited by member of the group or their family members. The organization may be monarchy, with titles passed to family members. Or a plutocracy where inheritance of the family fortune includes government position. Or the organization may be more typical organization with positions of power inherited.

Rhylanor is nominally headed by a monarch (who is also usually an Imperial ceremonial noble), who acts as ceremonial head of state. The monarch is not an absolute ruler and operates within strict constitutional guidelines, consulting with his Privy Council whose members are drawn from the planet’s higher nobility. His power is limited by the authority of the other branches of Rhylanor's government.

Rhylanor's government primarily consists of two groups, both of which are filled with Rhylanor's nobles. Membership in the government is either handed down to the oldest child in a noble family after the death of the parent, or granted by elevation due to meritorious service or achievement.

One group is known as the "Three Councils"·, which make laws and determine the guilt or innocence of lawbreakers. Each council is in charge of one area of law. The Council of Rhylanor makes all local laws. The Council of Space makes all laws concerning visitors to the planet and relations of the planetary government to the Imperium and other worlds. The Council of Revenue sets taxes. The planet’s High Court is a small council (drawn from the membership of the Three Councils) whose members inherit their posts. It consists of seven of the highest planetary nobles. These seven Law Lords rule on the most important cases, and also oversee all lower courts for the planet.

The second main group in Rhylanor's government, performing the executive function, is known as the ·"Little Council". Its fifteen members each oversee the activities of the government in one of fifteen administrative areas. Thus separate police and armed forces are organized differently in each area, although all must enforce the same laws set by the Three Councils.

The current government is relatively new to Rhylanor, the result of a constitutional convention held in 1056.

World Military

This world has a significant Imperial military presence and facilities.

Point of Interest: Naval Base

The subsector fleet has its headquarters at Rhylanor, and there is a very powerful system squadron. Rhylanor also boasts a large naval academy where young officers-to-be undergo their education and training.

Prior to the Fifth Frontier War, the naval base hosted the 212th Fleet. During the war, the fleet was use to defend the Jewell Subsector and subsequently moved there. After the war, the 23rd Fleet was moved to Rhylanor from the Lanth Subsector.

Point of Interest: Scout Base

Rhylanor also has a large Scout Base that acts as a communications depot for the Xboat routes as well as a regional planning and command center. The facility is quite extensive and contains training facilities for some of the more specialized scout roles.

World Economy

Several Megacorporations have their regional headquarters on Rhylanor, or at least a major installation. Some of Rhylanor's extensive shipyards are privately owned but most are either Megacorporate subsidiaries or at least partially funded by Megacorp money. Corporations with offices and facilities on Rhylanor include:

• Blackhawk Enterprises
• Cirque duh Sirka Foundation, LIC
• Clan Severn
• Daarnulud Design Bureau LIC
• Golden Pharma
• General Products LIC
• Imperium Mail LIC
• Ling-Standard Products
• MindGames
• Oberlindes Lines
• Rhylanor Shipping LIC
• Venturprise

Rhylanor is also a center for industry, commerce and education. The Rhylanor Institute of Technology is one of the most prominent hard-science and technological-research institutions in the entire Imperium and is almost certainly the foremost such facility this side of Corridor Sector. The University of Rhylanor also boasts a strong hard science and technical curriculum among its many varied and diverse degree programs, but is principally a planetary university serving the needs of the local citizenry of Rhylanor.

World Demographics

• Aslan
• Humaniti
• Llellewyloly

World Culture

Rhylanor has a fairly moderate society with liberal laws; most citizens view their government as a meritocracy. Entry to the world's ruling elite is most commonly gained through power and achievement. Elevation for achievement is generally linked with service to the Imperium or to Rhylanor's armed forces, though accomplishments in other areas such as science or entertainment are also rewarded in this way. Rhylanor's economy is relatively free, and taxes are low. With a law level of 4, inhabitants of Rhylanor live peaceful lives. Police are occasionally visible, but citizens are not harassed and have nothing to fear from governmental excesses.

Urbanization

Most of Rhylanor's population live in pressure-dome cities and underground habitats, though many of these are built into hills and mountainsides. In addition to Rhylanor Startown, other major settlements on Rhylanor include Leba, Liduka, Hegra, Panish, and Kikhimaa City.

World Arts

Rhylanor has a thriving art community. Of particular preference and popularity are live theater and non-digitized performances. The computerized strategy game called Dhage was originally developed on Rhylanor in the sixth century.

Historical Data

Rhylanor was the former home of Olav hault-Plankwell -- the first of the Emperors of the Flag. As Grand Admiral of the Marches, Olav had previously led the Marches Fleet against the Outworld Coalition in the First Frontier War before leading his forces to Capital to seize the Imperial throne.
Rhylanor is likewise the former seat of the 1st creation of the Dukes of Rhylanor, the House Alkhalikoi, from whom came the Grand Admiral of the Marches and future Empress, Arbellatra Khatami Alkhalikoi, founder of the Alkhalikoi Dynasty of Emperors.

World Timeline

• (979 to 986): Third Frontier War
  • (986): Battle of Porozlo
• (1107 to 1110): Fifth Frontier War

History-Era: New Era

(Non-Canonical): Upon entering the system, the first thing a traveller will notice about Rhylanor is its bleak-looking slate and obsidian color and a scarcity of active weather patterns. Rhylanor's very thin atmosphere, rocky composition and mineral-rich oceans make it as gray as jump space. Scant meteorological activity can be accounted for by weak stellar emanations coming from Rhylanor's solitary red dwarf star, Icarus.

As travellers approach close orbit, however, they will begin to notice immense amber and brown splotches of urban sprawl on the small world's surface. Rhylanor's linear and hard-edged coastlines stem from massive terraforming projects performed over generations since Rhylanor was settled in the frontier days of the Spinward Marches (ca. 150). Urban areas include scores of arcologies, gravitic cities and even undersea settlements whose main business is the distillation of valuable ore products that seep forth from Rhylanor's multitude of undersea vents.

Rhylanor's principal Highport, the Rhylanor Orbital Starport (R.O.S. or "Ross", as it is affectionately known) is home to multiple millions of inhabitants. Ross is unique in that it is a modular orbital city, comprised of three separate units. Normally the three units are united into one cohesive orbital starport/city, but during major fleet maneuvers or wartime, the three modules divide into separate entities that are strategically placed at equidistant vertices in point defense of Rhylanor proper. Each module is equipped with a 2-G maneuver drive and dozens of PAWs, missile launchers and meson-gun mounts for such exercises. The three starport modules are called Vord, Emberheim, and Xao, named for a famous scientist, entrepreneur, and military leader, respectively, drawn from Rhylanor's colorful history. Emberheim, the largest of the three modules, contains Rhylanor's massive orbital shipbuilding yard. Administered by the system government, major portions of the yard are leased to Ling Standard Products and General Products LIC. Many smaller indigenous shipbuilding outfits also lease manufacturing space at the facility. Each of the three modules contains space leased to the Regency Navy (RN) and Regency Interstellar Scout Service (RISS) as well. The majority of Rhylanor's SDB squadrons are docked at Xao.

Over 70 percent of Ross's permanent population is civilian. Most of the civilian population is employed in some capacity by Rhylanor-based subsidiaries of Imperial megacorporations. Numerous merchant lines including such notables as Oberlindes lease or own major lots in each of Ross's modules. Two arcologies are mounted on each module, housing approximately 85 percent of the civilian population. The remaining 15 percent live in settlements located in scattered areas of Ross's immense lattice-like structure.

Highly competitive trading blocs operate on each of Ross's modules, each with its own dominant bloc. The blocs are very turf-sensitive and will take quick and decisive action against any off-worlders who come into their territory and trade without paying an appropriate obeisance to the dominant bloc on the module.

The powerful Rhylanor Ministry of Trade (RMT) keeps a watchful eye on all mercantile activity. The export of Rhylanori technology, especially cutting-edge Rhylanori computer and robotics technology (see below), is heavily policed by law enforcement agents assigned to the RMT.

Despite the clannish trading blocs and intrusive RMT on Ross, free trade manages to flourish, with off-world goods constantly flowing into Ross's ports from throughout the central portion of the Regency.

Rhylanor has a bicameral government which prefers a hands-off approach for the most part, allowing easy passage on and off-world. Liberal weapon possession and personal freedom laws are intended to encourage off-world trade and tourism. The RMT presence is every bit as intrusive as it is on Ross, but the trading blocs do not have a presence on Rhylanor proper.

The Executive Proxy (EP) is the reigning government on Rhylanor, consisting of eight senators. The EP have historically been drawn from the ranks of retired flag rank Imperial or Regency naval officers, native Rhylanori corporate executives, Rhylanori nobility and senior legislative-branch politicos. Upon taking office, each member of the EP prepares a preferred list of three successors. The senator may optionally alter his preferred list at the end of each eight-year term. Most do not, however, as altering one's list is seen by the electorate as a sign of weakness. When a senator dies or willingly secedes, the general population of Rhylanor votes for one of the three successors to replace the senator. The EP, for the most part, tries to facilitate free trade and off-world tourism by maintaining a hands-off approach. Their primary function is directing the economy of Rhylanor, promoting industrial projects and public works, and generally touting Rhylanor to the rest of the subsector and the Regency in general.

Legal power and administration of the powerful RMT is administered by the Magistracy, Rhylanor's lower governmental house and judicial branch. Magistrates are elected by popular vote in population bloc electoral districts.

A division exists between the governmental approach and native Rhylanori sentiment concerning off-worlders. While the government encourages free trade and tourism, the citizens of the planet are known to be rather smug. In fact, "Rhylanori pride" is known throughout the Marches as the defining characteristic of this system's citizens.

Rhylanori pride stems from historical events. Rhylanor served as the pivotal system in the Fifth Frontier War. Advancing Zhodani forces were stopped and turned back at its borders. For a time, prominent local groups such as the Sisters of Rhylanorae, the local Brotherhood diocese, and the Olavopolis Patriot Guild even lobbied the Imperium to establish Rhylanor as the capital of the Spinward Marches. Though Mora was eventually selected for astrographic and historical reasons, most Rhylanori believe their world is more deserving of the honor.

The Rhylanori are a progressive people and look at defeat as part of an ongoing struggle. Any and all recognition is quickly magnified and extolled.

Off-worlders may be put off initially by Rhylanori pride. Attempts to make trading pacts or establish permanent residency on Rhylanor may well be rebuked in the courteous but decisive Rhylanori manner at first. Persistence, however, wins out on Rhylanor. Off-worlders will discover that the exclusive and conservative Rhylanori greatly admire mavericks, entrepreneurs and frontiersmen.

In the colonial days of the planet, tough settlers had to brave Rhylanor's harsh and unforgiving environment to establish the foundation of what is, in their minds, the greatest jewel and example of technological might in the Marches. As a notable offworlder who made his way on Rhylanor as an oceanic wildcatter once said, "If you dig your way in like a tick on a kian's back, hold tight and weather the storm, you're a Rhylanori for life."

The capital city of Rhylanor and location of its main starport is Olavopolis, named for the First Frontier War hero, Admiral Olav hault-Plankwell. Olavopolis is an immense city, and a planetary nexus for commerce, education, and industry. The city is comprised of arcologies, floating gravitic residential and industrial centers, and subsurface oceanic domes that extend beyond the coastline of Olavopolis's terrestrial sprawl.

Arbellatracon, Rhylanor's largest city, is the planet's manufacturing center. Consisting mostly of massed arcologies, dismal industrial Arbellatracon is for the most part a rough and tumble blue-collar city. Eighty-eight percent of the population are members of the Brotherhood church. On their weekly day of rest, Wonday, Arbellatrans don bright ritual compressor apparatuses adorned with fetishes and ascend to the surface of the planet to pray in the dim light of Icarus. Under the moonless violet Rhylanori skies, they engage in two to three hours of prayer and then return to their apartments for ritual feasting and drinking.

Rhylanor boasts several smaller cities as well, the largest of which, Fuirmidh, is the home of the University of Rhylanor. A referendum to rename the city Norriscon, after the Fifth Frontier War hero and former Duke of Regina, was defeated in a landslide vote in 1110, after opponents of the referendum successfully reminded the citizens of Rhylanor that Norris too clearly represented Regina to be worthy of such an honor.

As for Rhylanor's technological might, most of the planet's industries operate at TL–15, with Rhylanori specialties such as computers, robotics and many aspects of starship building in some cases achieving TL–16.

Members of Rhylanor's highly technical planetary navy, COACC, and 23rd fleet Regency naval personnel staff are drawn primarily from the population of Rhylanor proper and other planets in the system. Conversely, Rhylanor's army and marine regiments are only about 20 percent Rhylanori. The bulk of Rhylanor's soldiers are volunteers and conscripted troops from the nearby Porozlo and Jae Tellona systems. The highly disciplined Jae Tellonan units are known as the "Rashakhras", named for a long-dead Vilani warrior caste that fought in the Interstellar Wars. The Rashakhras are respected and feared throughout the Marches and are known to be some of the toughest soldiers of the Regency.

The University of Rhylanor in Fuirmidh is a hotbed of ideas and liberalism, and the UR has long been a place where innovation and intellectual freedom flourish. The conservative population of Rhylanor often sneer at the mention of the university, but grudgingly accept it for its merits. Known during the Fifth Frontier War for pro-Ine Givar student protests, the university remains a place where dissenters can voice their opinions. UR is Rhylanor's bastion of liberalism.

The very thin atmosphere of Rhylanor freely admits stellar radiation from Icarus, making the planet typically hot, averaging 21.3 degrees C. The atmosphere and extreme axial tilt of Rhylanor (48 degrees), however, result in large daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations. Because of these extremeties, nearly all Rhylanori own and frequently use compressors. Those who engage in prolonged exposure to the elements own vacc suits and PLSS systems.

Rhylanor's weak natural gravity (0.28g) is augmented in urban areas by immense artificial gravity grids. Rhylanor's urban artificial gravity level is about 0.60g. Rhylanori technology also defies the planet's weak planetary electromagnetism for the purpose of maintaining its maglev public transportation network. EMP generators are maintained at intervals along the maglev public transportation web. The generators enable maglev to operate on the planet despite Rhylanor's weak natural electromagnetism.

The Rhylanori are essentially a proud and forward-thinking people whose world is just reaching maturity in the galactic scheme of things. Though commercial enterprise and legal bureaucracy have made their imprint on the system, native Rhylanori long for the days of colonial freedom and the wild frontier. Consequently, most Rhylanori greatly admire the adventurer's spirit though most are loathe to give up the golden handcuffs of their technologically advanced and liberated society.

References & Contributors (Sources)

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.

• Marc Miller. The Spinward Marches Campaign (Game Designers Workshop, 1985), 20,27.
• Gary L. Thomas. Grand Census (Digest Group Publications, 1987), 25.
• Software: Megatraveller 2: Quest for the Ancients
• Rob Caswell. MegaTraveller Journal 1 (Digest Group Publications, 1991), .
• Dave Nilsen. The Regency Sourcebook (Game Designers Workshop, 1995), 43.
• Martin Dougherty. Behind the Claw (Mongoose Publishing, 2019), 107.Martin Dougherty, Neil Frier. Behind the Claw (Steve Jackson Games, 1998), 107.
• Jon F. Zeigler. First In (Steve Jackson Games, 1999), 56, 61, 63, 75, 97, 104, 107.
• Citation Missing - The Spinward Marches (MGT)
• Carl Warmsley. Starports (Mongoose Publishing, 2011), 66-71.John M. Ford, James D Maliszwski. Starports (Steve Jackson Games, 2000), 66-71.
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• EXTERNAL LINK: RICE Paper SM 2716 - Christopher Griffen (Non-Canon)
• Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science