Splinters of Praetoria -Gobson Family
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Gobson Family
"Family is thicker than blood."
Overview
The Gobson Family is an organized criminal enterprise that operates within a strict hierarchical structure with a clear chain of command. Despite its name, its members are generally not related by blood.
Originating from the continent of Anumun, the Gobson Family began its colonization of Praetoria shortly after the fall of the Wizards’ Veil. It controls the city-state of New Gobson in the Broken Lands’ Western Lowlands.
Governance
Family Hierarchy
- The boss, sometimes referred to as the Godfather or Grandmother, is head of the Gobson Family and chosen by a vote of the captains.
- The underboss, often a blood relation to the boss, handles day-to-day operations and oversight of the most lucrative rackets.
- The advisor is a mediator of internal disputes, and a representative or aide in high-level meetings. They also oversee the captains, particularly in financial matters to prevent embezzlement.
- The captains govern their respective area of responsibility and are required to give a percentage of their taxes to the boss. Each captain leads a crew of 10 to 20 soldiers and many more associates. New Gobson is divided among five captains, each rulling the north, east, south, west, and center.
- Soldiers, also known as “made goblins,” are inducted fey goblins of the Gobson Family. They are the muscle and handle tasks such as tax collection, assaults, murders, extortion, intimidation, and more. Their loyalty is rewarded by the captains with profitable rackets to run and full access to the Gobson Family’s resources and legitimacy. Any made goblin can recommend an up-and-coming fey goblin associate to be inducted as a new soldier, while those wishing to kill a made goblin must have permission from their boss.
- Associates are not actually members of the Gobson Family, but they work for it. They have a wide range of duties, including: those identical to a soldier; serving as a go-between in transactions; stealing, smuggling, and dealing illicit goods; low-level errands; running businesses for the family; and more. Fey goblins begin as associates to prove their worth, and the best are eventually promoted to soldier. While non-fey goblins can never rise beyond the rank of associate, some still wield considerable power within the family and carry the respect of their captain and the boss.
Economy
The Gobson Family operates primarily through an intricate web of rackets; illicit activities (such as banditry, smuggling, and racketeering) in neighboring areas are major sources of revenue. New Gobson’s position in the Western Lowlands also allows for highly lucrative trade opportunities, mostly in narcotics and black-market goods. The family’s underground networks facilitate the flow of contraband and intelligence—sold to the highest bidder—across the Broken Lands and its surrounding territories.
Gambling and the slave trade have also proven to be profitable business ventures. Meanwhile, the artisans of New Gobson are well known for their mechanistic works, which fetch a premium on the market. Of course, the Gobson Family always gets its pound of flesh in taxes.
Demographics
Races
The Gobson Family is exclusively fey goblins, while associates and the citizenry of New Gobson are composed of both fey goblins and a minority of other species and races.
Religions
The Gobson Family primarily pays tribute to the following deities:
- Falenora, Goddess of Wealth and Trade
- The Brotherhood, Gods of Wood, Earth, and Stone
- Lunaki, Sister Moon Goddess of Shadows and Darkness
- Nestal, Goddess of Vengeance, Pestilence, and Disease
Culture
The Gobson Family is characterized by cunning, grit, and a keen sense of survival. Loyalty is valued above all else, with respect and power earned through competence and commitment. Codes of conduct and respect play a significant role within the family and extend to the wider community.
New Gobson’s architecture is pragmatic and fortified. Buildings—which often incorporate hidden passages and secret chambers—tend to be low, sprawling, and densely packed, creating a labyrinthine cityscape.
The arts showcase the Gobson Family’s love for both the functional and the flamboyant. Paintings and sculptures tend to be of simple design yet brightly colored and bedazzled with gemstones and magic. Theatrical performances depict Gobson soldiers working together to defeat larger, more powerful foes using nothing but their cunning wit and ruthless dispositions.
Similarly, literature is rich with tales of cunning exploits and survival against the odds, while philosophy is more practical and centers on subjects such as the art of negotiation and the importance of loyalty and respect.
Popular cuisines include hearty stews, fermented beverages, and other dishes prepared with a variety of exotic spices procured from the Gobson Family’s wide network of trade. Their preference for strong flavors and spices is well-known, and their banquets are often lavish affairs.
The Gobson Family spent considerable resources to build the massive and spectacular Greater Gobson Arena. They spent even more resources bribing officials to obtain the requisite rights, permits, and permissions to host some of the most preeminent tournaments in all of Praetoria. Judging by the increase in trade (not to mention the renovations and expansions to the Gobson Family’s estates), the price they paid was well worth it.
