The Galway System is the Irish maritime heart of the Highlands Cluster—a system built on trade, fishing, and the ancient tradition of going wherever the opportunities are. If something's being bought or sold in the Cluster, there's probably a Galway trader involved.
Galway was settled by colonists who traced their heritage to Ireland's western coast, bringing with them a tradition of seafaring that translated easily to the void. The system has always been outward-looking, more interested in trade routes than territory, more concerned with deals than dominion.
This mercantile focus makes Galway the Highlands Cluster's commercial hub. Ships from across Freelance space dock at Claddagh Station, and Galway traders can be found in ports throughout human space. They have a reputation for hard bargaining, creative deal-making, and honoring their word once given.
The system's primary world and namesake, Galway is a temperate planet with extensive coastlines and island archipelagos. The original colonists built their settlements along the coasts, and the planet retains a maritime character even in the age of starships.
The planetary capital is a bustling port city where deals are struck in waterfront pubs and handshakes still mean something. Galway natives pride themselves on their hospitality—visitors are welcomed warmly, fed generously, and only cheated a little on prices.
Aran is the system's ocean world—a planet dominated by vast seas dotted with small islands. The world has been developed for aquaculture, producing seafood that's exported across the Cluster and beyond.
Aran's floating cities and island communities maintain a distinct culture, even by Highlands standards. Life here is tied to the tides and seasons in ways that planet-bound colonists elsewhere have forgotten.
Connemara is Galway's mining colony, a rocky world that provides the raw materials the system's small shipyards need. The mining communities here are tight-knit and fiercely local, maintaining Irish traditions even in the depths of asteroid mines.
Claddagh Station is the system's primary orbital facility and one of the busiest trade hubs in the Highlands Cluster. Named for the famous ring symbolizing love, loyalty, and friendship, the station tries to live up to its namesake—deals made on Claddagh are expected to be honored.
The station hosts traders from across Freelance space, along with the banks, brokers, and factors that make large-scale commerce possible. It's not as wealthy as the Empire Cluster's facilities, but it's considerably more welcoming.
Galway's Irish heritage shapes its character. The system values wit, hospitality, and the art of the deal. Music fills the pubs, storytelling is a respected skill, and there's always time for conversation before business.
This sociability masks a sharp commercial instinct. Galway traders are known for getting the better of deals while leaving both parties feeling satisfied. "Fair enough" is high praise; "you got me that time" is acknowledgment of skill.
The system maintains strong clan networks that extend across the Highlands Cluster and beyond. A Galway native can usually find a cousin—or someone who knows a cousin—in any port in Freelance space.