• Species: ExoHuman
• Born: 2585 aboard the spaceship Last Frontier
• Affiliation: Federal Courier Service (Stable Hand of the Halfway Inn)
• Place of Residence: The Halfway Inn

Gustav Fjeldstad was born aboard the Last Frontier into a life of isolation and struggle. His childhood was marked by a severe writing disability and social challenges that made it difficult for him to integrate into traditional class settings. Unable to cope with the structure of elementary school, he was homeschooled with special permission from his mother, to whom he was deeply attached.

Tragedy struck in 2604 when Gustav’s mother fell victim to the mysterious and incurable “Space Disease” that had already rendered her husband comatose for years. Following her desperate plea for euthanasia, Gustav carried out her wish, an act he confessed to with haunting clarity. Despite his explanation, he was sentenced to 20 years in the spaceship’s prison.

The crash landing on VOI 700 D brought Gustav amnesty under the Free State of Settlers. However, the transition to the new society proved difficult for him. Struggling with alcohol dependency and a sense of alienation, Gustav drifted aimlessly until the Great War offered him a chance at redemption. Assigned to a Hoo-Division in the Volunteer Army of Man, he discovered his talent for animal care and found a sense of purpose maintaining the pack animals that were critical to military operations.

After the war, GAIA assigned Gustav the role of Stable Hand at the Halfway Inn, where he continues to excel in his duties, finding solace in his connection to the Hoos and the quiet rhythms of his work.

• Job Title: Stable Hand of the Halfway Inn (since 2631)

Responsibilities:

• Oversees the care and maintenance of the Hoos, ensuring their health and well-being.
• Maintains the stables, keeping them clean, organized, and insulated for the extreme conditions of the Dark Side.
• Manages the biomass system, converting organic waste into heat energy for the inn and stables.
• Monitors the cargo area, ensuring that Federal Courier Carts are stored securely.

• Traits: Quiet, diligent, introspective
• Behavior: Gustav speaks sparingly, his voice slow and deliberate when he chooses to share his thoughts. He maintains a stoic demeanor but harbors a deep sensitivity that is evident in his care for the Hoos. In his free time, Gustav retreats to his private quarters, where he plays chess against the memory of his late mother, honoring her intellect and finding solace in the familiar strategies she once used.
• Values: Gustav values loyalty and quiet dedication. He sees his role as a stable hand not only as a job but as a way to repay the second chance he received after the Great War.

• Height: 1.85 meters
• Weight: 90 kg
• Appearance: Broad-shouldered and weathered, Gustav’s rough hands and sun-creased face speak to years of labor. His piercing blue eyes carry a sense of unspoken grief. He wears durable work clothes suited for the demands of the stables, with a simple leather hat that shields him from the cold during outdoor tasks.

• Armor Class (AC): 12 (thick leather work gear)
• Hit Points (HP): 45

Actions:

• Hoo Prod: A modified tool used to guide or calm Hoos, effective in combat.| Damage: 1d6 bludgeoning, with a chance to stun (DC 10 Constitution save).
• Shovel Strike: A heavy swing with a stable shovel. | Damage: 1d8 bludgeoning.
• Compost Splash: Gustav can throw compost from the biomass system to distract or obscure an attacker’s vision. | Effect: Target must make a DC 12 Dexterity save or be blinded for 1 round.

• Animal Whisperer: Gustav gains advantage on Animal Handling checks related to Hoos.
• Steady Hands: Once per day, Gustav can focus intensely on a task, granting him advantage on a Strength or Constitution saving throw.
• Inner Fortitude: Gustav is immune to being frightened, a trait developed from years of enduring hardship.

Gustav’s primary motivation is to maintain a quiet and meaningful life at the Halfway Inn, caring for the animals that provide him with a sense of purpose and connection. He feels a strong loyalty to Florence van Dyk, recognizing her as a compassionate leader who values his contributions despite his troubled past.

Privately, Gustav continues to wrestle with guilt over his mother’s death. His chess games against her memory are both a source of comfort and a way of grappling with his unresolved feelings.

Gustav harbors a quiet hope of training a new generation of stable hands, passing on his knowledge to ensure the continued well-being of the Federal Courier Service’s vital pack animals.

Gustav Fjeldstad offers unique opportunities for player interaction and storytelling:

• Ally Potential: Gustav can provide players with assistance or information, especially related to Hoos, the stables, or the biomass system.
• Emotional Depth: Players may uncover Gustav’s tragic history, adding complexity to their perception of him and the Halfway Inn’s staff.
• Animal Expertise: Gustav’s skills with Hoos can be instrumental during caravan missions or emergencies involving the Federal Courier Service.
• Chess Challenges: Gustav’s love for chess can lead to creative roleplaying opportunities, with players earning his trust by engaging in thoughtful matches.
• Biomass System Repairs: If the heating system fails, Gustav can guide players through its repair, emphasizing his technical knowledge and resourcefulness.
• Defensive Standoff: If the Halfway Inn is under threat, Gustav uses his strength and tools to protect the Hoos, guests, and staff.

• Federal Courier Service
• Federal Courier Caravans
• Federal Courier Cart
• Federal Canteen
• Dark Side
• Ralar Region
• Trade Route
• Jane Mendoza Gang

Staff of the Halfway Inn

• Florence van Dyk (Federal Landlady since 2634)
• Isabelle Pradhan (Housekeeper)
• Gustav Fjeldstad (Stable Hand)