Star Wars Universe Roleplaying Game

Gloovan

Gloovans are a sentient Species established in modern Star Wars canon, immediately recognizable for their immense size, lumpy purple skin, and imposing physical features. Although they appear frequently across eras—particularly in criminal circles, among the Nihil, and within the galactic underworld—remarkably little is known about their origins, early history, or the internal culture of their people. This scarcity of official detail has made the Gloovans one of the most visually distinct yet culturally mysterious Species in the contemporary canon, prompting scholars and explorers alike to speculate about their evolution, social structure, and the reasons behind their widespread diaspora. Their repeated appearances across the galaxy suggest a Species more common than their limited documentation implies.

What is known with certainty is that Gloovans hail from the world of Gloova, located within the Gloon system of the Kessel sector in the Outer Rim. Beyond this location, however, nearly everything about their homeworld remains obscure. No canonical source details its climate, dominant biomes, societal development, or political history. Yet, based solely on the Gloovan physique—a large, muscular frame, thick dermal tissue, and a predatory dental structure—many xenobiologists cautiously infer that their evolutionary pressures likely involved a mix of harsh environmental hazards and structured societal life. In other words, Gloova may have required both raw physical resilience and cooperative social behavior to thrive, though such conclusions remain theoretical rather than confirmed lore.

Throughout canon appearances, Gloovans have developed a reputation for intimidating presence, ferocious strength, and a tendency toward unsavory occupations. Individuals such as Sarn Starbreaker, Scram, Glunge, and Muglan Tarantyne demonstrate a pattern of involvement in piracy, mercenary work, gang leadership, and Nihil marauding. This recurring theme has contributed to the widespread assumption that Gloovans as a whole are naturally aggressive or inclined toward criminality. Yet the handful of moments showcasing their compassion, loyalty, strategic thinking, and capacity for deep emotional bonds strongly suggest that their criminal representation is a biased sample—likely composed of offworld outliers shaped by circumstance rather than cultural norms.

Because Gloovans frequently appear in periods of galactic instability—such as the High Republic Era and the Age of Empire—their visibility in criminal or extremist organizations may simply reflect the environments in which they are encountered. The galaxy tends to remember individuals like Sarn Starbreaker, whose actions were violent and dramatic, while peaceful Gloovans living quiet, ordinary lives on Gloova or elsewhere would go largely unnoticed. As such, it remains unclear whether the Species leans naturally toward conflict or whether the criminal subset is a disproportionate representation created by narrative focus and survivor accounts.

The combination of their intimidating physiology, apparent durability, and ability to speak Basic fluently has made Gloovans valuable recruits for criminal enterprises throughout the Outer Rim. However, scattered canonical interactions indicate that they are not inherently malicious. Instead, Gloovans seem to display a broad emotional range, demonstrating fierce loyalty to allies, respect toward strong leadership, and pragmatic intelligence in dangerous environments. Their adaptability to offworld cultures and willingness to integrate into diverse organizations further suggests a species comfortable functioning within the broader galactic community, even if often along its rougher edges.

Given their presence across multiple eras and sectors, it is almost certain that the Gloovans possess a deeper cultural foundation than has been seen so far in canon. Scholars believe that future encounters may reveal more about their traditions, societal norms, and the nature of their homeworld. For now, their mystery remains intact—a blank canvas that only enriches their narrative potential. As player characters, Gloovans offer a blend of brute strength, emotional complexity, and narrative intrigue, making them ideal for roles that combine physical power with unexpected depth.

Home Planet: Gloova
Physical Description: Gloovans are large, heavily built humanoids, typically standing around two meters tall with broad shoulders and thick musculature. Their skin is a deep, dark purple, completely hairless, and characterized by pronounced bumps, lumps, and folds that create a rugged, almost stone-like texture. This dermal toughness likely contributes to their resilience in combat, allowing them to withstand blunt impacts and harsh conditions more effectively than many humanoid Species. Their physiology conveys a sense of raw power even when they are at rest.

Their facial features are particularly distinctive: a massive, gaping mouth lined with sparse but razor-sharp teeth; a wide, flat nose with large nostrils; and striking light-blue eyes that often appear pupil-less. On closer inspection, their pupils are simply very small and dark, creating an unsettling, glassy stare. Notably, Gloovans lack any visible ears or external auditory structures, suggesting either recessed aural openings or an alternative form of sound reception. Despite these unusual features, they are fully capable of speaking Galactic Basic with surprising clarity.

Their limbs are thick and powerful, with large hands suited for heavy lifting or combat. Their posture tends toward a slightly forward lean, giving them an imposing silhouette. Clothing worn by Gloovans varies widely across appearances, but many favor armored vests, heavy belts, and durable fabrics that complement their rugged build. Their overall appearance makes them instantly recognizable—and often intimidating—to other Species.

Average Height: 2.1 meters
Average Weight: 140 kilograms
Age of Adulthood: 18 standard years

Personality & Customs: Very little is known about traditional Gloovan society or customs, as no canonical material has yet explored their culture on Gloova. Most Gloovans encountered in the galaxy appear in criminal or high-conflict contexts, creating the illusion that aggression or brutality defines their Species. However, the limited glimpses of their behavior paint a far more nuanced picture. Many demonstrate fierce loyalty, emotional intelligence, and a capacity to form deep bonds with their allies, suggesting a cultural foundation built on commitment and interpersonal strength rather than mere violence.

From what little can be observed, Gloovans appear to value strength—not only physical might, but also resolve, leadership, and personal conviction. Their readiness to serve under charismatic figures such as Pan Eyta or Lourna Dee hints at a cultural tendency toward hierarchical loyalty. At the same time, examples like Muglan Tarantyne reveal that Gloovans can balance aggression with cunning, compassion, and long-term dedication. These traits imply a Species capable of both intense destructive force and surprising emotional depth.

As adventurers, Gloovans embody narrative themes of misunderstood strength, personal redemption, and the discovery of identity beyond stereotypes. Their intimidating appearance makes them natural front-line warriors, bodyguards, or enforcers, but their emotional range opens doors to richer character arcs involving loyalty, moral choice, and the tension between reputation and reality.

Languages: Gloovan; many also speak Basic, especially those who work offworld.

Example Names: Druvak, Kellor Brann, Murgra, Sollik Renn, Threnn Varro