Romulan
| Intelligent Lifeform Index |
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| Romulan | |
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| Four Letter Code | RMLN |
| Federation Status | Neutral |
| Planet of Origin | Romulus, destroyed 2387 |
| Encountered | By the NX-Enterprise, Minefield (ENT) |
| T/E Rating | T0/E0 |
| Current Tech Level | NR |
| List of Named Romulans | |
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Full ILI Gallery • Permitted Species Gallery | |
Romulans are a vulcanoid civilization sprung from the planet Romulus but with Vulcan ancestry. The Romulan Star Empire is one of the major powers in the galaxy.
Origins
The Romulan and Vulcan species are closely related, and are only distinguished by facial ridges that are more common in Romulans. Ultimately, both Vulcans and Romulans appear to be descendants of Sargon's people, who possibly colonized Vulcan some six million years ago. (TOS: "Return to Tomorrow")
When Surak's reforms of embracing logical principles and rejecting emotions spread rapidly across Vulcan in the 4th century, a minority rejected Surak's ideals. They departed Vulcan in the 4th century and established settlements on the planets Calder II, Dessica II, Draken IV, Yadalla Prime and Barradas III, which might have become a center of this new offshoot civilization, called the Debrune. However, the journey of the Vulcan dissenters had not come to an end yet, so those worlds were abandoned again. At some point, the Romulans settled on twin planets that became known as Romulus and Remus. While Romulus was considered to be a particularly beautiful world, Remus was a harsh planet notable only for its dilithium deposits and an indigenous humanoid race, the Remans. The Remans were integrated into Romulan society as second-class citizens, and used as both a labor force and as cannon fodder in the Romulans' wars against other races, including the Dominion. Rapidly they spread to their system's second habitable planet, Remus, rich in dilithium ore. By subjugating the indigenous Remans a new, undesired caste formed, which served as a labor force to mine the rich resources of Remus. From these two worlds the Romulans founded an interstellar empire spanning many worlds, reaching across much of the Beta Quadrant. Eventually that power came to be known as the Romulan Star Empire. (TNG: "Gambit, Part I & Part II"; Star Trek: Nemesis)
Physiology
As a branch of the Vulcan species, Romulans have pointed ears, upswept eyebrows, and copper based blood. Like Vulcans, their blood is green when oxygenated in the arteries and is copper or rust colored when deoxygenated in the veins. Externally most Romulans differ from Vulcans in having prominent ridges on their foreheads. This may be a vestigial or atavistic characteristic from archaic generations of the Vulcan race, since Vulcans with this feature are not common. It is important to note that some Romulans do not possess the forehead ridges, as evidenced by Romulans seen in TOS, and as Spock was able to travel across Romulus without raising suspicions regarding his heritage. (TNG: "Unification, Part II")
There have been numerous instances of Romulans successfully mating with other species, as evidenced in Sela (Human/Romulan), Ba'el (Klingon/Romulan), and Simon Tarses (three-quarters Human/one quarter Romulan).
While Vulcans are much stronger than humans and have natural touch telepathic abilities, thousands of years of divergent evolution (or perhaps the lack of Vulcan mental discipline) seems to have stripped Romulans of these traits. From what can be seen in the various Star Trek series, Romulans are not telepathic and no stronger than normal humans.
There are many subtle physiological differences between the two races. This is evidenced in Dr. Beverly Crusher's attempt to treat a Romulan, Patahk, who had suffered advanced synaptic breakdown, with the methods used to treat Vulcans with synaptic breakdown failed. (TNG: "The Enemy")
Society
Respect is the basis of Rihannsu society — to be disrespectful is to show a lack of mnhei’sahe. Showing respect to elders and superiors is a must in day-to-day Rihannsu life. Every Rihannsu knows by the bearing and actions of another what rank and social status that person has. Non-verbal cues, reputation, military rank, and past experience all dictate the respect owed to each individual Rihannsu. To an extent, Rihannsu social status and the rank of military personnel operate in parallel. Because the Rihannsu are a militarily oriented society, geared to the protection and promotion of the Empire, military service and accompanying rank are very important indicators of social status.
The person with highest status in the Empire is the Shiar’Fvillha, or chief Praetor, the Speaker of the Praetorate and one of the highest authorities within in the Empire. Next most important is the Galae’Fvillha (Fleet Director), followed by the other members of the Praetorate. Other people’s status is ordered according to rank, house status and personal accomplishments in a long chain until ending with the lowest status, that of a prisoner. Prisoners are considered even lower than slaves — a prisoner is without honour and is not fully Rihannsu.
The Rihannsu social structure is actually much more complicated than what is presented above: there are structures within structures within structures, to the point where it is rare for any two Rihannsu to have the exact same social standing. Finally, although prestige and social standing are often related to rank, social status should not be confused for military chain-of-command. Ranks effect social structure, not vice versa.
There are many methods of which an individual may rise in status: merit and achievements (as well as military honors), subterfuge and betrayals (including blackmail and strategic use of personal or political secrets), the gaining of powerful allies, “elimination” of opponents, wealth (buying of support) and pressure tactics.
In Romulan society, military / political rank influences social standing. Because Romulans are members of a militant civilization, who consider defending the Romulan Empire and their own personal honor of foremost importance, military service and its accompanying rank are decisive factors in determining social eminence. (TOS: "Balance of Terror") However, while the military plays an important role in Romulan society, it is the Romulan Senate that controls the government. "The military does not dictate policies on Romulus." Star Trek: Nemesis)
The highest Romulan rank is the Praetor, who presides over the Romulan Senate and acts as chief of the executive branch. ("Balance of Terror", Star Trek: Nemesis) The Praetor heads the Continuing Committee, which is comprised of the elite of the elite, which make decisions of the utmost importance. (DS9 : "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges")
The government of Romulus is dependant upon the Tal Shiar, the Romulan Secret Police, to maintain order and stability among both civilians and the military. The Tal Shiar is known for its brutal tactics, which include routine kidnapping, torture, and assassination. Many Romulans fear even expressing dissenting opinions as to not spark the interest of the Tal Shiar. (TNG: "Face of the Enemy")
Romulan society is based upon a highly structured caste system. Unlike most of the highly evolved species in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, Romulans still practice slavery, and frequently use conquered races for forced slave labor and shock troops. Star Trek: Nemesis)
Romulans tend to be highly xenophobic, engaging in extended periods of isolationism, and can be perceived as outright racist to other species, believing themselves to be superior. (TNG: "The Neutral Zone", "Data's Day")
Romulan Society does not appear to be gender biased. Both Males and Females command warships, can obtain high political positions and can be members of the Tal Shiar. ("The Enterprise Incident", "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges", "Face of the Enemy")
Culture and Tradition
To better understand the Rihannsu culture of today one must look at the Vulcan culture of the past. The Vulcans of the past were an extremely warlike and emotional people. It was the only the teachings of Surak that brought about the logical Vulcan culture of today. It was a student of Surak’s, S’Task, who determined after the deception of the people by a “barbarous and cruel universe” that logic and peace were not the answer. Thus, he lead a group of people out into the stars to create a new way of life. Based on the fundamentals of ancient Vulcan society, Rihannsu culture is a liberal admixture of old Vulcan traits and ideas evolved during their travels, called ‘The Journey of Sundering’ in the ancient texts of both the Vulcan and Rihannsu people.
There is an old Rihannsu proverb that sums up the culture rather well: “Certain it is and sure: love burns, ale burns, fire burns, and politics burns. But cold were life without them.” Rihannsu people enjoy all aspects of life to the fullest, reveling in their experiences. Even seemingly unpleasant experiences like death, and war, are cherished for their intensity. One of the most surprising things to outsiders, is the discovery that the Rihannsu are a very poetic and artistic society as well, balancing their fierce warrior ethic with the sensitivity of true artistry.
All Rihannha usually practice some form of creative endeavor in their spare time like painting, sculpting, music, or creating literary works. Museums abound throughout the Rihannsu territories, and many mediums are expressed in their artwork and creative endeavors. Epic poetry is considered one of the most favored styles of literature. Another art form that the Rihannsu hold in high regard, are the Martial Arts, and sword play.
Often, Rihannsu by the thousands flock to the Arena’s to enjoy the demonstrations of their finest athletes. It is not unusual to see the spectators challenge the athletes themselves, more to learn a new technique that had been demonstrated, than out of any great desire to defeat the champions.
The Rihannsu also enjoy a great deal of games. The most well known are: D’elo the game of stones and sticks that traces back to ancient Vulcan, Lhi the game of wits and riddles, and even three-dimensional chess has become popular within Rihannsu space. The Rihannsu also enjoy Khariat, a game made up of pieces that are removed one at a time from the structure. The one to draw the piece that causes the structure to fall is the loser. Trayatik is a dice game, similar to ‘craps’. Villrillu are the Rihannsu’s versions of playing cards, and there are numerous games to be enjoyed with them. Another popular game, Tyr’llryanniha, is a full-contact, often a brutal and bloody, sport. It is similar to Earth’s football, but with the added danger of razor-sharp, bladed weapons. It is not unusual to see at least half of the players carried off the playing field before the first half of the game is finished. The Rihannsu also relish nature, and enjoy the outdoors a great deal. Most Rihannsu are avid hikers and campers, and participate in a wide variety of other outdoor activities as well.
Romulans lack the rigorous mental disciplines developed by the followers of Surak. They are a passionate people, easily moved to extreme emotions. (TOS: "The Enterprise Incident") Like the early Vulcans, the Romulans have surrendered unrestrained violence as a way of life. However, in the case of the Romulans this has been replaced with a controlled deviousness; as a species the Romulans are generally thought of as duplicitous, a reputation the actions of their government over the last decade has reinforced. ("The Neutral Zone")
Reluctance to rely on overt hostility generally leads the Romulans to play a waiting game with their opponents, attempting to manipulate an adversary into breaking - or appearing to break - an agreement so as to give them a solid justification for striking. (TNG: "The Defector")
During the 23rd century, Romulans practiced the execution of state criminals, by means both painful and unpleasant. Prior to the presenting of the charges, the Romulans allow the accused a Right of Statement. ("The Enterprise Incident")
Romulan parents dispose of any newborn carrying birth defects as the alternative would mean a waste of resources. ("The Enemy")
Mnhei’Sahe, The Ruling Passion
At the center of the Rihannsu code of behavior is the importance of “mnhei’sahe.” It is an abstract measurement of a Rihannsu’s personal honor and is often used as a status symbol in their culture. Mnhei’sahe, which translates loosely to “the ruling passion,” centers around a strong respect and appreciation of honor, duty, courtesy and strength. In all interactions between Rihannsu, it is imperative that all parties leave afterward feeling that their honor and “face,” is intact. If not, it is paramount to denying mnhei’sahe to the offended party. If the offending party feels he can apologize without himself losing face, he does so. Wars, executions and deaths of entire households can be required to satisfy mnhei’sahe. If mnhei’sahe is always intact within the Empire, the Rihannsu believe that they can never lose.
If the disgraced party is beyond redemption, those present may simply execute him or recommend he commit ritual suicide by sending him swords in order prevent further disgrace and loss of mnhei’sahe. Above all, mnhei’sahe is sensitive to the context of the situation and is a rather interpretive concept. It is not a specific codified set of rules, but an unspoken understanding which guides the actions of all Rihannsu throughout life. Rihannsu honor their word when it is given to another Rihannha. To break with one’s word means dishonor and a loss of mnhei’sahe, a fate worse than death. Politeness, respect, and quiet dignity are always required if mnhei’sahe is to be satisfied.
Rihannsu honor power as much as they honor loyalty. The goal of each Rihannha is power. If not for one’s self or House, then always for the Empire. Rihannsu are always loyal to the Empire itself, not to any one person. For the Rihannsu, power can not be defined in the standard Terran terms, but is the power of mnhei’sahe, and it defines the structure within Rihannsu society and the daily decisions each Rihannsu makes.
If you show respect for those around you and are polite in your interactions with other Rihannsu, chances are you have shown mnhei’sahe in your actions. Good roleplaying involves knowing how to properly roleplay a Rihanha and knowing just what the typically Rihannsu citizen is.
Becoming a troublemaker or improperly roleplaying your character affects not only yourself, but every other Rihanha with whom you come in contact. It is expected that at all times, you will behave in an honorable way. Inappropriate childish and immature behavior will be dealt with with disciplinary measures. As an eredh, (student) or citizen you should treat your superiors with respect at all times. This doesn’t mean that you can’t joke around, but when a situation is serious act accordingly. Failure to treat your superiors with respect and acting without mnhei’sahe is a sure way to earn the wrath of the Tal Shiar and a path to a slow and painful execution.
As a citizen or eredh of the Rihannsu Empire, your behavior, manner, and conduct reflect upon our Empire. The one true goal and duty of all Rihannsu is the glory of the Empire. Wherever you are, your behavior reflects upon the training that you have received at the Phi’lasasam and upon the Empire in general. Do not forget that our duty is to the Empire and that the pristine face that is the Empire should never be marred by your actions. You are to serve the Empire to the death if the Empire so requires it, regardless of the reasons. It is not the place of citizens of the Rihannsu Empire to question their orders or the word of their superiors and the Praetorate. As a Rihannsu, your life is service to the Empire.
See Also
