Romulan: Difference between revisions

:The following are all considered to be technically sub-species of the Romulans who are themselves considered to be a sub-species of the [[Vulcan|Vulcans]]. These sub-species are the [[Chalchaj'qmey]], [[Dabh'aelisu]], [[Debrune]], [[Garidian]], [[Rekarian]], [[Reman]] and the [[Watraii]].  

* '''Quadrant''': Beta

* '''Location''': Sector Z-6  

* '''Companions''': It was the 2nd of the 4 planets in the system.

* '''Proper Name''': Romulus (''destroyed in 2387'')

* '''Diameter''':  14 000 km (8 700 miles)

* '''Population''':  18 billion

{{Romulan library}}

The Romulan people originated in the minority of Vulcans who rejected the reforms of Surak. Chosing to exile themselves in order to preserve their ancestral way of life, they left Vulcan during the 4th century, marching under the banner of the Raptor that is still in use as a symbol of the Romulan Empire.

In 2387, a star close to Romulus went supernova. Ambassador Spock attempted to prevent the supernova from striking the planet using red matter, but he was unsuccessful and Romulus was destroyed.

:'''''See also:''' The [[Tal Shiar]]

The highest position of power is occupied by the Praetor, who presides over the Imperial Senate, the main governing and legislative body that meets in a large chamber in the capital city of Romulus. The vice-Praetor is known as the Proconsul.

While not part of the Romulan government structure, the Tal Shiar holds considerable influence, and it is frequent for the Chairman of the Tal Shiar to have a seat in the Continuing Committee.

Due to their Vulcan ancestry, Romulans sport pointed ears, black or dark hair and arched and up-swept eyebrows. Their major difference with Vulcans is the presence of a V-shaped brow ridge on their forehead, above the bridge of their nose.  However, the form of these ridges vary from Romulan to Romulan, and a few of them even lack the brow ridges altogether, making them outwardly indistinguishable from Vulcans.

As a Vulcanoid species, Romulans share a great deal of their physiology with Vulcans. This includes their copper-based green blood and the arrangement of their internal organs, most notably that their heart is located the lower right of the chest, where the liver is found in humans. Similarly, they possess 2-3 times the strength of a human of the same build and muscle mass.

For physiological reasons or because they lack the mental discipline of the Vulcans, Romulans generally do not possess any telepathic ability.

Like the Vulcans of old, Romulans are an extremely warlike and emotional people. They are passionate, easily moved to extreme emotions.  

Romulan 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.

The totalitarian nature of Romulan society, in which dissent is often a crime and where the Tal Shiar, the secret police of the Empire, masquerade as citizens, lead many Romulans to be extremely paranoid.

The Romulans do not worship any deity. Instead, they follow the Way of D’era (sometimes simply referred to as the Way), which dictates that they are superior to all other races and destined to rule the galaxy. D’era, which translates as "Endless Sky" (that the Romulans are supposed to conquer), also teaches obedience, discipline and similar traits that prevent the Romulan Empire from falling apart due to its own internal conflicts.

They also revere the Elements that make the Universe: Fire, Earth, Water, Air, and the Archelement that binds them all together.

Both Romulan and Vulcan mythologies state that their race has been created by the Ancient Ones, also called the Vhorani, on a world called Vorta Vor, the Wellspring or Creation. Vorta Vor is depicted as the equivalent of the Terran Garden of Eden, and Romulans believe that fallen soliders who died as heroes are welcomed back to Vorta Vor to serve as honor guards.

The Romulan believe that the Vhorani have transplanted them from Vorta Vor to the harsh environment of Vulcan in the hope that the inhospitable planet would make them strong and worthy of being their inheritors, rulers of the universe after them.

The Romulan society is based upon a highly  structured caste system. Individual status is ordered according to rank, house status and personal accomplishments and reputation. The system is refined and complicated to the point that it is rare for two Romulans to have exactly the same social standing.

Romulans practitce death penalty, especially for state criminals, by means both painful and unpleasant. Prior to the presenting of the charges, the Romulans allow the accused a Right of Statement.

:'''''See also:''' The [[Romulan Dictionary]]

The Romulan language has several dialects, and is difficult to distinguish from the Vulcan language for those not versed in xenolinguistics.  

Romulan fashion of the late 24th century has distinctive squared shoulders. Hair is generally cut straight across the brow close to the eyebrows, with longer locks framing the face, cut following the cheekbones, in a style reminiscent of a helmet.

At the center of the Romulan code of behavior is the importance of “mnhei’sahe.” It is an abstract measurement of a Romulan’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 Romulan, 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 Romulan believe that they can never lose.  

Romulan parents dispose of any newborn carrying birth defects as the alternative would mean a waste of resources.

Romulan technology is one of the main strengths of the Empire ; it is generally considered as on par or superior to its Federation counterpart, particularly in its military applications.

Unlike most of the evolved species in the Alpha Quadrants, Romulans practice slavery, and frequently use conquered races, Remans in particular, for slave labor.

:'''''See also:''' [[Romulan Star Navy]] [[File:Romulan_Star_Navy_Uniforms.jpg|thumb|right|Star Navy Uniforms]]

The Romulan military, also called Romulan Guard, appears to be a combined service, like Starfleet. It encompasses the Romulan Star Navy (space forces) and the Imperial Legion (ground forces). At the head of the military is the High Command, an institution most likely carried over from and modeled on the Vulcan High Command.  

Romulan military uniforms consist of a collared black undershirt with the Imperial emblem at the base of the neck and a belted, square-patterned jacket. Rank insignia is a series of diamond and crescent shapes, worn on a shoulder belt.

* [http://en.memory-alpha.org/ Memory-Alpha] (various pages).

* [http://memory-beta.wikia.com// Memory-Beta] (various pages).