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==Culture and Tradition== | ==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") | 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") | ||
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Romulan parents dispose of any newborn carrying birth defects as the alternative would mean a waste of resources. ("The Enemy") | 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== | ==See Also== | ||