Difference between revisions of "Romulan"


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The '''Romulans''' ([[memoryalpha:Romulan Language|Romulan]]: '''Rihannsu''') are a humanoid race from the planet [[Romulus]] in the [[Beta Quadrant]]. The Romulans are biological cousins of [[memoryalpha:Vulcan|Vulcan]]s, as they were descended from those who rejected [[memoryalpha:Surak|Surak]]'s reforms during the Time of Awakening. The [[Romulan Star Empire]] is the Romulan state and one of the major powers in the [[Milky Way Galaxy|galaxy]].  
 
The '''Romulans''' ([[memoryalpha:Romulan Language|Romulan]]: '''Rihannsu''') are a humanoid race from the planet [[Romulus]] in the [[Beta Quadrant]]. The Romulans are biological cousins of [[memoryalpha:Vulcan|Vulcan]]s, as they were descended from those who rejected [[memoryalpha:Surak|Surak]]'s reforms during the Time of Awakening. The [[Romulan Star Empire]] is the Romulan state and one of the major powers in the [[Milky Way Galaxy|galaxy]].  
  
== Origins ==
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== History ==
* See main article: [[memoryalpha:Romulan history|Romulan history]]
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===Origins===
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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. Those who marched beneath the banner of the raptor, which became the symbol of the Romulan Star Empire, departed Vulcan in the 4th century in an event known as the Sundering. These 80,000 proto-Romulans began a long journey through space in twenty large, slow vessels known as ark ships. Several worlds were discovered, but these were either uninhabitable by Vulcan standards, or possessed life that could evolve into intelligent sentient beings, and it was decided that the race required an unspoiled planet to begin anew.
  
=== Ancient origins ===
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As time went on, numerous casualties were suffered by the travellers. Seven of the large ark vessels were lost in the event horizon of a newly developed black hole, and numerous followers of the raptor were lost over the decades through alien attacks, internal squabbles and ships leaving the flotilla to colonise other worlds rather than continue on in hardship.
[[Commander]] Spock once theorized that Sargon's people may have colonized [[memoryalpha:Vulcan (planet)|Vulcan]] some 600,000 years ago. Sargon believed that Humans and Vulcans (and therefore also Romulans) might even be descendants of their early travelers.  
 
  
With the discovery of ancient humanoid progenitors in the [[24th Century]], most humanoid lifeforms in the known galaxy were found to have a "seed" genetic code guiding their evolution to the humanoid form.
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At some point, an unstable wormhole formed that swallowed the Vulcans-in-Exile and deposited them in a twin planet system. After preliminary examinations were made, it was decided that these worlds would become the new homeworlds of the Vulcans-in-Exile, who named them [[Romulus|ch'Rihan]] and [[Remus|ch'Havran]] - Romulus and Remus, when translated into Federation Standard, centuries later. While Romulus was a Class M planet, Remus was a harsh planet notable only for its dilithium deposits, and fierce debate ensued over who would colonise which world. Though it was through the voluntary actions of a man named Karatek, who took his followers to the more hostile world of ch'Havran in order to harvest the harsh world's resources for their kinsmen on the sister world, many Romulans were later banished to the mines of Remus, and joined the followers of Karatek, eventually evolving into the [[Reman]] sub-species due to the harsh conditions. The remaining travellers colonised the lush and unspoiled world of ch'Rihan and creating themselves a home in paradise.
  
=== Modern origins ===
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These two worlds formed the foundation of an interstellar empire, founded many years later during the Age of Expansion, when the Romulans returned to the stars and began a period of conquering neighbouring alien races. By the 10th century (Earth relative date), the Romulans had approximately 100 settlements on other worlds. With the Romulan state expanding through space rapidly, the ability to govern these colonies grew more and more difficult. This resulted in the Romulan Civil War, and it was the actions of Admiral Valkis that resulted in the formation of a true interstellar government after declaring himself Emperor and forming the Romulan Senate to serve as his advisers. The [[Romulan Star Empire]] was officially formed upon the first meeting of the Imperial Senate in 938 A.D.
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. Those who marched beneath the banner of the raptor, which became the symbol of the Romulan Star Empire, departed Vulcan in the 4th century. Later, some of their descendants established settlements on the planets [[memoryalpha:Calder II|Calder II]], [[memoryalpha:Dessica II|Dessica II]], [[memoryalpha:Draken IV|Draken IV]], [[memoryalpha:Yadalla Prime|Yadalla Prime]], and [[memoryalpha:Barradas III|Barradas III]]. An ancient offshoot civilization, called the [[memoryalpha:Debrune|Debrune]], at one time existed on Barradas III, but it had died out by the [[24th Century]].
 
  
At some point, another group settled on twin planets that became known as [[Romulus]] and [[Remus]]. While Romulus was a Class M planet, Remus was a harsh planet notable only for its dilithium deposits. These two worlds were the foundation of an interstellar empire that expanded to many worlds, reaching across some of the Beta Quadrant. Eventually that power came to be known as the Romulan Star Empire.
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Between the 1270 and 1370, the Romulan Star Empire discovered a pathway back to their ancestral homeworld of Vulcan through the same unstable wormhole that deposited them at Romii system. Using this doorway back home, they waged a century long conflict through sublight means that became known as the Vulcan-Romulan War in order to regain control of the planet. However, Vulcan strategy and tactics won against the Romulans naked aggression resulting in their defeat. The Vulcans were never aware of who the attackers were, as the Romulans hid their appearance carefully, and had vowed to only declare their origins upon achieving victory. The war ended when the wormhole once again destabilised and separated Vulcan space from Romulan territory forever.
  
In [[2387]], a star close to Romulus went supernova. Although Ambassador Spock attempted to prevent the supernova from striking the planet using a substance known as red matter, he was ultimately unsuccessful and as the hyper-accelerated shockwave hit, the surface of Romulus was heavily damaged by the impact, and the planet was wracked by seismic tremors as the damage permeated through to cause a disruption to the planet's core. The remaining members of the [[Romulan Senate]], still newly-reformed after the [[memoryalpha:Star Trek: Nemesis|Shinzon coup]], almost immediately accepted offers of help from the Federation in dealing with the largest natural disaster in known history.
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After a reign of decadent Emperors, the Imperial Senate abolished the position of Emperor in 1698 and installed a new leadership role that became known as the Praetor who would command the military.
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During the mid-21st century and on into the 22nd century, the Romulan Star Empire came into conflict with the Klingon Empire over territory. Skirmishes over the Gamma Hydra sector were known to be common with the Romulans deploying gravitic mines in the region to prevent the Klingons from making a claim over that sector of space. It was also known that the Praetor of this era launched a campaign of conquest against the planet Haakona. Whilst the planet was occupied, the Romulan military faced stern opposition from insurrection movements on this world which was a bloody campaign that lasted for nineteen years. It ultimately forced the Romulans to abandon Haakona to its native race and left a disgrace on the Praetor for the failure in his mandate to conquer the planet
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===The Earth-Romulan War===
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*See main article: [[Earth-Romulan War]]
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In 2156, the Romulan Star Empire and [[memoryalpha:United Earth|United Earth]] went to war. The Earth-Romulan War was fought without any kind of personal or visual interaction between the two sides, preventing humans or their allies from fully understanding the nature of their opponent, and both sides fought with the use of atomic weapons, with the fighting even reaching the Sol system itself. Following a humiliating defeat at the Battle of Cheron in 2160, the Romulans agreed to a treaty, establishing a [[Romulan Neutral Zone|Neutral Zone]] between the Star Empire's sphere of influence and territory that would fall under the jurisdiction of the soon to be formed [[United Federation of Planets]].
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For the next century, Romulans isolated themselves from Human and Federation affairs, though remained very active within their own sphere of influence. Many intelligence analysts of the time made reports alluding to multiple campaigns being fought by the Romulans behind the curtain of the Neutral Zone, though the nature of these campaigns is still unknown.
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===23rd Century===
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In 2266, the Empire emerged from its cocoon, testing the strength of their now-unified adversaries by launching an attack on several Earth outposts along the Neutral Zone with a ship commanded by Keras. This ship was equipped with an advanced plasma weapon and a new cloaking device. The [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701)|USS ''Enterprise'']], under the command of [[Captain]] [[memoryalpha:James T. Kirk|James T. Kirk]] responded to one of the outpost's distress calls and engaged the Bird-of-Prey. In the course of the battle the ''Enterprise'' made the first visual contact with the Romulans, uncovering the longstanding secret of their relation with the Vulcans. Upon defeating the Romulan ship Kirk made contact with the vessel, speaking briefly to Commander Keras; the first time that a human and Romulan had spoken openly with each other in history.
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In the 2260s, the Romulans entered into a tenuous alliance with the [[Klingon Empire]]. The alliance, spearheaded by Proconsul Merrok, aimed to "contain" the Cardassian Union, which, though the other side of the still-young Federation, was rapidly expanding and conquering worlds with deadly efficiency. The first non-aggression and technological exchange treaties were signed in 2267. The Romulans obtained a number of D7 class vessels in exchange for giving the Klingons cloaking technology. Tensions between the two powers were evident when Klingon forces engaged Romulan forces near the Triangle in 2272, and numerous small-scale conflicts thereafter. The alliance finally ended in 2273, when Klingon Captain Kor, Son of Rynar, of the IKS Klothos, led a major Klingon victory over the Imperial Fleet at the Battle of Klach D'Kel Brakt.
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===24th Century===
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====The Tomed Incident====
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After the signing of the [[Khitomer Accords]] and the establishment of the Klingon-Federation alliance, the Star Empire was prompted to step up it's rivalry with the Federation, and by 2311, it seemed that another war was inevitable. That year, peace negotiations broke down at the Romulan Space Station Algeron, and war was only narrowly avoided after the Tomed Incident, in which the leader of the Imperial Fleet, Admiral Vokar, launched an unprovoked suicide attack upon the Federation's Foxtrot Sector, claiming thousands of Federation lives. The attack was unsanctioned by the Star Empire however, and when the Klingons prepared to join the Federation in battle against the Romulans, the Praetor ordered the Imperial Fleet back at the last minute. The Romulan Star Empire then negotiated what came to be known as the Treaty of Algeron, in which the Star Empire agreed to withdraw within its borders while the Federation agreed to refrain from developing cloaking technology.
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====Isolation and Re-emergence====
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The Star Empire's promise to withdraw within its borders was only tenuously followed, however; illegal trade between the Empire and the outside galaxy continued, such as the smuggling of Romulan ale into the Federation in violation of the Federation's then century-and-a-half-old trade embargo upon the Empire. Many wealthy Klingons and Klingon houses remained in debt to the wealthy Romulan houses, and the Romulans maintained covert attempts to influence foreign states under the administrations of Praetors Aratenik and Dralath.
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Numerous problems would plague the Star Empire during this time beyond politics including a conflict with a race called the Taurhai, lasting until 2343 when the Taurhai forces were driven out of Romulan space in the Battle of Chi'tai.
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In 2364 several Romulan outposts and colonies were mysteriously destroyed near the Neutral Zone. Assuming Federation attacks, the Romulans re-emerged, only to find the Federation had suffered similar attacks. It was later discovered that the outposts had been destroyed by the [[Borg]] in one of their earliest incursions into the Alpha Quadrant.
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The Romulan Empire began rapidly involving itself once again in the politics of the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, becoming involved in a number of isolated conflicts along the Neutral Zone with the Federation and aiding the House of Duras in its attempt to gain victory in the Klingon Civil War of the late 2360s. The Empire also came into conflict with a growing movement of its own citizenry who sought peaceful reunification with Vulcan and the adoption of ''cthia'', known as the Unificationists and led by Ambassador [[memoryalpha:Spock|Spock]]
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In the early 2370s, Preator Navriat's government came to regard the [[memoryalpha:Dominion|Dominion]] as the gravest threat to national security that the Romulan Star Empire currently faced, and it granted Starfleet permission to install a cloaking device on a Federation starship posted at [[memoryalpha:Deep Space 9|Deep Space 9]] in 2371 in return for all intelligence reports gathered on the Dominion. Later that year, the [[Tal Shiar]] launched an unauthorised invasion of Dominion space in conjunction with the [[Cardassian Union]]'s [[Obsidan Order]]. The invasion force intended to destroy the Great Link by decimating the Founder homeworld, but the joint fleet was instead destroyed in a meticulously planned Dominion trap.
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Though the Romulan Star Empire later signed a non-aggression pact with the Dominion in 2373, a year later - after the assassination of Praetor Navriat, the elevation of Proconsul Neral to the Preatorship and the apparent Cardassian assassination of Senator Vreenak, the Romulans declared war on the Dominion and formally entered into an alliance with the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire for the first time in interstellar history. The Empire remained allied with the Federation and the Klingons for the duration of the conflict, and was present over [[Cardassia]] when the Allies attained victory.
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After the War, the Romulans were the more adamant that much of former Cardassian territory should be claimed under the flags of the victors, but at the behest of the Federation, many of the former Cardassian/Dominion worlds became neutral, their own planetary governments being instructed to choose their allegiance, and the Cardassian Union shrunk to a fraction of its previous size, with the [[Breen]] moving in in the decade that followed to seize former Cardassian colonies for their own.
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====Shinzon of Remus====
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By 2379, Hiren had replaced Neral as Praetor of the Romulan Star Empire. The Romulan-Federation alliance was over by this point, and the Romulan Star Empire and the Federation were contending for control over much of the still-rebuilding Alpha Quadrant.
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Domestically, Hiren faced a crisis with the rise of [[memoryalpha:Shinzon|Shinzon of Remus]] to political prominence. Shinzon had won the loyalty of the Star Empire's Reman servant class, and many in the Imperial Fleet supported the jingoistic policies he supported towards the Federation. In October of that year, Hiren and the entire Imperial Senate save Tal'Aura were killed by a thalaron weapon that Tal'Aura placed in the Senate chamber on behalf of Shinzon. Tal'Aura and two Commanders in the Imperial Fleet - Donatra and Suran - backed Shinzon when he claimed the title of Praetor for himself - the first ever non-Romulan Praetor in history. The two commanders however later assisted the [[memoryalpha:USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-E)|USS ''Enterprise''-E]] in thwarting Shinzon's attempt to destroy all life on Earth with his thalaron weapon, and Shinzon was killed during the destruction of his flagship, the ''Scimitar''.
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With the fall of the Senate, the Romulan Star Empire began to fall into chaos, and the supply lines throughout the Empire were damaged. Tal'Aura claimed the Praetorship and received the backing of Proconsul Tomalak, a former commander in the Imperial Fleet. However, her claim to power was contested and tenuous, with several different factions vying for power, though over the next several years Tal'Aura worked tirelessly to solidify her position as Praetor, though a number of rival factions continued to exist, and Starfleet's monitoring of the region noted a deteriorating state in the Romulan Star Empire which was moving towards open civil war.
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After the assassination of Praetor Tal'Aura on Stardate 61602.0, and the subsequent election the following year of Senator Chulan to replace her as Praetor, the rival factions within the Empire came together and agreed to put aside their differences in favour of the greater good of the Romulan state. The Remans were also persuaded to support the Star Empire in return for full citizenship and representation in the Senate, though they still remained second-class citizens in the Empire.
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The stabilising position of the Romulan Star Empire by 2386 placed it in a much better and more open position.
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In [[2387]], the Hobus star close to Romulus went supernova. Although Ambassador Spock attempted to prevent the supernova from striking the planet using a substance known as red matter, he was ultimately unsuccessful and as the hyper-accelerated shockwave hit, the surface of Romulus was heavily damaged by the impact, and the planet was racked by seismic tremors as the damage permeated through the crust to cause a disruption in the planet's core. The remaining members of the [[Romulan Senate]], still newly-reformed after the [[memoryalpha:Star Trek: Nemesis|Shinzon coup]] and various reorganisations under Tal'Aura, Chulan and their Proconsuls, almost immediately accepted offers of help from the Federation in dealing with the largest natural disaster in Romulan history, and Starfleet diverted enormous resources to assisting the Romulans in their recovery.
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In spite of the Romulans long-held history of arrogance and isolation, Federation-Romulan relations had been improving since the election of Praetor Chulan, and Romulan citizens have become less xenophobic. After the supernova, Federation aid is either welcomed or met with suspicion and even hostility, while the Klingon Empire seizes the opportunity to conquer Romulan territory.
  
 
== External affairs ==
 
== External affairs ==
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In keeping with their xenophobic and arguably racist attitudes, the Romulans tend to conquer species rather than form alliances with them, and individual Romulans tend to treat other species with varying degrees of disdain.  
 
In keeping with their xenophobic and arguably racist attitudes, the Romulans tend to conquer species rather than form alliances with them, and individual Romulans tend to treat other species with varying degrees of disdain.  
  
That did not prevent them from employing diplomacy when it suited their purposes.  Soon after their emergence from a century of isolation in the mid 2260s, they had established at least two embassies with the Federation. One such embassy was a three-way endeavor on the planet Nimbus III, along with the Klingon Empire, and the other was on Earth itself.
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That does not prevent them from employing diplomacy when it suits their purposes.  Soon after their emergence from a century of isolation in the mid 2260s, they had established at least two embassies with the Federation. One such embassy was a three-way endeavour on the planet [[memoryalpha:Nimbus III|Nimbus III]], along with the Klingon Empire, and the other was on Earth itself.
  
 
Klingons and Romulans once shared an alliance for a number of years, beginning in the 2260s. Over the years, a number of incidents, including the Khitomer Massacre, led the Klingons to develop a deep-seated hatred for the Romulans, and the Romulans were arguably the species that Klingon society in general despises most of all.
 
Klingons and Romulans once shared an alliance for a number of years, beginning in the 2260s. Over the years, a number of incidents, including the Khitomer Massacre, led the Klingons to develop a deep-seated hatred for the Romulans, and the Romulans were arguably the species that Klingon society in general despises most of all.
  
A [[Cardassian]] embassy existed on Romulus for a time, and Elim Garak was "employed" there as a "gardener," suggesting that the two species maintained an active diplomatic relationship. In 2371 Romulan and Cardassian agents in the [[Tal Shiar]] and the [[Obsidian Order]] cooperated in an attempted attack on the Dominion. The Romulans had certainly cut ties with the Cardassians by the time they entered in to the [[memoryalpha:Dominion War|Dominion War]], but when their relationship ended prior to this was unclear.   
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A [[Cardassian]] embassy existed on Romulus for a time, suggesting that the two species maintained an active diplomatic relationship between the two periods where the races were at conflict with each other. In 2371 Romulan and Cardassian agents in the [[Tal Shiar]] and the [[Obsidian Order]] cooperated in an attempted attack on the Dominion. The Romulans had certainly cut ties with the Cardassians by the time they entered in to the [[memoryalpha:Dominion War|Dominion War]], but when their relationship ended prior to this is unclear.   
  
One common saying among the Romulans was "''Never turn your back on a [[Breen]].''"  While this statement could be taken as partially humorous and not in itself indicative of hostilities between the two species, the Breen Thot's apparent condition that the Breen be given Romulus in exchange for their help in the Dominion War suggested there was some degree of unfriendly history between the two.
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One common saying among the Romulans is "''Never turn your back on a [[Breen]].''"  While this statement could be taken as partially humorous and not in itself indicative of hostilities between the two species, the Breen Thot's apparent condition to the female Founder that the Breen be given Romulus in exchange for their help in the Dominion War suggested there was some degree of unfriendly history between the two.
  
The species that Romulans seem to dislike most, however, were Vulcans, and this feud goes back many centuries. The two powers once fought in a war that lasted 100 years, that was ignited due to a misunderstanding created by one of [[memoryalpha:Quinn|Q]]'s self-destructive stunts.
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The species that Romulans seem to dislike most, however, are Vulcans, and this feud goes back many centuries. The two powers once fought in a war that lasted 100 years, that was allegedly ignited due to a misunderstanding created by one of [[memoryalpha:Quinn|Q]]'s self-destructive stunts.
  
The two species would remain distrustful of one another for an incredibly long time, but some Romulans grew tired of this, and a grassroots movement for reunification of the two species was active for a time on Romulus.  It was generally assumed that after the split, Romulans and Vulcans were unaware of their common ancestry until the 23rd century.
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The two species would remain distrustful of one another for an incredibly long time, but some Romulans have grown tired of this, and a grassroots movement for reunification of the two species has been active for some time on Romulus.  It was generally assumed that after the split, Romulans and Vulcans were unaware of their common ancestry until the 23rd century, though some believe that the two species realised the relationship far earlier than this, and chose to hide it from their allies and enemies alike.
  
 
== Physiology ==
 
== Physiology ==
Due to their shared ancestry, Vulcans and Romulans possessed very similar physiology, including varied skin colour. Romulans had pointed ears, eyebrows that were arched and up-swept, and copper-based blood that appeared green when oxygenated in the arteries, or copper or rust-colored when deoxygenated in the veins. Most Romulans had two brow ridges above the bridge of their nose, forming a V-shape on the forehead. However, a minority of Romulans lack these ridges, making them outwardly indistinguishable from Vulcans. These "browless" Romulans were predominant in the 23rd century, but their population appeared to have severely diminished by the 24th century.
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Due to their shared ancestry, Vulcans and Romulans possess very similar physiology, including varied skin colour. Romulans have pointed ears, eyebrows that are arched and up-swept, and copper-based blood that appears green when oxygenated in the arteries, or copper or rust-colored when deoxygenated in the veins. Most Romulans have two brow ridges above the bridge of their nose, forming a V-shape on the forehead. However, a minority of Romulans lack these ridges, making them outwardly indistinguishable from Vulcans. These "browless" Romulans were predominant in the 23rd century, but their population appears to have severely diminished by the 24th century.
  
The Romulan heart is grey in colour.
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Despite their common ancestry there are also many subtle internal physiological differences between Vulcans and Romulans. Their life signs register distinctly enough on the scanners of even 23rd century starships that a single Vulcan could be identified from within the crew complement of a Romulan starship, though the scanners of the age required a skilled operator to accomplish the task.
  
Despite their common ancestry there were also many subtle internal physiological differences between Vulcans and Romulans. Their life signs registered distinctly enough on the scanners of the USS ''Enterprise'' in 2268 that officer Pavel Chekov was able to distinguish his crewmate Spock from the crew complement of a Romulan starship, though he did note the difficulty of the task.
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The physical differences between Romulans and Vulcans were evidenced in Dr. Beverly Crusher's failed attempt to treat a Romulan, Patahk, who had suffered advanced synaptic breakdown, with the methods used to treat Vulcans. In fact, it was later determined that the genetic similarities between Romulans and [[Klingon]]s allowed for the two species to have a compatible ribosome match to effect treatment. The Terothka virus is a disease unique to Romulan physiology, though they share susceptibility with Vulcans to Tuvan Syndrome.
  
The physical differences between Romulans and Vulcans were evidenced in Dr. Beverly Crusher's failed attempt to treat a Romulan, Patahk, who had suffered advanced synaptic breakdown, with the methods used to treat Vulcans. In fact, it was later determined that the genetic similarities between Romulans and [[Klingon]]s allowed for the two species to have a compatible ribosome match to effect treatment.
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Unlike their Vulcan cousins, Romulans do not undergo the affects of [[memoryalpha:Pon farr|''Pon farr'']] every seven years, due to the mutations that have occurred to separate the Romulan and Vulcan genomes. It has been theorised that the need for the ''Pon farr'' was either bred out of the Romulans due to their passionate nature all year round, or infact bred ''into'' Vulcans as their continued following of the teachings of Surak created a species which continually repressed its reproductive instinct, though neither theory can be positively proven or disproven. Though Romulans live a shorter life span than Vulcans, it is still not uncommon for a Romulan to pass two centuries in age.
  
The Terothka virus was a disease unique to Romulan physiology. Romulans were also susceptible to Tuvan Syndrome.
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There have been numerous instances of Romulans successfully mating with other species, the most common hybrids being Romulan/Human and Romulan/Klingon.
  
There were numerous instances of Romulans successfully mating with other species, as evidenced in Sela (Romulan/Human), Ba'el (Romulan/Klingon), and the father of Simon Tarses (Romulan/Human).  
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Romulans lack the rigorous mental disciplines developed by the followers of Surak. They are a passionate people, easily moved to extreme emotions. However, like their biological cousins, Romulans possessed greater physical strength than that of a human.
  
Romulans lacked the rigorous mental disciplines developed by the followers of Surak. They were a passionate people, easily moved to extreme emotions.
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===Telepathy===
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It is a curiosity to many as to why Romulans do not possess the same psionic talents as their parent race. Numerous debates on the subject mean that there is no certainty to the reason, with arguments ranging from it being a factor of genetics whilst others felt that it was societal upbringing that was the key. Some even believe that due to the Romulans' desire to retain their aggression, they never found the inner strength of the mind that the Vulcans developed, thus denying them any form of potential telepathic powers.
  
However, like their biological cousins, Romulans possessed greater physical strength than that of a human.
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It is theorised by some that due to the Romulan's deep-seated hatred for their Vulcan kin, they either killed or banished any Romulan who showed telepathic talent, many of which to [[Remus]], creating the [[Reman]] race, which is known by Starfleet to possess telepathic abilities, whilst being shunned by the vast majority of the Romulan populace, and used as slave workers or shock troopers by the government. It is believed by these theorists that the harsh treatment they received, coupled with the equally harsh climate they found themselves living in on Remus and in the mines, may have subconsciously triggered a defence mechanism within the Remans, as they used their dormant and fledgling telepathic skill to dull the sense of pain among those suffering from disease or beatings, and may be part of the catalyst for the ages-old tradition of Romulan military officers receiving training to resist telepathic attacks.
  
 
== Society ==
 
== Society ==
In Romulan society, military/political rank influences social standing. Because Romulans were members of a militant civilization, who considered defending the Romulan Empire and their own personal honour of foremost importance, military service and its accompanying rank were decisive factors in determining social eminence. However, while the military played an important role in Romulan society, it was the Romulan Senate that controls the government.
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In Romulan society, military and political rank influences social standing. Because Romulans are members of a militant civilisation who considered defending the Romulan Empire and their own personal honour of foremost importance, military service and its accompanying rank are decisive factors in determining social eminence. However, while the military plays an important role in Romulan society, it is the Romulan Senate that controls the government.
 
[[File:Romulan senate.jpg|thumb|The Romulan Senate in session in 2379]]
 
[[File:Romulan senate.jpg|thumb|The Romulan Senate in session in 2379]]
At one point in history, Romulus was a sovereign nation ruled by an Empress, as indicated by [[Q]]. By the 23rd century the highest position of power was held by the [[Praetor]], who presided over the [[Romulan Senate]]. The Praetor headed the [[Romulan Continuing Committee|Continuing Committee]], which was comprised of the Empire's most elite individuals, which make decisions of the utmost importance.  
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At one point in history, Romulus was a sovereign nation ruled by an Emperor or Empress. By the 23rd century the highest position of power was held by the [[Praetor]], who presided over the [[Romulan Senate]]. The Praetor also heads the [[Romulan Continuing Committee|Continuing Committee]], which is comprised of the Empire's most elite individuals, which make decisions of the utmost importance.  
  
By the [[24th century]], the government of Romulus was dependent upon the [[Tal Shiar]], the Romulan secret police, to maintain order and stability among both civilians and the military. The Tal Shiar was known for its brutal tactics, which included routine kidnapping, torture, and assassination. Many Romulans fear even expressing dissenting opinions as not to spark the interest of the Tal Shiar. There was also indications that tension existed between the military and the Tal Shiar.
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By the [[24th century]], the government of Romulus was dependent 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 includ routine kidnapping, torture, and assassination. Many Romulans fear even expressing dissenting opinions so as not to spark the interest of the Tal Shiar. There are also indications that tensions exist between the military and the Tal Shiar.
  
Romulan society was based upon a highly structured caste system. Unlike most of the highly evolved species in the Alpha and Beta quadrants, Romulans still practised slavery, specifically the [[Reman]]s, which they used for slave labour and as shock troops.
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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 practise slavery, specifically the [[Reman]]s, which they used for slave labour and as shock troops until their recent granting of full citizenship within the Empire, which prevents any Romulan from using Remans for labour without pay.
  
Romulans tended to be highly xenophobic, engaging in extended periods of isolationism, and could be perceived as outright racist to other species, believing themselves to be superior. At least some Romulans believe that one day the Romulan Empire will rule the entire galaxy. According to some [[Starfleet]] engineers, there was no piece of technology in existence that the Romulans didn't claim they invented before everyone else.
+
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. At least some Romulans believe that one day the Romulan Empire will rule the entire galaxy. According to some [[Starfleet]] engineers, there is no piece of technology in existence that the Romulans dodn't claim they invented before everyone else.
  
Romulan society did not appear to have gender biases. Both males and females commanded warships, could obtain high political positions and could be members of the Tal Shiar.
+
Romulans are known to fear disgrace over death. This is one of the reasons why Romulan parents are known to kill offspring who possess any form of birth defect, as they would be a waste of resources as well as a burden on the family.
 +
 
 +
Paranoia is etched deeply within the Romulan psyche and character background, which is made evident with the floor of the Romulan Senate holding a picture of the [[Romulan Neutral Zone]], a symbol of everything that inhibits and threatens the Empire.
 +
 
 +
Among the Romulan people, the race developed the concept of "Final Honour", which is something that requires a Romulan to sacrifice their life to prevent them from being captured, or for their honour being taken from them.
 +
 
 +
Romulan society does not appear to have a gender bias. Both males and females command warships, can obtain high political positions and can be members of the Tal Shiar.
 +
 
 +
By tradition, a Rihannsu who is incapable of mating and continuing the clan line is not permitted a political career. This means that castration is considered an act similar to execution in some instances and has been employed against conquered political enemies as well as upon Court servants in order to eliminate their aspirations for power.
  
 
== Culture and tradition ==
 
== Culture and tradition ==
Line 115: Line 171:
  
 
== Technology ==
 
== Technology ==
* See main article: [[Romulan technology]]
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* See main article: [[memoryalpha:Romulan technology]]
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==Appendices==
 
===Apocrypha===
 
Both sources agree that the exodus was led by S'task, a former disciple of Surak. In Duane's novel ''[[The Romulan Way]]'', as the inhabitants of the planet Vulcan turn to the philosophy of Surak en masse, the followers of S'task decide that they can no longer remain on Vulcan. As part of their exodus, they intentionally invent a new culture and a new language.
 
 
 
In spite of this, Federation-Romulan relations had been improving and Romulan citizens had become less xenophobic, as indicated in the ending of {{film|10}}. After the supernova, Federation aid is either welcomed or met with suspicion and even hostility, while the Klingon Empire seizes the opportunity to conquer Romulan territory. Despite continuing in-fighting between the survivors, a new capital called Rihan is established on [[Rator III]].
 
 
 
It is explained in ''Vulcan's Soul'' that the Romulans rejected the [[telepathy]] of the Vulcans and slaughtered or enslaved the telepathic ones among them during their exodus to the Romulan system: the telepaths became the [[Reman]]s. This explains why no Romulan displays telepathic skills in canon. In ''Nero'', the titular character takes a drug that enables him to meditate, and to develop the skills to communicate telepathically, without mind melding. ''The Way of D'era'' adds that the Romulans lack the physical strength of the Vulcans because they no longer live on a harsh environment. ''Killing Time'' shows Romulans slightly adverse to the effects of ''[[pon farr]]''.-->
 

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Romulan.jpg
Romulan
Survey Data
Star System:

Romulus

Region:

Romulan Star Empire

Quadrant:

Beta Quadrant

First Contact:

2151 (Enterprise NX-01)

Political Information
Affiliation:

Romulan Star Empire

Capital:

Ki Baratan, Romulus

Political System:

Aristocratic Authoritarian Oligarchy

Biological Information
Type:

Humanoid

Atmosphere type:

Class-M

Development Stage:

Warp capable

Character:

Xenophobic, secretive, expansionist

Number of Eyes:

2

[ Source ]

The Romulans (Romulan: Rihannsu) are a humanoid race from the planet Romulus in the Beta Quadrant. The Romulans are biological cousins of Vulcans, as they were descended from those who rejected Surak's reforms during the Time of Awakening. The Romulan Star Empire is the Romulan state and one of the major powers in the galaxy.

History

Origins

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. Those who marched beneath the banner of the raptor, which became the symbol of the Romulan Star Empire, departed Vulcan in the 4th century in an event known as the Sundering. These 80,000 proto-Romulans began a long journey through space in twenty large, slow vessels known as ark ships. Several worlds were discovered, but these were either uninhabitable by Vulcan standards, or possessed life that could evolve into intelligent sentient beings, and it was decided that the race required an unspoiled planet to begin anew.

As time went on, numerous casualties were suffered by the travellers. Seven of the large ark vessels were lost in the event horizon of a newly developed black hole, and numerous followers of the raptor were lost over the decades through alien attacks, internal squabbles and ships leaving the flotilla to colonise other worlds rather than continue on in hardship.

At some point, an unstable wormhole formed that swallowed the Vulcans-in-Exile and deposited them in a twin planet system. After preliminary examinations were made, it was decided that these worlds would become the new homeworlds of the Vulcans-in-Exile, who named them ch'Rihan and ch'Havran - Romulus and Remus, when translated into Federation Standard, centuries later. While Romulus was a Class M planet, Remus was a harsh planet notable only for its dilithium deposits, and fierce debate ensued over who would colonise which world. Though it was through the voluntary actions of a man named Karatek, who took his followers to the more hostile world of ch'Havran in order to harvest the harsh world's resources for their kinsmen on the sister world, many Romulans were later banished to the mines of Remus, and joined the followers of Karatek, eventually evolving into the Reman sub-species due to the harsh conditions. The remaining travellers colonised the lush and unspoiled world of ch'Rihan and creating themselves a home in paradise.

These two worlds formed the foundation of an interstellar empire, founded many years later during the Age of Expansion, when the Romulans returned to the stars and began a period of conquering neighbouring alien races. By the 10th century (Earth relative date), the Romulans had approximately 100 settlements on other worlds. With the Romulan state expanding through space rapidly, the ability to govern these colonies grew more and more difficult. This resulted in the Romulan Civil War, and it was the actions of Admiral Valkis that resulted in the formation of a true interstellar government after declaring himself Emperor and forming the Romulan Senate to serve as his advisers. The Romulan Star Empire was officially formed upon the first meeting of the Imperial Senate in 938 A.D.

Between the 1270 and 1370, the Romulan Star Empire discovered a pathway back to their ancestral homeworld of Vulcan through the same unstable wormhole that deposited them at Romii system. Using this doorway back home, they waged a century long conflict through sublight means that became known as the Vulcan-Romulan War in order to regain control of the planet. However, Vulcan strategy and tactics won against the Romulans naked aggression resulting in their defeat. The Vulcans were never aware of who the attackers were, as the Romulans hid their appearance carefully, and had vowed to only declare their origins upon achieving victory. The war ended when the wormhole once again destabilised and separated Vulcan space from Romulan territory forever.

After a reign of decadent Emperors, the Imperial Senate abolished the position of Emperor in 1698 and installed a new leadership role that became known as the Praetor who would command the military.

During the mid-21st century and on into the 22nd century, the Romulan Star Empire came into conflict with the Klingon Empire over territory. Skirmishes over the Gamma Hydra sector were known to be common with the Romulans deploying gravitic mines in the region to prevent the Klingons from making a claim over that sector of space. It was also known that the Praetor of this era launched a campaign of conquest against the planet Haakona. Whilst the planet was occupied, the Romulan military faced stern opposition from insurrection movements on this world which was a bloody campaign that lasted for nineteen years. It ultimately forced the Romulans to abandon Haakona to its native race and left a disgrace on the Praetor for the failure in his mandate to conquer the planet

The Earth-Romulan War

In 2156, the Romulan Star Empire and United Earth went to war. The Earth-Romulan War was fought without any kind of personal or visual interaction between the two sides, preventing humans or their allies from fully understanding the nature of their opponent, and both sides fought with the use of atomic weapons, with the fighting even reaching the Sol system itself. Following a humiliating defeat at the Battle of Cheron in 2160, the Romulans agreed to a treaty, establishing a Neutral Zone between the Star Empire's sphere of influence and territory that would fall under the jurisdiction of the soon to be formed United Federation of Planets.

For the next century, Romulans isolated themselves from Human and Federation affairs, though remained very active within their own sphere of influence. Many intelligence analysts of the time made reports alluding to multiple campaigns being fought by the Romulans behind the curtain of the Neutral Zone, though the nature of these campaigns is still unknown.

23rd Century

In 2266, the Empire emerged from its cocoon, testing the strength of their now-unified adversaries by launching an attack on several Earth outposts along the Neutral Zone with a ship commanded by Keras. This ship was equipped with an advanced plasma weapon and a new cloaking device. The USS Enterprise, under the command of Captain James T. Kirk responded to one of the outpost's distress calls and engaged the Bird-of-Prey. In the course of the battle the Enterprise made the first visual contact with the Romulans, uncovering the longstanding secret of their relation with the Vulcans. Upon defeating the Romulan ship Kirk made contact with the vessel, speaking briefly to Commander Keras; the first time that a human and Romulan had spoken openly with each other in history.

In the 2260s, the Romulans entered into a tenuous alliance with the Klingon Empire. The alliance, spearheaded by Proconsul Merrok, aimed to "contain" the Cardassian Union, which, though the other side of the still-young Federation, was rapidly expanding and conquering worlds with deadly efficiency. The first non-aggression and technological exchange treaties were signed in 2267. The Romulans obtained a number of D7 class vessels in exchange for giving the Klingons cloaking technology. Tensions between the two powers were evident when Klingon forces engaged Romulan forces near the Triangle in 2272, and numerous small-scale conflicts thereafter. The alliance finally ended in 2273, when Klingon Captain Kor, Son of Rynar, of the IKS Klothos, led a major Klingon victory over the Imperial Fleet at the Battle of Klach D'Kel Brakt.

24th Century

The Tomed Incident

After the signing of the Khitomer Accords and the establishment of the Klingon-Federation alliance, the Star Empire was prompted to step up it's rivalry with the Federation, and by 2311, it seemed that another war was inevitable. That year, peace negotiations broke down at the Romulan Space Station Algeron, and war was only narrowly avoided after the Tomed Incident, in which the leader of the Imperial Fleet, Admiral Vokar, launched an unprovoked suicide attack upon the Federation's Foxtrot Sector, claiming thousands of Federation lives. The attack was unsanctioned by the Star Empire however, and when the Klingons prepared to join the Federation in battle against the Romulans, the Praetor ordered the Imperial Fleet back at the last minute. The Romulan Star Empire then negotiated what came to be known as the Treaty of Algeron, in which the Star Empire agreed to withdraw within its borders while the Federation agreed to refrain from developing cloaking technology.

Isolation and Re-emergence

The Star Empire's promise to withdraw within its borders was only tenuously followed, however; illegal trade between the Empire and the outside galaxy continued, such as the smuggling of Romulan ale into the Federation in violation of the Federation's then century-and-a-half-old trade embargo upon the Empire. Many wealthy Klingons and Klingon houses remained in debt to the wealthy Romulan houses, and the Romulans maintained covert attempts to influence foreign states under the administrations of Praetors Aratenik and Dralath.

Numerous problems would plague the Star Empire during this time beyond politics including a conflict with a race called the Taurhai, lasting until 2343 when the Taurhai forces were driven out of Romulan space in the Battle of Chi'tai.

In 2364 several Romulan outposts and colonies were mysteriously destroyed near the Neutral Zone. Assuming Federation attacks, the Romulans re-emerged, only to find the Federation had suffered similar attacks. It was later discovered that the outposts had been destroyed by the Borg in one of their earliest incursions into the Alpha Quadrant.

The Romulan Empire began rapidly involving itself once again in the politics of the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, becoming involved in a number of isolated conflicts along the Neutral Zone with the Federation and aiding the House of Duras in its attempt to gain victory in the Klingon Civil War of the late 2360s. The Empire also came into conflict with a growing movement of its own citizenry who sought peaceful reunification with Vulcan and the adoption of cthia, known as the Unificationists and led by Ambassador Spock

In the early 2370s, Preator Navriat's government came to regard the Dominion as the gravest threat to national security that the Romulan Star Empire currently faced, and it granted Starfleet permission to install a cloaking device on a Federation starship posted at Deep Space 9 in 2371 in return for all intelligence reports gathered on the Dominion. Later that year, the Tal Shiar launched an unauthorised invasion of Dominion space in conjunction with the Cardassian Union's Obsidan Order. The invasion force intended to destroy the Great Link by decimating the Founder homeworld, but the joint fleet was instead destroyed in a meticulously planned Dominion trap.

Though the Romulan Star Empire later signed a non-aggression pact with the Dominion in 2373, a year later - after the assassination of Praetor Navriat, the elevation of Proconsul Neral to the Preatorship and the apparent Cardassian assassination of Senator Vreenak, the Romulans declared war on the Dominion and formally entered into an alliance with the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire for the first time in interstellar history. The Empire remained allied with the Federation and the Klingons for the duration of the conflict, and was present over Cardassia when the Allies attained victory.

After the War, the Romulans were the more adamant that much of former Cardassian territory should be claimed under the flags of the victors, but at the behest of the Federation, many of the former Cardassian/Dominion worlds became neutral, their own planetary governments being instructed to choose their allegiance, and the Cardassian Union shrunk to a fraction of its previous size, with the Breen moving in in the decade that followed to seize former Cardassian colonies for their own.

Shinzon of Remus

By 2379, Hiren had replaced Neral as Praetor of the Romulan Star Empire. The Romulan-Federation alliance was over by this point, and the Romulan Star Empire and the Federation were contending for control over much of the still-rebuilding Alpha Quadrant.

Domestically, Hiren faced a crisis with the rise of Shinzon of Remus to political prominence. Shinzon had won the loyalty of the Star Empire's Reman servant class, and many in the Imperial Fleet supported the jingoistic policies he supported towards the Federation. In October of that year, Hiren and the entire Imperial Senate save Tal'Aura were killed by a thalaron weapon that Tal'Aura placed in the Senate chamber on behalf of Shinzon. Tal'Aura and two Commanders in the Imperial Fleet - Donatra and Suran - backed Shinzon when he claimed the title of Praetor for himself - the first ever non-Romulan Praetor in history. The two commanders however later assisted the USS Enterprise-E in thwarting Shinzon's attempt to destroy all life on Earth with his thalaron weapon, and Shinzon was killed during the destruction of his flagship, the Scimitar.

With the fall of the Senate, the Romulan Star Empire began to fall into chaos, and the supply lines throughout the Empire were damaged. Tal'Aura claimed the Praetorship and received the backing of Proconsul Tomalak, a former commander in the Imperial Fleet. However, her claim to power was contested and tenuous, with several different factions vying for power, though over the next several years Tal'Aura worked tirelessly to solidify her position as Praetor, though a number of rival factions continued to exist, and Starfleet's monitoring of the region noted a deteriorating state in the Romulan Star Empire which was moving towards open civil war.

After the assassination of Praetor Tal'Aura on Stardate 61602.0, and the subsequent election the following year of Senator Chulan to replace her as Praetor, the rival factions within the Empire came together and agreed to put aside their differences in favour of the greater good of the Romulan state. The Remans were also persuaded to support the Star Empire in return for full citizenship and representation in the Senate, though they still remained second-class citizens in the Empire.

The stabilising position of the Romulan Star Empire by 2386 placed it in a much better and more open position.

In 2387, the Hobus star close to Romulus went supernova. Although Ambassador Spock attempted to prevent the supernova from striking the planet using a substance known as red matter, he was ultimately unsuccessful and as the hyper-accelerated shockwave hit, the surface of Romulus was heavily damaged by the impact, and the planet was racked by seismic tremors as the damage permeated through the crust to cause a disruption in the planet's core. The remaining members of the Romulan Senate, still newly-reformed after the Shinzon coup and various reorganisations under Tal'Aura, Chulan and their Proconsuls, almost immediately accepted offers of help from the Federation in dealing with the largest natural disaster in Romulan history, and Starfleet diverted enormous resources to assisting the Romulans in their recovery.

In spite of the Romulans long-held history of arrogance and isolation, Federation-Romulan relations had been improving since the election of Praetor Chulan, and Romulan citizens have become less xenophobic. After the supernova, Federation aid is either welcomed or met with suspicion and even hostility, while the Klingon Empire seizes the opportunity to conquer Romulan territory.

External affairs

First contact

Romulans were aware of Humanity for some time before Earth knew of them. Infiltrating the highest levels of the Vulcan High Command, the Romulans were impressed and confused by Humans. The Enterprise NX-01 inadvertently encountered a Romulan minefield at one point, officially the first time Humanity became aware of the Romulans. Even after fighting the Earth-Romulan War, it wasn't until the 23rd century that Humans actually made visual contact with Romulans.

After the Treaty of Algeron went into effect, the Romulans retreated into political and social isolation from the Federation. In late 2364 an unprovoked attack on a Romulan outpost near the Federation neutral zone occurred. The Romulans initially suspected the Federation had executed the attack but it was later learned that the Borg were responsible. This event marked the end of Romulan political isolationism with the Federation.

Relationships with other species

In keeping with their xenophobic and arguably racist attitudes, the Romulans tend to conquer species rather than form alliances with them, and individual Romulans tend to treat other species with varying degrees of disdain.

That does not prevent them from employing diplomacy when it suits their purposes. Soon after their emergence from a century of isolation in the mid 2260s, they had established at least two embassies with the Federation. One such embassy was a three-way endeavour on the planet Nimbus III, along with the Klingon Empire, and the other was on Earth itself.

Klingons and Romulans once shared an alliance for a number of years, beginning in the 2260s. Over the years, a number of incidents, including the Khitomer Massacre, led the Klingons to develop a deep-seated hatred for the Romulans, and the Romulans were arguably the species that Klingon society in general despises most of all.

A Cardassian embassy existed on Romulus for a time, suggesting that the two species maintained an active diplomatic relationship between the two periods where the races were at conflict with each other. In 2371 Romulan and Cardassian agents in the Tal Shiar and the Obsidian Order cooperated in an attempted attack on the Dominion. The Romulans had certainly cut ties with the Cardassians by the time they entered in to the Dominion War, but when their relationship ended prior to this is unclear.

One common saying among the Romulans is "Never turn your back on a Breen." While this statement could be taken as partially humorous and not in itself indicative of hostilities between the two species, the Breen Thot's apparent condition to the female Founder that the Breen be given Romulus in exchange for their help in the Dominion War suggested there was some degree of unfriendly history between the two.

The species that Romulans seem to dislike most, however, are Vulcans, and this feud goes back many centuries. The two powers once fought in a war that lasted 100 years, that was allegedly ignited due to a misunderstanding created by one of Q's self-destructive stunts.

The two species would remain distrustful of one another for an incredibly long time, but some Romulans have grown tired of this, and a grassroots movement for reunification of the two species has been active for some time on Romulus. It was generally assumed that after the split, Romulans and Vulcans were unaware of their common ancestry until the 23rd century, though some believe that the two species realised the relationship far earlier than this, and chose to hide it from their allies and enemies alike.

Physiology

Due to their shared ancestry, Vulcans and Romulans possess very similar physiology, including varied skin colour. Romulans have pointed ears, eyebrows that are arched and up-swept, and copper-based blood that appears green when oxygenated in the arteries, or copper or rust-colored when deoxygenated in the veins. Most Romulans have two brow ridges above the bridge of their nose, forming a V-shape on the forehead. However, a minority of Romulans lack these ridges, making them outwardly indistinguishable from Vulcans. These "browless" Romulans were predominant in the 23rd century, but their population appears to have severely diminished by the 24th century.

Despite their common ancestry there are also many subtle internal physiological differences between Vulcans and Romulans. Their life signs register distinctly enough on the scanners of even 23rd century starships that a single Vulcan could be identified from within the crew complement of a Romulan starship, though the scanners of the age required a skilled operator to accomplish the task.

The physical differences between Romulans and Vulcans were evidenced in Dr. Beverly Crusher's failed attempt to treat a Romulan, Patahk, who had suffered advanced synaptic breakdown, with the methods used to treat Vulcans. In fact, it was later determined that the genetic similarities between Romulans and Klingons allowed for the two species to have a compatible ribosome match to effect treatment. The Terothka virus is a disease unique to Romulan physiology, though they share susceptibility with Vulcans to Tuvan Syndrome.

Unlike their Vulcan cousins, Romulans do not undergo the affects of Pon farr every seven years, due to the mutations that have occurred to separate the Romulan and Vulcan genomes. It has been theorised that the need for the Pon farr was either bred out of the Romulans due to their passionate nature all year round, or infact bred into Vulcans as their continued following of the teachings of Surak created a species which continually repressed its reproductive instinct, though neither theory can be positively proven or disproven. Though Romulans live a shorter life span than Vulcans, it is still not uncommon for a Romulan to pass two centuries in age.

There have been numerous instances of Romulans successfully mating with other species, the most common hybrids being Romulan/Human and Romulan/Klingon.

Romulans lack the rigorous mental disciplines developed by the followers of Surak. They are a passionate people, easily moved to extreme emotions. However, like their biological cousins, Romulans possessed greater physical strength than that of a human.

Telepathy

It is a curiosity to many as to why Romulans do not possess the same psionic talents as their parent race. Numerous debates on the subject mean that there is no certainty to the reason, with arguments ranging from it being a factor of genetics whilst others felt that it was societal upbringing that was the key. Some even believe that due to the Romulans' desire to retain their aggression, they never found the inner strength of the mind that the Vulcans developed, thus denying them any form of potential telepathic powers.

It is theorised by some that due to the Romulan's deep-seated hatred for their Vulcan kin, they either killed or banished any Romulan who showed telepathic talent, many of which to Remus, creating the Reman race, which is known by Starfleet to possess telepathic abilities, whilst being shunned by the vast majority of the Romulan populace, and used as slave workers or shock troopers by the government. It is believed by these theorists that the harsh treatment they received, coupled with the equally harsh climate they found themselves living in on Remus and in the mines, may have subconsciously triggered a defence mechanism within the Remans, as they used their dormant and fledgling telepathic skill to dull the sense of pain among those suffering from disease or beatings, and may be part of the catalyst for the ages-old tradition of Romulan military officers receiving training to resist telepathic attacks.

Society

In Romulan society, military and political rank influences social standing. Because Romulans are members of a militant civilisation who considered defending the Romulan Empire and their own personal honour of foremost importance, military service and its accompanying rank are decisive factors in determining social eminence. However, while the military plays an important role in Romulan society, it is the Romulan Senate that controls the government.

The Romulan Senate in session in 2379

At one point in history, Romulus was a sovereign nation ruled by an Emperor or Empress. By the 23rd century the highest position of power was held by the Praetor, who presided over the Romulan Senate. The Praetor also heads the Continuing Committee, which is comprised of the Empire's most elite individuals, which make decisions of the utmost importance.

By the 24th century, the government of Romulus was dependent 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 includ routine kidnapping, torture, and assassination. Many Romulans fear even expressing dissenting opinions so as not to spark the interest of the Tal Shiar. There are also indications that tensions exist between the military and the Tal Shiar.

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 practise slavery, specifically the Remans, which they used for slave labour and as shock troops until their recent granting of full citizenship within the Empire, which prevents any Romulan from using Remans for labour without pay.

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. At least some Romulans believe that one day the Romulan Empire will rule the entire galaxy. According to some Starfleet engineers, there is no piece of technology in existence that the Romulans dodn't claim they invented before everyone else.

Romulans are known to fear disgrace over death. This is one of the reasons why Romulan parents are known to kill offspring who possess any form of birth defect, as they would be a waste of resources as well as a burden on the family.

Paranoia is etched deeply within the Romulan psyche and character background, which is made evident with the floor of the Romulan Senate holding a picture of the Romulan Neutral Zone, a symbol of everything that inhibits and threatens the Empire.

Among the Romulan people, the race developed the concept of "Final Honour", which is something that requires a Romulan to sacrifice their life to prevent them from being captured, or for their honour being taken from them.

Romulan society does not appear to have a gender bias. Both males and females command warships, can obtain high political positions and can be members of the Tal Shiar.

By tradition, a Rihannsu who is incapable of mating and continuing the clan line is not permitted a political career. This means that castration is considered an act similar to execution in some instances and has been employed against conquered political enemies as well as upon Court servants in order to eliminate their aspirations for power.

Culture and tradition

The Romulans lack the rigorous mental disciplines developed by the followers of Surak. Like the Vulcans, the Romulans have given up 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 reinforced by the actions of their government over time.

During the 23rd century, Romulans practised 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.

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.

They were also well known for fearing disgrace over death. With this frame of mind, Romulan parents dispose of any newborn carrying birth defects as the alternative would mean a waste of resources.

The totalitarian nature of Romulan society, in which dissent was often a crime and Romulan security officers masquerade as citizens, had led many Romulans to be extremely paranoid.

A common Romulan courtesy was the saying "Jolan Tru", although what exactly this means is unclear, as it is used both in context of greeting and goodbye.

In the 24th century, a dissident movement began to gain momentum, based on the desire to learn about Vulcan and their ideals. The movement's ultimate goal was the reunification of Romulus and Vulcan. Ambassador Spock was deeply involved in this movement.

While many arguably belligerent and militaristic species, such as Nausicaans, Breen, and even Klingons often sell their fighting skills to the highest bidder, Romulans were rarely, if ever, seen involved in such activities. This was possibly due to the apparent superiority complex of most Romulans, many of whom would likely find such work beneath them, and would prefer to serve the Romulan Empire in some capacity. In cases of anonymity, they were known for commonly using hired assassins, such as the Flaxians, to conduct their off-world "justice."

Food and beverages

  • Kali-fal
  • Jumbo Romulan mollusk
  • Osol twist
  • Romulan ale
  • Viinerine

Technology