Difference between revisions of "Romulus"


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=== Continents and Islands ===
 
=== Continents and Islands ===
 
'''Brel'kar'''<br>
 
'''Brel'kar'''<br>
The continent of '''Brel'kar''' is the largest continent on the planet Romulus occupying half the eastern hemisphere and as such was the most ecologically diverse.  It was also home to the larger part of the population and the home to the highest point on the planet, Mount Al'kathel.  The northernmost parts of Brel'kar reach almost to the artic region of Romulus and was home to many types of artic wildlife such as the Northern Thrai.  The temperature was frigid and, similar to the northern and southern regions on other planets, night was constant in the winter though summer provided much sunshine as a balance to this.  The winds coming off the polar ice cap made for some frigid weather, though they met warmer air coming over the mountains, creating summer thunderstorms and winter snow.  The natives of this region, once called the the T'areshi, thought it was a tundra half the year and a cold swamp the other half.  Floods were always a danger in this region.<br>
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The continent of '''Brel'kar''' was the largest continent on the planet Romulus occupying half the eastern hemisphere and as such was the most ecologically diverse.  It was also home to the larger part of the population and the home to the highest point on the planet, Mount Al'kathel.  The northernmost parts of Brel'kar reached almost to the artic region of Romulus and was home to many types of artic wildlife such as the Northern Thrai.  The temperature was frigid and, similar to the northern and southern regions on other planets, night was constant in the winter though summer provided much sunshine as a balance to this.  The winds coming off the polar ice cap made for some frigid weather, though they met warmer air coming over the mountains, creating summer thunderstorms and winter snow.  The natives of this region, once called the the T'areshi, thought it was a tundra half the year and a cold swamp the other half.  Floods were always a danger in this region.<br>
The Tallasreld region surrounds two inland seas, the Sea of Vrekess and the Sherdak Sea and the climate ranged from northern temperate to temperate.  Great forests dominated the landscape where it was not devoted to farming or urban areas.  Trees ranged from smaller fruit trees to enormous evergreens, the largest of which were found near the T'aresh mountains.  The area near the T'aresh mountain range could be quite cold due to the elevation and location though the rest of this area remained warmer because of the many seas in the region.  These seas lent to an enormous amount of rainfall, meaning it was good for agriculture including the aleberries and the golden wheat-like grain that was also used in the ale, ''vareet''.<br>
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The Tallasreld region surrounded two inland seas, the Sea of Vrekess and the Sherdak Sea and the climate ranged from northern temperate to temperate.  Great forests dominated the landscape where it was not devoted to farming or urban areas.  Trees ranged from smaller fruit trees to enormous evergreens, the largest of which were found near the T'aresh mountains.  The area near the T'aresh mountain range could be quite cold due to the elevation and location though the rest of this area remained warmer because of the many seas in the region.  These seas lent to an enormous amount of rainfall, meaning it was good for agriculture including the aleberries and the golden wheat-like grain that was also used in the ale, ''vareet''.<br>
South of the Thal'Tharin river and Sherdak Sea the landscape becomes plains occasionally broken by groups of hills.  This region, along with the central plains, produced around one-third of the naturally-grown food on Romulus.  Waves of grains could have been seen for months at a time in this part of the planet.
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South of the Thal'Tharin river and Sherdak Sea the landscape became plains occasionally broken by groups of hills.  This region, along with the central plains, produced around one-third of the naturally-grown food on Romulus.  Waves of grains could have been seen for months at a time in this part of the planet along with hundreds of farm animals including domestic hlai.  Though they were not suited for agriculture, the wooded hill areas housed many of the ale makers of Romulus due to the natural springs located there, though the exact plants that were used in each brewery's recipe were closely guarded secrets.  In the towns on the plains one may have found a bakery instead of a brewery.  Brel'kar breads and pastries were among the favorites on the planet.  The western plains of Brel'kar are also the most populous on the planet due to the large capitol city of [[Romulus#Cities|Ki Baratan]] located on the Apnex Sea.<br>
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The eastern hills and Kae'Raktar Mountain Range on Brel'kar filled the eastern central part of the continent, and only a small strip of flat land existed between the hills and the ocean.  Though this part of Brel'kar continent was cut by the equator, the altitude caused the temperature to be much cooler than one might expect and created a very pleasant climate.  Many small forests were here, from evergreen forests in the higher elevations and more jungle-like growths at lower elevations.<br>
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The Vally of Chula, one of the most loved areas on Romulus, cut right through the heart of the Kae'raktar Mountains.  The valley was very large and contained picturesque views throughout the year and the most beautiful climate on the planet.  At the western pass into Chula, the Praetor's Summer Palace was perched on a high hill overlooking the valley.  Similar to the palace in Ki Baratan, it consisted of many buildings grouped together to form a small administrative city.  The Praetor came here during the hot summer, as it was cooled by the Valley's breezes.  The Tor'ren River had roiling rapids that have defied many boaters and is one of the great recreation areas in the Valley.  The nearby Fareldi Brewery, perhaps the greatest of the Romulan brewers, used Tor'ren water to create their ales.  Many resorts catering to the wealthy could have been found throughout the Valley.<br>
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The central plains and southern woodlands seemed bucolic next to the western coastal plains, even desolate in places.  Dwellings here were relatively sparse, and few of them would have qualified as cities.  Instead, much of the land was given over to large robotic farms that grew stapes of the Romulan diet including ''gresh'', a ricelike vegetable.  In places it was left wild, such as the southernmost part of the continent which contained several swampy jungle areas that were largely unexplored.  However, it was rumored that the [[Tal Shiar]] had a few facilities in those swamps.
 
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'''Novok'''
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'''Novok'''<br>
The Novok continent was home to the '''Ar'hael Desert''' and to the lowest point on the planet, the Valley of Fire.  It runs parallel to Brel'kar and was once part of a much larger landmass.  What remains today is a narrow strip of land that is at once mountainous and arid though some temperate areas are known to have existedHalf of Novok is located in the equatorial zone, what would be called the tropical zone on earth. The northern equatorial zone was once a tropical or subtropical area, home to many different types of wildlife, supported by three rivers.  The largest city in this part of the continent was Omrashar, a city similar in atmosphere to Rio on Earth.  The southern third of Novok reaches south and east from the equator, away from Brel'kar.  Expected by outsiders to be cold in climate, it is kept temperate by weather fronts from the Sea of LerodanNovok was rich in minerals such as gold, silver, titanium and gemstones such as rubies and diamonds and as such mining towns like Kor'Barel sprang up earlier in the Empire's history.
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The Novok continent was home to the '''Ar'hael Desert''' and to the lowest point on the planet, the Valley of Fire.  Running parallel to Brel'kar, it was a narrow, mountainous continent and was once part of a much larger landmass.  Novok, Folloss, and Umrika were believed to have formed a single continent that would have dwarfed any of the other continents.  Millions of years ago geological forces ripped this megacontinent apart, forming three smaller continents.  Other tectonic activity wore away at Novok, tearing islands away from it here and there, eventually forming sevearl archipelagoes, including the D'vrex.  What remained was a thin strip of land supported by a large chain of mountains, the Sen'lanarcWhere the continent "bent" slightly in the middle, a desert, the Ar'hael, was formed.
 
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Much of the northern part of Novok had a tropical or subtropical climate due to the equator "slicing" the continent.  Only the northern third qualified as temperate but many who lived here believed it was the nicest place on the planet to live.  Three major rivers, each coming the high peaks of the Sen'lanarc Mountains, flowed through this part of Novok.  The largest, the Balsanra River, was one of the few northward-flowing rivers on the planet and was broad, deep, and slow.  Superstitious old people told the legends of the water spirits who lived in it.  In contrast to the Balsanra, the H'relgath and Tai'eld were fast, noisy, and shallow.  All three supported many towns and small cities which used them for water, commerce, and fishing.  The largest city on that part of Novok was Omrashar, located on the coast of the White Sea at the delta of the Tae'eld River.  One of the cities first founded by the Romulans, Omrashar retained much of its sleepy, backwater feelsTall buildings built mainly of ivory-colored and rust-colored stone line the streets which themselves are generally narrow.  These large buildings blocked the sweltering sun at all times except high noon.  Many people vacationed here to take advantage of the tranquil lifestyle.
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The Southern third of Novok streched south and east away from the equator until it barely touched the South Mendlanar Sea.  One would normally expect parts of it to have been much colder, bnut the currents in the Sea of Lerodan and warmer weather patterns pushing their way down from Brel'kar kept the temperature raised to temperate levels.  The portions of the Sen'lanarc Mountains in this part of the continent were once mined for minerals.  Coastal cities such as Ch'eren and Varald, were seaports and shipyards, but the ships they helped build shortly before the supernova were mainly shuttlecraft for space not sailboats, though a few boatsmiths could have still been found.
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'''Folloss'''<br>
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'''Folloss''' was the smallest landmass on Romulus and was known as the "Island Continent".  It had a reputation for being a cold, inhospitable place and while this was true for the northern portions of the continent, which approached the world's artic circle, its southern subcontinent was actually brushed the equator, making it a very comfortable place to live, the favorite of many Romulans.  It rested between the North Mendlanar, White, and Apnex Seas.  Poets had often written of its "windswept shores" and the "wave-tossed sould" of its people, but the continent had much to offer that had nothing to do with the sea.
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The part of Folloss that was the most well-known in Romulan culture was Fal'seras--the far northern third of the continent (generally defined as all parts north of the Anverok Mountains)The first Romulans to reach Folloss settled here centered around large community meeting halls, where folk would gather in winter to pass the long nights.  Although not nearly as cold as the lands of the T'areshi in the far north of Brel'kar, the Fal'seras could be quite frigid when the artic winds blew down from the North Mendlanar Sea.  Farther inland on the northern bank of the Gend'eroth River was the largest city of the Fal'seras, Namreshand, which boasted a population of over a million Romulans.  It was founded over 1500 years ago to serve as a trading post for the various small communities and families scattered across the Fal'serasThe Anverok Mountains themselves were mined for the mineral kavlarium and Namreshand and other towns became mining towns when it was discovered.
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Between the Anverok Mountains in the north and the Des'Reval Mountains on the south dominated the central regions of Folloss.  The combination of altitude and latitude led to a northern temperate climate. which, while appealing to some, limited the growing season of plants and led to the invention of Romulan replication technology, enabling more people to live there.  The only exception to this was the Keldrak Peninsula on the western coast.  The peninsula thrust out and westward as if to point an accusing finger at the continent of Valcaria, which the peninsula nearly touches.  The narrow strip of water between them, the Jendranaz Strait, was an important commercial route for over a thousand years.  The Jendranax Current flows from northeast to southwest and helps to warm the peninsula.  At the very tip of the peninsula is the city of Peldrad which was home to more than six million Romulans.  The Romulans said that whatever one sought--finances, fortune, fame, or philosophy--could be found in Peldrad.  Nearly three-fourths of the entertainment industry had their bases here and more performers and poets could be found on street corners and in cafes, trying to get a break.  Though many entertainers and artists lived here, the city also had a thriving business and manufacturing community.
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The delta of the vast D'Gansar River was called the Tel'Garch Subcontinent by Romulans.  The D'Gansar River flowed almost straight south from the Des'Raval Mountains to empty itself in the Apnex Sea.  Though not as fast or fierce as other rivers, the D'Gansar was the broadest river on the planet.  At the river's delta was the city of Atremon Trel, a busy seaport and commercial zone.  Atremon Trel was not the most interesting city on the D'Gansar though as that distinction fell to Tephren, one of the holiest places on Romulus.  It was founded by several priestly orders a few centuries after the Romulans first landed on the planet.  The city contained the largest, most ornate temples on the planet and even those who did not believe in the Romulan gods experienced awe when they saw their vastness and beauty.
  
 
=== Bodies of Water ===
 
=== Bodies of Water ===
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=== Cities ===
 
=== Cities ===
 
'''Ki Baratan'''<br>
 
'''Ki Baratan'''<br>
'''Ki Baratan''', originally called '''Dartha''', was the capitol city of the [[Romulan Star Empire]].  People in this city were under even more scrutiny from the Tal Shiar than elsewhere on Romulus due to the government offices being located in this city.   
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'''Ki Baratan''', originally called '''Dartha''', was the capitol city of the [[Romulan Star Empire]].  People in this city were under even more scrutiny from the Tal Shiar than elsewhere on Romulus due to the government offices being located in this city.  It was where the Romulans first settled the planet after the journey from Vulcan and was originally little more than a seaside village.  It is bordered by the Apnex Sea on one side, plains to the north, and hills to the east and south.  Ki Baratan attracts all manner of peoples, from government officials and military personnel, to senators and noble families, to the commoners who simply wish to see the capitol for a day.  Over twenty million Romulans once called this place home, a good many of them employed by the government.  Over a thousand years ago, Ki Baratan was rebuilt as a more structured and planned community to appeal to the Romulans' sense of organization, efficiency, and grandeur and as such many of the most magnificent buildings and statues were from this time period.  Walking the streets of Ki Baratan and looking upon large buildings constructed in an ornate style topped with towers one could gain a sense of wonder, which was in fact the entire point.  On the less traveled roads, the buildings became smaller with a more personal feel to them yet keeping the sense of grandeur in their designs.
 
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'''Dal'gareth'''<br>
 
'''Dal'gareth'''<br>
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'''Hall of State'''<br>
 
'''Hall of State'''<br>
The '''Hall of State''' was where the Imperial government offices were located and where Senate meetings and votes took place.  It was also where the Senators had their offices and kept their files, unless it was sensitive information and then they might have taken it home to put on their personal computers.  It also contained a massive library used by many Romulans, similar to the Library of Congress on old Earth.  Unfortunately, this library was lost when the star went nova.
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The '''Hall of State''' was where the Imperial government offices were located and where Senate meetings and votes took place.  It was also where the Senators had their offices and kept their files, unless it was sensitive information and then they might have taken it home to put on their personal computers.  A round circular building whose shape every Romulan knew, it was located on one side of the Plaza of the Endless Sky and its steps rose almost 100 ft, said to be a challenge to whoever entered its halls.  Only a true Romulan would be able to climb those steps and not be so winded as to stop for breath before entering.  This was later to be proven to be a superstition only as it required physical endurance only to climb the stairs.  In the middle of the staircase stood a huge statue of Valkis, the first Romulan emperor.  His hand stretched out to benevolently shelter his people from harm and as the senators pass beneath the statue each day, they were reminded of the ideals and honor which the statue represents.  It also contained a massive library used by many Romulans, similar to the Library of Congress on old Earth.  Unfortunately, this library was lost when the star went nova.
 
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'''Plaza of the Endless Sky'''<br>
 
'''Plaza of the Endless Sky'''<br>
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'''Boulevard of Heroes'''<br>
 
'''Boulevard of Heroes'''<br>
 
The '''Boulevard of Heroes''' was noted for being so large it was capable of being seen from space and ran from the shores of the Apnex Sea to the center of Ki Baratan.  War monuments and statues of historic Romulan war heroes lined the median.  These included the statue of Emperoir Salangen, the Laneshra Monument, and the Mausoleum of Reldek the Great among others.  Though the lease on such a location was exorbitant many shops, both elegant and quaint, lined the boulevard.  Grass, fruit trees, and other flora were present to beautify the boulevard, which terminated at the Plaza of the Endless Sky.
 
The '''Boulevard of Heroes''' was noted for being so large it was capable of being seen from space and ran from the shores of the Apnex Sea to the center of Ki Baratan.  War monuments and statues of historic Romulan war heroes lined the median.  These included the statue of Emperoir Salangen, the Laneshra Monument, and the Mausoleum of Reldek the Great among others.  Though the lease on such a location was exorbitant many shops, both elegant and quaint, lined the boulevard.  Grass, fruit trees, and other flora were present to beautify the boulevard, which terminated at the Plaza of the Endless Sky.
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'''The Praetor's Palace'''
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The side of the Plaza of the Endless Sky opposite the Hall of State was home to the '''Praetor's palace''', formerly the Emperor's palace.  This building was where the praetor lived and where he held many of his government functions.  The Praetorian Guard, elite soldiers from the ground forces in the Romulan Star Navy, stood guard at every entrance to the building.  The palace, which was in fact more of a compound than a single building, was almost a city in itself.  It had not only offices and apartments, but gardens and recreation centers for the praetor and his guests to enjoy.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
''See also: [[Romulan#History|Romulan History]]<br><br>
 
''See also: [[Romulan#History|Romulan History]]<br><br>

Revision as of 06:06, 10 March 2013

Romulus, or ch'Rihan
Romulus-Orbit.jpg
Class:

Class-M

Type:

Planet

Status:

Damaged

Satellites:
Circumference:

39,843 km (24,757 miles)

Gravity:
(Comparative to Earth Sea Level)

1G

Landmass Percentage:

31 Percent

Length of Day:

25 hours

Location:

Hobus System, Beta Quadrant

Affiliation:

Romulan Star Empire

Romulus-Surface.jpg
Capital City of Romulus
[ Source ]


Romulus, or ch'Rihan to the natives, was the homeworld of the Romulan people and the capitol planet of the Romulan Star Empire until it was severely damaged by a supernova in 2380. Romulans from this planet enjoyed a higher standard of living than those on the colony worlds and had better healthcare, better jobs, more opportunities in the Romulan Star Navy and Tal Shiar. On the other side of this coin, the Romulus population was under much more scrutiny from the Senate and the Tal Shiar. The people have been moved to another planet whose name the Federation does not know and it is unknown whether the population continues to at once enjoy both a higher and lower standard of living than the colonists.

Economy

Romulus' economy greatly included farming and livestock for the population to make into food, as well as taverns, several shipyards, and many military installations as well as government offices. Needless to say, included in the economy are restaurants, clothing manufacturers, and other areas needed for a functioning society.

Food and Liquor

See also: Farmer Gurri

The making of liquor and farming, both crops and livestock, employed some 38 percent of Romulan workers. This did not include their children who assist with the chores after their studies are done, as every set of hands is needed. Crops included aleberries, fruits, and grains, the aleberries made into Romulan Ale by the people who grow them, similar to winemakers on Earth and other planets. The farmers and drink makers of Romulus typically lived in smaller townships, due to the amount of land needed for the plants and animals. However, after the supernova, most of these crops and animals were lost and now are in the process of being replaced with others such as cows, chickens, or wheat.

Government Employees

Government employees, including those in the shipyards, make up around 37 percent of the workforce on Romulus. Perhaps the largest parts of this group are the Tal Shiar and the Star Navy Shipyards.

Tal Shiar Headquarters

The government offices made up around 43 percent of the economy of Romulus. The location of the Tal Shiar headquarters was unknown, however it was believed to have employed around 900,000 people who did not dress in their uniforms until they showed up to work for their own safety. The R&D Division was the most populous as it was full of scientists and engineers working on projects for use by the Tal Shiar. There were also prisoners of war and captured civilians from other powers such as the Federation, the Klingon Empire, the Cardassian Union, the Gorn Hegemony and others for experimental study for bioweapons against these peoples to be used by the Tal Shiar and the Romulan Star Navy. The Mind Warfare Division was the smallest division given the sensitive nature and ethical questions surrounding it and its members were selected very carefully. Also, Tal Shiar agents out of uniform constantly walk the streets of Romulus, ensuring the loyalty of the population, creating a mood of paranoia and suspicion.

Local Governments

Governments of the many cities and provinces of Romulus did not have much power considering how close they were to the heart of the Imperial government. The Imperial government often overrode orders of the local governments and did not give them prior notice. However, the local governments took their frustration out on the local people by adding to their already high taxes. This does not mean that the local governments were all well run; some of the city and provincial governments allowed situations like hovercar garages or roads in disrepair to become extreme before actually handling the situations, and then took a longer time than necessary finishing the job.

Senate and Imperial Government

See also: Romulan Senate

The Senators themselves are born to their positions although they are a small fraction of the government. Indeed, it is their various aides, secretaries, janitors, and other employees that make up most of the senatorial staff. The aides have some influence with their employers, though not much and must be careful to not overuse it as they may be killed for doing so. The secretaries know much about what happens in each senator's day, however, they do not always know the details as half the time it is not written down out of self-preservation. Each aide and secretary keep their silence to keep themselves alive, unless they happen to be a part of the dissident movement.

Romulan Star Navy Shipyard

The shipyard found in orbit of Romulus was destroyed at the time of the supernova but when it was there it employed some 3 million Romulan workers in positions of engineer, secretary, and administration jobs among others. Many of the Romulan warships in the Star Navy were built here, though the ones that were in progress in 2380 were also destroyed.

Gurrhim tr'Sedhri

Gurrhim tr'Sedhri owned around 60 percent of the farms for both crops and livestock on the planet, causing many to call him Farmer Gurri and criticize him for being a simple farmer when he could have been much more. However, his family and clan were large enough that they consolidated under one person to take care of everyone in the family, and that was Gurrhim. Gurrhim and his clan became so rich that he opened his own research and development office, officially for the genetic engineering of plants and animals. However, he also created technologies such as a device that cloaked itself, its carrier, deadened any listening devices, stored around 500 petabytes of information, along with several other functions. However, Gurrhim died when Hobus went nova and it is unknown whether any of his property survived.

Geographical Data

Continents and Islands

Brel'kar
The continent of Brel'kar was the largest continent on the planet Romulus occupying half the eastern hemisphere and as such was the most ecologically diverse. It was also home to the larger part of the population and the home to the highest point on the planet, Mount Al'kathel. The northernmost parts of Brel'kar reached almost to the artic region of Romulus and was home to many types of artic wildlife such as the Northern Thrai. The temperature was frigid and, similar to the northern and southern regions on other planets, night was constant in the winter though summer provided much sunshine as a balance to this. The winds coming off the polar ice cap made for some frigid weather, though they met warmer air coming over the mountains, creating summer thunderstorms and winter snow. The natives of this region, once called the the T'areshi, thought it was a tundra half the year and a cold swamp the other half. Floods were always a danger in this region.
The Tallasreld region surrounded two inland seas, the Sea of Vrekess and the Sherdak Sea and the climate ranged from northern temperate to temperate. Great forests dominated the landscape where it was not devoted to farming or urban areas. Trees ranged from smaller fruit trees to enormous evergreens, the largest of which were found near the T'aresh mountains. The area near the T'aresh mountain range could be quite cold due to the elevation and location though the rest of this area remained warmer because of the many seas in the region. These seas lent to an enormous amount of rainfall, meaning it was good for agriculture including the aleberries and the golden wheat-like grain that was also used in the ale, vareet.
South of the Thal'Tharin river and Sherdak Sea the landscape became plains occasionally broken by groups of hills. This region, along with the central plains, produced around one-third of the naturally-grown food on Romulus. Waves of grains could have been seen for months at a time in this part of the planet along with hundreds of farm animals including domestic hlai. Though they were not suited for agriculture, the wooded hill areas housed many of the ale makers of Romulus due to the natural springs located there, though the exact plants that were used in each brewery's recipe were closely guarded secrets. In the towns on the plains one may have found a bakery instead of a brewery. Brel'kar breads and pastries were among the favorites on the planet. The western plains of Brel'kar are also the most populous on the planet due to the large capitol city of Ki Baratan located on the Apnex Sea.
The eastern hills and Kae'Raktar Mountain Range on Brel'kar filled the eastern central part of the continent, and only a small strip of flat land existed between the hills and the ocean. Though this part of Brel'kar continent was cut by the equator, the altitude caused the temperature to be much cooler than one might expect and created a very pleasant climate. Many small forests were here, from evergreen forests in the higher elevations and more jungle-like growths at lower elevations.
The Vally of Chula, one of the most loved areas on Romulus, cut right through the heart of the Kae'raktar Mountains. The valley was very large and contained picturesque views throughout the year and the most beautiful climate on the planet. At the western pass into Chula, the Praetor's Summer Palace was perched on a high hill overlooking the valley. Similar to the palace in Ki Baratan, it consisted of many buildings grouped together to form a small administrative city. The Praetor came here during the hot summer, as it was cooled by the Valley's breezes. The Tor'ren River had roiling rapids that have defied many boaters and is one of the great recreation areas in the Valley. The nearby Fareldi Brewery, perhaps the greatest of the Romulan brewers, used Tor'ren water to create their ales. Many resorts catering to the wealthy could have been found throughout the Valley.
The central plains and southern woodlands seemed bucolic next to the western coastal plains, even desolate in places. Dwellings here were relatively sparse, and few of them would have qualified as cities. Instead, much of the land was given over to large robotic farms that grew stapes of the Romulan diet including gresh, a ricelike vegetable. In places it was left wild, such as the southernmost part of the continent which contained several swampy jungle areas that were largely unexplored. However, it was rumored that the Tal Shiar had a few facilities in those swamps.

Novok
The Novok continent was home to the Ar'hael Desert and to the lowest point on the planet, the Valley of Fire. Running parallel to Brel'kar, it was a narrow, mountainous continent and was once part of a much larger landmass. Novok, Folloss, and Umrika were believed to have formed a single continent that would have dwarfed any of the other continents. Millions of years ago geological forces ripped this megacontinent apart, forming three smaller continents. Other tectonic activity wore away at Novok, tearing islands away from it here and there, eventually forming sevearl archipelagoes, including the D'vrex. What remained was a thin strip of land supported by a large chain of mountains, the Sen'lanarc. Where the continent "bent" slightly in the middle, a desert, the Ar'hael, was formed.

Much of the northern part of Novok had a tropical or subtropical climate due to the equator "slicing" the continent. Only the northern third qualified as temperate but many who lived here believed it was the nicest place on the planet to live. Three major rivers, each coming the high peaks of the Sen'lanarc Mountains, flowed through this part of Novok. The largest, the Balsanra River, was one of the few northward-flowing rivers on the planet and was broad, deep, and slow. Superstitious old people told the legends of the water spirits who lived in it. In contrast to the Balsanra, the H'relgath and Tai'eld were fast, noisy, and shallow. All three supported many towns and small cities which used them for water, commerce, and fishing. The largest city on that part of Novok was Omrashar, located on the coast of the White Sea at the delta of the Tae'eld River. One of the cities first founded by the Romulans, Omrashar retained much of its sleepy, backwater feels. Tall buildings built mainly of ivory-colored and rust-colored stone line the streets which themselves are generally narrow. These large buildings blocked the sweltering sun at all times except high noon. Many people vacationed here to take advantage of the tranquil lifestyle.

The Southern third of Novok streched south and east away from the equator until it barely touched the South Mendlanar Sea. One would normally expect parts of it to have been much colder, bnut the currents in the Sea of Lerodan and warmer weather patterns pushing their way down from Brel'kar kept the temperature raised to temperate levels. The portions of the Sen'lanarc Mountains in this part of the continent were once mined for minerals. Coastal cities such as Ch'eren and Varald, were seaports and shipyards, but the ships they helped build shortly before the supernova were mainly shuttlecraft for space not sailboats, though a few boatsmiths could have still been found.

Folloss
Folloss was the smallest landmass on Romulus and was known as the "Island Continent". It had a reputation for being a cold, inhospitable place and while this was true for the northern portions of the continent, which approached the world's artic circle, its southern subcontinent was actually brushed the equator, making it a very comfortable place to live, the favorite of many Romulans. It rested between the North Mendlanar, White, and Apnex Seas. Poets had often written of its "windswept shores" and the "wave-tossed sould" of its people, but the continent had much to offer that had nothing to do with the sea.

The part of Folloss that was the most well-known in Romulan culture was Fal'seras--the far northern third of the continent (generally defined as all parts north of the Anverok Mountains). The first Romulans to reach Folloss settled here centered around large community meeting halls, where folk would gather in winter to pass the long nights. Although not nearly as cold as the lands of the T'areshi in the far north of Brel'kar, the Fal'seras could be quite frigid when the artic winds blew down from the North Mendlanar Sea. Farther inland on the northern bank of the Gend'eroth River was the largest city of the Fal'seras, Namreshand, which boasted a population of over a million Romulans. It was founded over 1500 years ago to serve as a trading post for the various small communities and families scattered across the Fal'seras. The Anverok Mountains themselves were mined for the mineral kavlarium and Namreshand and other towns became mining towns when it was discovered.

Between the Anverok Mountains in the north and the Des'Reval Mountains on the south dominated the central regions of Folloss. The combination of altitude and latitude led to a northern temperate climate. which, while appealing to some, limited the growing season of plants and led to the invention of Romulan replication technology, enabling more people to live there. The only exception to this was the Keldrak Peninsula on the western coast. The peninsula thrust out and westward as if to point an accusing finger at the continent of Valcaria, which the peninsula nearly touches. The narrow strip of water between them, the Jendranaz Strait, was an important commercial route for over a thousand years. The Jendranax Current flows from northeast to southwest and helps to warm the peninsula. At the very tip of the peninsula is the city of Peldrad which was home to more than six million Romulans. The Romulans said that whatever one sought--finances, fortune, fame, or philosophy--could be found in Peldrad. Nearly three-fourths of the entertainment industry had their bases here and more performers and poets could be found on street corners and in cafes, trying to get a break. Though many entertainers and artists lived here, the city also had a thriving business and manufacturing community.

The delta of the vast D'Gansar River was called the Tel'Garch Subcontinent by Romulans. The D'Gansar River flowed almost straight south from the Des'Raval Mountains to empty itself in the Apnex Sea. Though not as fast or fierce as other rivers, the D'Gansar was the broadest river on the planet. At the river's delta was the city of Atremon Trel, a busy seaport and commercial zone. Atremon Trel was not the most interesting city on the D'Gansar though as that distinction fell to Tephren, one of the holiest places on Romulus. It was founded by several priestly orders a few centuries after the Romulans first landed on the planet. The city contained the largest, most ornate temples on the planet and even those who did not believe in the Romulan gods experienced awe when they saw their vastness and beauty.

Bodies of Water

Apnex Sewa
The Apnex Sea was a large body of water on whose coast the capitol city of Ki Baratan is located. The administration district, also known as the Government Quarter, had a view of this sea.

Other Known Bodies of Water

  • Balsanra River
  • Garenak Sea
  • Haverelar Sea
  • Nelrek Ocean
  • Sherdak Sea
  • Terelix Straits
  • Sea of Vrekess

Cities

Ki Baratan
Ki Baratan, originally called Dartha, was the capitol city of the Romulan Star Empire. People in this city were under even more scrutiny from the Tal Shiar than elsewhere on Romulus due to the government offices being located in this city. It was where the Romulans first settled the planet after the journey from Vulcan and was originally little more than a seaside village. It is bordered by the Apnex Sea on one side, plains to the north, and hills to the east and south. Ki Baratan attracts all manner of peoples, from government officials and military personnel, to senators and noble families, to the commoners who simply wish to see the capitol for a day. Over twenty million Romulans once called this place home, a good many of them employed by the government. Over a thousand years ago, Ki Baratan was rebuilt as a more structured and planned community to appeal to the Romulans' sense of organization, efficiency, and grandeur and as such many of the most magnificent buildings and statues were from this time period. Walking the streets of Ki Baratan and looking upon large buildings constructed in an ornate style topped with towers one could gain a sense of wonder, which was in fact the entire point. On the less traveled roads, the buildings became smaller with a more personal feel to them yet keeping the sense of grandeur in their designs.

Dal'gareth
Dal'gareth was the largest city on Romulus before the supernova, and thus the most influential in politics and in culture. Celebrities lived here, and many clothing designers were from Dal'garath, located in the southern region of Bral'kar on the coast of the Nelrek Ocean. It is also what equates to a whaling town as well as a fishing town and has a maritime museum, showing the evolution of Romulan sailing techniques.

Dinala
Many game hunters and assassins lived in Dinala due to the large game preserves surrounding the city. Many Tal Shiar operatives honed their skills here while hunting competitions regularly took place in the forests surrounding Dinala.

Krocton Settlement
The Krocton Settlement was an urban area on Romulus that held over 1 million people. The Romulan dissident movement, aided by Ambassador Spock, was active in this settlement and spread quietly throughout the surrounding region. Captain Picard and then-Lieutenant Commander Data came to Rateg to find Ambassador Spock and bring him back to the Federation for trial, not knowing about the dissident movement.

Caranam
The most interesting thing about the city of Caranam were its walls that surrounded the city. The Romulans claim that the stones for the walls were brought to Caranam from the D'Kalla Mountains to the northwest. Visitors often climbed to the parapets by means of the stairs and looked out over the sands to the north as the Caranamsu did long ago while on the lookout for invasion. Visitors often noticed the gren-brown color of the stones on the northeast corner of the city which were stained with the blood of many Romulans in an ancient battle. The basis for this was a ballad by L'Reanas, a great storyteller on Romulus.

Calanista The town of Calanista was widely known for its wine known as nectar in Federation Standard. Many others tried to imitate the quality of the Calanistsu nectar-makers, however none were able to do so. The low fields near the river's mouth provides year-round irrigation while the temperature, humidity and water quality make for perfect conditions for the ovila grain used in this unique drink. Calanistsu Nectar used to be quite expensive due to the limited amount of ovila that could be grown. Some of the Calanistsu nectar-makers were able to leave with their equipment and some seeds they needed for the nectar.

Portora
Portora was the site of the original council where S'Task and his colleagues voted on the issues facing the Romulan people. The chambers were changed to a museum after S'Task's death though nothing of the museum remains.

Kannassarum
The town of Kannassarum was noted at once for the great mountains that surrounded the city and for being the Empire's first space center. The people in Kannassarum were hardier than the rest of the population due to the need for strength, endurance, lung capacity, and adaptability. The space center continued to employ several thousand Romulans until its destruction in 2380. The Romulans are in the process of rebuilding what they lost at Kannassarum.

Points of Interest

Firefalls of Gal Gath'thong
The Firefalls were perhaps some of the most spectacular visual sights made by nature on the planet Romulus or perhaps in the sector. A chain of active volcanoes that for some reason the Romulans were never to determine constantly seeped lava from their peaks and over their rocky faces to cool as it approached the ground, thus creating a literal firefall similar to a waterfall. However, due to the nature of lava, one cannot stay in the region indefinitely due to the sulfur in the air.

Ar'hael Desert
Ar'hael was a large desert on Romulus located near the equator. It was one of the few deserts on Romulus that the Romulan people were not able to terraform due to the mountain range on its northern and eastern side, preventing rainfall from the south due to their sheer size. On the west, powerful winds from the White sea drove away rain from the Garenak sea from the east. This created a large desert several million kilometers in size. The lowest point in the desert was the Valley of Fire which was known to reach temperatures of 54C (130F).

Hall of State
The Hall of State was where the Imperial government offices were located and where Senate meetings and votes took place. It was also where the Senators had their offices and kept their files, unless it was sensitive information and then they might have taken it home to put on their personal computers. A round circular building whose shape every Romulan knew, it was located on one side of the Plaza of the Endless Sky and its steps rose almost 100 ft, said to be a challenge to whoever entered its halls. Only a true Romulan would be able to climb those steps and not be so winded as to stop for breath before entering. This was later to be proven to be a superstition only as it required physical endurance only to climb the stairs. In the middle of the staircase stood a huge statue of Valkis, the first Romulan emperor. His hand stretched out to benevolently shelter his people from harm and as the senators pass beneath the statue each day, they were reminded of the ideals and honor which the statue represents. It also contained a massive library used by many Romulans, similar to the Library of Congress on old Earth. Unfortunately, this library was lost when the star went nova.

Plaza of the Endless Sky
The Plaza was a large open area two square kilometers wide and broad. It was the center of the government quarter and much of the city's social life was focused there. Many events and festivals took place there and many thousands of Romulans went there simply to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. On other times, speeches by the Praetor or Military personnel took place here or other civic events.

Boulevard of Heroes
The Boulevard of Heroes was noted for being so large it was capable of being seen from space and ran from the shores of the Apnex Sea to the center of Ki Baratan. War monuments and statues of historic Romulan war heroes lined the median. These included the statue of Emperoir Salangen, the Laneshra Monument, and the Mausoleum of Reldek the Great among others. Though the lease on such a location was exorbitant many shops, both elegant and quaint, lined the boulevard. Grass, fruit trees, and other flora were present to beautify the boulevard, which terminated at the Plaza of the Endless Sky.

The Praetor's Palace The side of the Plaza of the Endless Sky opposite the Hall of State was home to the Praetor's palace, formerly the Emperor's palace. This building was where the praetor lived and where he held many of his government functions. The Praetorian Guard, elite soldiers from the ground forces in the Romulan Star Navy, stood guard at every entrance to the building. The palace, which was in fact more of a compound than a single building, was almost a city in itself. It had not only offices and apartments, but gardens and recreation centers for the praetor and his guests to enjoy.

History

See also: Romulan History