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| Alien Species: Romulans and Vulcans | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sunday, 3. June 2007, 21:02 (939 Views) | |
| Moose | Sunday, 3. June 2007, 21:02 Post #1 |
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Rakurai, Alice, Ael and Olivia
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The Romulan civilization began when the Declared split from the Vulcan ancesters and began to travel to begin a new civilization among the stars. In their native tongue, Romulans call themselves Rihanna (meaning the "Declared") and their two worlds, ch'Rihan and ch'Havran, are both worlds of great natural beauty. Rihanna are spirited, passionate people, strong sense of history, are politically and culturally motivated, the very anti-thesis of Vulcans. There is an old Rihannsu proverb that sums up the culture rather well -- Certain it is and sure: love burns, ale burns, fire burns, politics burns, but cold were life without them. Romulans too, have telepathic capacity, many Romulans is able to 'mind brush' others when touching another. The mind brush is not quite as Intimate as a Mind Melt is. Romulans are contact telepaths. Couples, "married" Romulans is capable of reading each others' minds but only by touch, an automatic and temporary link of minds occur, however partners can sometimes block out their own thoughts. Romulans have very long life spans like Vulcans. Around 80 BC (Earth date), a Vulcan philosopher named Surak, began to practice the control of emotions, and publicly stating that logic was the way to peace. His ideals were very slow to spread and it took many years before people began to take him very seriously. But, he did recieve some followers. One of which was a young man named S'Task and he was Surak's finest pupil. Around 20 BC, the first signals from an alien race were received on Vulcan. However, the aliens did not come in peace. They were Orion slave pirates, and they wanted the Vulcans for their slaves. The Orions captures many of Vulcan's leaders, including S'Task, who had gone to greet the aliens. This began the greatest of Vulcan's wars. They fought with their more primitive space ships, but they were not enough to beat the Orions. They used their mind talents to manipulate the Orions into attacking each other or to drive their ships into the sun. S'Task had escaped captivity, and began to form a rebbelion against the Orions. He and his followers over-powered the pirates and eventually crash his ship into the Orion mother ship. He escaped in an escape pod, and was found weeks later, almost dead, but kept alive by his own anger. This began the split between Surak and his student S'Task. S'Task left Vulcan with 17 ships. The Declared decided to avoid all areas located on the Orions star maps, so that they would be sure not to run into them. The Declared where followers of S'task who had a different view than his friend Surak. Surak was teaching the Vulcan philosophy of logic. While S'Task remained true to the old ways of honour. Soon the two philosophies began to clash and S'Task decided to leave the home world with his disciples to save it from being torn apart between two philosophies. S'Task left with 80,000 people in seventeen ships and began a journey through the solar system looking for a new home world. While on there quest for a new home world many of the seventeen ships where lost. The "Great Migration" using primitive fusion powered starships which left a string of Vulcaniod/Romulaniod colonies in their wake. In the Kaleb sector, the Taugus sector and adjoining areas of space near the later Romulan Neutral Zone and the Klingon Empire, still today the remains of these ancient Romulan colonies can be found, e.g. on Yadalla Prime, Calder II, Dessica II, Draken IV. While these planets were formerly uninhabited, the Romulans discovered in the same sectors, planets like Barradas III, which were outposts of another space-travelling cilivisation - the Debrune, a species related to Orions. Romulans settled there for 50 years as they build new ships to continue the Migration. 1,300 years after leaving Vulcan, the survivors landed on the twin planets the Federation later named "Romulus" and "Remus". The Great Migration ended with around 4 ships & 18,000 people made planetfall on ch'Rihan and ch'Havran (In Terran Romulus and Remus) At planetfall, the Travellers found themselves suddenly with two empty worlds to populate. Land was distributed by lottery, and most of the population debarked, leaving only a few small "Ship Clans" who were reluctant to abandon the far-travel ships completely. After Planet Fall, most of Romulus was covered in a marshes. They had little houses on stilts around mudwork. The mud work became part of this central core and that was where the old part of the city —the Forum and Senate buildings— was located. As the city expanded going away from that, the buildings became bigger and more technological. For the next 600 years, the new inhabitants of Romulus fought to "tame" the planet. They enslaved the Remans on a neighboring planet. Once that was done, the people again turned to thoughts of an easier life. The citizens devoted themselves to art and the sciences, and life was prosperous and enlightened. All were relished and enjoyed. However, life on the two worlds was not idyllic: of the 18,000 Rihannsu who settled on the two worlds, approximately 6,000 died in the first ten years of their settlement. Oddly enough, these 6,000 did not die of disease or starvation, but mostly from the violent deaths of war. Upon settling down the Rihannsu promptly picked up where things had left off on Vulcan, warring and feuding for various reasons, primarily territory and resources. In such an atmosphere it was only a matter of time before a warlord emerged to impose a central structure on the factions and clans by force, and such a warlord was T'Rehu, the Ruling Queen. T'Rehu built up an army in about 67 AS (After Settlement) and within 10 years had more might than any in the Two Worlds. When her power was sufficient, she brought her armies to the Grand Council and there demanded recognition. Only S'Task stood before her, and turned and left when the Council granted her demands. A few years later famine struck both planets. However, 20 years is a short time in the history of a world and after hurting under her rule for several years the warlike clans of the Eastern continents of ch'Havran revolted and defeated her armies. In place of the Ruling Queen, a Tricameral house of Praetorate and Senate was set up which was sufficiently resilient to have survived to this day. Romulans gained warp capability 21 years (2082) after Zephram Cochrane's historic flight. Then a series of disasters struck. The system-wide management computer system, 'Daughter' was destroyed by a group of radicals against technology. Malfunctioning flood gates unleashed water that destroyed whole cities and killed half of the population. Called the 'Great Collapse', it took nearly a century to recover and rebuild. 2138, the Romulans killed most of the Coradori after a 5 year war. The Coradori only had a population of 190 million, compared to 743 million Romulans. The Coradori surrendered and was made a slave labor subclass of Romulan society. The Romulan Star Empire is born in the aftermath of this victory. 11 years later, the Vulcan scout ship T'sannu began a survey mission into the eastern galactic frontier beyond the Qualor and Tarod Systems. According to the mission plan, the crew was to survey the Reticuli (Tranome Sar) System, and the Alpha Mensae (Sotarek) System. The total mission duration was expected to be approximately 42 weeks. It is not known whether the Vulcans on board realized just who they had found. The Romulans, on the other hand, knew exactly who these intruders were, and a panicked patrol ship commander destroyed the T'sannu and collected the debris for analysis. The Romulan reaction to this incident -- people start to wonder what the Vulcans were doing there, the government and military brew this into a public panic. 2153, First Contact with Humans. A pair of Romulan ships investigated. They feared these humans were powerful, a major threat. A fleet of warships is ordered to be built. From 2156 to 2160, the Romulans fought a war with Earth. See Romulan-Earth war. After a brief but very bloody war for both sides, the Romulans suffered a humiliating defeat at the Battle of Cheron, they sued for peace via subspace radio. Heads rolled after the end of the war. The Romulan government was completely humiliated, had to completely rebuild-- became much more war-like society, suspicious of any new alien contact. Romulans had contacts with the Klingon empire but when they became allies with the Federation they are treated as the Federation. The Romulan Empire gave the cloaking device which was traded for one of their ship designs, superior armor and improved warp engine technology. Nowadays there are still conflicts with the Federation and the Klingon Empire. No human ever saw a Romulan face-to-face until 2268 and lived to tell about it. The Romulans, however, regarded the Klingons as too barbaric to be trusted, and this alliance collapsed in a racial acrimony which endures to this day. In 2311 the Romulans entered a phase of extreme isolationism --possibly due to internal civil war-- from which they emerged in 2366. The Romulan Star Empire was an important part of the alliance that ended the Dominion War; unfortunately, wartime alliances tended to break down at the end of that conflict, and the Federation relationship with the Romulans has been in a state of flux until the war against the Tholians and the Grey. On the Romulan homeworlds groups formed who support reunification with Vulcan. Until recently, the Romulan Star Empire was slightly less advanced than the Federation technologically. However, their new Khellian class Warbird has more than closed the gap. Khellians are armed with plasma and graviton weapons, mount a phase cloaking device, and feature an artificial singularity-powered warp propulsion system. The movements of these highly advanced vessels are nearly impossible to track, and Starfleet still has not obtained a close sensor scan of one. In addition, it is not known just how many of these vessels exist. The combination is extremely worrisome, to say the least. Romulan cloaking technology has always given them a certain edge. Romulans also excel in war "by other means." They place a high premium on espionage and the sneak attack. They have been known to send agents into areas to engage in the destabilization of governments. Their newest starship designs, the Warbird vessels are impressive in its size and power and has become the mainstay of their fleet. Larger than Starfleet's Sovereign class and equipped with an improved cloaking device system, the warbird is the single greatest vessel threat to Federation security. While this massive ship employs a variety of large and small disruptor weaponry rather than phaser banks, these weapons are equally destructive due to a modification in their resonant frequency amplification process. The vessel is also, of course, equipped with multiple photon torpedo tubes; second most powerful disruptor cannon in the Beta Quadrant and finally: the devastating plasma torpedo; a Romulan innovation. A year before the Dominion war ended, the Romulans began to allocate an enormous percentage of Imperial resources and funds to the construction of modern starships and upgraded facilities with which to service them. In the span of 11 years, they were able to assemble over 414 vessels. These are put together in the vast orbital shipyards the Romulans built over the span of 60 years, and are never launched all at once, but instead carefully concealed from prying eyes with stolid determination and clever misdirection. By 2385, the Romulan fleet is over 715 capital starships strong plus an unknown number advanced battlecruisers who's location, tactical strengths and abilities is almost completely secret as well. In Early 2382, the Talarians launched a general assault on the Romulan colonial strong point of Nova Aegyptus, initiating a major naval engagement with the fleet stationed there. In the midst of the battle, the Talarian forces found themselves outflanked by a large, hitherto unseen Romulan armada built secretly supposedly during the last months of the Dominion War, but in reality over a decade in preparation as well as efficiently redeployed vessels of the already active Romulan fleet. Executing a series of brilliant maneuvers, General Aerus completely shattered the Talarian line of battle and inflicted a devastating defeat on their forces. This may be the single most disturbing development the Federation has heard of after nearly a decade of peace. Despite brokering a form of detente with many other races, the Romulan Empire remains a perpetual foe of the Federation. Romulans do have a first and last name (unlike Vulcans). Romulans also have two middle names. Most first names are no more than three syllables. It is perfectly good etiquette to address a superior or a comrade by their main (first) name. The two names following these were given to you by parents. These names are usually only used in extremely formal situations where whoever you are addressing is so important that his/her full name must be used. Last name is the family name. A family name is always preceded by t' or tr'. This name is only used when identifying someone or when addressing someone of importance. Some Romulans put Cha' in front of their last names, rather than t' or tr'. Cha' is a more ancient version, so it is much less common than t' or tr', e.g.: Lo T'lenar. The Tal Shiar (shiar'rim) Shiar'rim means Soft Rain, it used to be noble Crown Corporation, Shiar'rim evolved after its war with Earth, into the elite Romulan imperial intelligence service. The Tal Shiar is a secret, often brutal, sometimes extra governmental agency that enforced loyalty throughout the Romulan citizenry and military. Tal Shiar agents carry broad discretionary powers and are able to overrule field military commanders with little fear of reprisal from government authorities. Some elements of Romulan society, including members of the military, feels the Tal Shiar's tactics to be unnecessarily brutal, but such opinions are rarely spoken publicly for fear of retribution that include the sudden "disappearance" of family members. Three Romulan naval traditions are interesting to make note of, (1) the commander of a ship has to enter a password into his/her personal computer every 22 hours or the self-destruct will activate, the reason appears to be to discourage mutiny (quite fitting of a paranoid people). (2) no emergency transporters have been installed aboard any ships, and that (3) all ships are equipped with an advanced self-destruct device, that leaves nothing intact larger than a shoe if used. Romulans enjoy all aspects of life to the fullest, reveling in their experiences. Even seemingly unpleasant experiences like death and war are cherished for their intensity. This does not mean that the Romulans have spurned logic. In battle (physical or political) some Romulans can be just as annoyingly calm and rational as their distant Vulcan cousins. The difference is that thoroughly enjoy the emotions. In interstellar relations, the Romulans have generally preferred to react to actions of a potential adversary, rather than committing themselves beforehand. Romulan citizens are a paranoid and dominated lot, but most are extremely loyal to their Empire. Some dissidents exist; a few of these seek asylum in the Federation, although this is often a cover for spies. Romulans carefully regulate their shipping, and so are not as affluent as the Federation. However their blue Romulan Ale, though illegal, has become a very popular beverage in the Federation, and a great deal of wealth can be made by smuggling it. The Romulans seem to honestly believe that they are destined to rule the galaxy and are constantly working towards this end. The Romulan Star Empire began a program of slow and steady expansion that continues to this day. The Empire covers an area about ninety percent of the size of the Federation, located "east-northeast" of the Federation in the Beta quadrant. The "Romulan Neutral Zone," a no man's-land about a light-year across, separates the two powers. Romulan member worlds are ruled with an iron fist, and have their indigenous governments replaced by Romulan ruling parties. Romulans give neither quarter nor compassion to their subject worlds. The Romulan seat of power is centered on Romulus (ch'Rihan). It is a totalitarian government ruled by an individual called the Praetor, who is advised by an Imperial Senate. The government relies heavily upon its military and intelligence branches (the Tal Shiar) to maintain internal order. The Imperial Senate is "elected", and is controlled by a Proconsul. It is not known how much these elections may be secretly controlled by the Romulan government. The Romulan government includes the Emperor, the Praetor, the Senate, the Military Command (which includes the various fleets, training command, base commands and military production), and the Civil Administration (planetary governors, etc.) The Emperor is a hereditary monarch although the lines of succession are not always clear. Theoretically a new emperor is selected by the members of the ruling House, but if they cannot agree (of it another House claims to be the rightful ruling House), the Senate makes the final decision. The Praetor is a prime minister who is selected by the Senate. The Emperor may indicate his preference in this selection, and depending on the relative political power of the Senate and Throne, the Emperor may succeed in blocking the selection of an enemy or forcing the appointment of a friend. The Praetor may be a bureaucrat who serves as Chief of Staff to an active emperor, or may be the actual power. The Senate consists of the ranking member of the various Houses. A "House" is an extended family of Romulan nobles. Various family members serve in positions within the Military Command and Civil Administration. A House will attempt to maneuver its members into positions that enhance the power, prestige and wealth of that House. By procedures that seem more Machiavellian than parliamentary, Houses can be divided or merged. New Houses can be declared and existing Houses can be declared terminated. ************* Humanoid species native to planet Vulcan. Vulcans are a humanoid alien race noted for their attempt to live by reason and logic. They suppress all emotional influence by living lives of rigid emotional self-control through meditative techniques and training of mental discipline. The main external characteristics that distinguish Vulcans from humans are arched eyebrows and pointed ears, along with a slight greenish skin tint due to their copper-based blood. Vulcans were once a passionate, violent people whose civilization was torn by terrible wars. The planet Vulcan was once a tropical paradise. But terrible nuclear bombings reduced the planet to a huge permanent desert. The vast animal and plant life was almost entirely gone. Their homeworld is a hot and arid class-M planet now. The planet has no moon. There are 17 wilderness preserves on Vulcan. The ancient philosopher Surak, revered as the father of Vulcan civilization, led his people to reject their emotions in favor of a philosophy that embraced pure logic. This remarkable renaissance became known as the Time of Awakening. Vulcan society is now based entirely on logic, and any trappings of emotion are considered to be socially unacceptable. One group did not accept Surak's teachings which led a century-long war between between the Vulcans and the 'renegades.' After the renegades were defeated, they left Vulcan in ships barely capable of 10 % lightspeed. The fate was these people were unknown until 2266 when the Enterprise (NCC 1701) made visual contact by subspace communications with a Romulan Bird-of-Prey who tested their cloaking screen by attacking and destroying Neutral Zone outposts. It is now known the 'Romulan' descendants and offshoots colonized many planets across the Alpha and Beta Quadrants until making Romulans and Romii their new homeworld. By the 24th century, however, a small number of Vulcan citizens sought reconciliation with their Romulan cousins, a movement supported by Ambassador Spock, as well as by members of a Romulan underground. In the distant past, Vulcans killed to win their mates. Even in the present, Vulcans revert to ancient mating rituals, apparently the price these people must pay for totally suppressing their natural emotions. Physically, Vulcan children grows slower than Humans which appears normal given their long lifespans of almost 200 years. When Vulcan children are about seven, their parents select a future mate, and the two children are joined in a ceremony that links them telepathically. When the two children come of age, they are compelled to join together for the marriage rituals. The time of mating, Pon farr, is when the stoically logical Vulcans pay for their rigid control by experiencing a period of total emotional abandon. In Vulcan adults, Pon farr comes every seven years. At the age of 24 to 30, Vulcans (Romulans and Vellorians as well) a experience a version of puberty called "To'ovaya" translated meaning the final growth spurt. The last phase of overall physical change in the development of a young Vulcan or Romulan. Its also quite painful. There is great variation among individuals in the severity of to'ovaya; some experience bones lengthening, hair texture changing, and weight re-distributing itself; while others experience only lesser developments. During the period, suppressed emotions become important, as stress only aggravates the condition. Because planet Vulcan has a higher gravity than Earth, and its atmosphere is thinner, Vulcans in an Earth-normal environment demonstrate greater physical strength; more acute hearing than humans, and female Vulcans are known to have a more more acute sense of smell then Male Vulcans. The intensity of the Vulcan sun caused the Vulcans to evolve a secondary eyelid to protect the retina. This inner eyelid involuntarily closes when the eye is exposed to extremely intense light. A Vulcan's heart is where a human's liver is. When injured, Vulcans concentrate their strength, blood, and antibodies onto the injured organs by a type of self-induced hypnosis. Vulcans have telepathic capacity, as practiced in the Vulcan mind meld, and a lesser technique, less intimate is the 'mind brush' . Vulcans are contact telepaths. By means of a procedure known as mind-meld, which involves physical contact with a subject, it is possible for them to share all their thoughts, experience, memories and knowledge with another individual. Vulcans can perform a mind-meld with members of most other species, most notably humans. Three well-known examples of a race impervious to the mind-meld are the Ferengi, Breen and Edenian. Many Vulcans are skilled in a self-defense move known as the Vulcan nerve pinch or neck pinch, which targets a precise location overlying the baroreceptors of the carotid sinus at the base of the humanoid neck, instantly rendering the victim unconscious. Their telepathic ability is made possible in the mesiofrontal cortex of the Vulcan brain lies the psychosuppression system responsible for the cessation of emotions. On rare occasions, this area of the brain can be disrupted following a mind-meld with a violent individual. Vulcans were the first extraterrestrials to be encountered by the people of planet Earth. On April 4, 2063, a Vulcan survey ship passed through Earth's solar system at that same time that Zefram Cochrane made his first faster-than-light spaceflight test in the Phoenix. The Vulcan ship detected the Phoenix's warp signature and realized that humans had discovered warp drive. On the evening of the next day, the Vulcan ship touched down near Cochrane's launch site in Montana. On April 5, 2063, Vulcans made first contact with humankind. Vulcan is a founding member of the United Federation of Planets. |
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