Romulan Society

Respect is the basis of Rihannsu society -- to be disrespectful is to show a lack of Mnhei'sahe. Showing respect to elders and superiors is a must in day-to-day Rihannsu life.

Every Rihannsu knows by the bearing and actions of another what rank and social status that person has. Non-verbal cues, reputation, military rank, and past experience all dictate the respect owed to each individual Rihannsu.

To an extent, Rihannsu social status and the rank of military personnel operate in parallel. Because the Rihannsu are a militarily oriented society, geared to the protection and promotion of the Empire, military service and accompanying rank are very important indicators of social status.

The person with highest status in the Empire is the Empress and Galae`Fvillha. Next most important is the Shiar`Fvillha, or chief Praetor, the Speaker of the Praetorate and one of the highest authorities within in the Empire, followed by the other members of the Praetorate. Other people's status is ordered according to rank, house status and personal accomplishments in a long chain until ending with the lowest status, that of a prisoner. Prisoners are considered even lower than slaves -- a prisoner is without honor and is not fully Rihannsu.

The Rihannsu social structure is actually much more complicated than what is presented above: there are structures within structures within structures, to the point where it is rare for any two Rihannsu to have the exact same social standing. Finally, although prestige and social standing are often related to rank, social status should not be confused for military chain-of-command. Ranks effect social structure, not vice versa.

There are many methods of which an individual may rise in status: merit and achievements (as well as military honors), subterfuge and betrayals (including blackmail and strategic use of personal or political secrets), the gaining of powerful allies, "elimination" of opponents, wealth (buying of support) and pressure tactics.

Romulan Culture

To better understand the Rihannsu culture of today one must look at the Vulcan culture of the past. The Vulcans of the past were an extremely warlike and emotional people. It was the only teachings of Surak that brought about the logical Vulcan culture of today. It was a student of Surak's, S'task, who determined after the deception of the people by a barbarous and cruel universe that logic and peace were not the answer. Thus, he lead a group of people out into the stars to create a new way of life. Based on the fundamentals of ancient Vulcan society, Rihannsu culture is a liberal admixture of old Vulcan traits and ideas evolved during their travels, called The Journey of Sundering in the ancient texts of both the Vulcan and Rihannsu people.

There is an old Rihannsu proverb that sums up the culture rather well:

"Certain it is and sure: love burns, ale burns, fire burns, and politics burns. But cold were life without them."

Rihannsu people enjoy all aspects of life to the fullest, reveling in their experiences. Even seemingly unpleasant experiences like death, and war, are cherished for their intensity.

Rihannsu religion is similar to the practice of Wicca or Druidism. They have no particular Gods or Goddesses. Rihannsu religion instead centers around the elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Space, as well as the Archelement which oversees all. In connection with this, the Rihannsu celebrate festivals to honor these elements. Each element has a festival devoted to it, with one culminating festival to the Archelement. Some of these festivals likely date back to the pre-Reformation era on Vulcan as do a few other Rihannsu practices in the area of religion. Though Rihannsu do not preserve katras as the Vulcans do, many religious ceremonies retain a distinctive Vulcan flavor.

Surprisingly, there are priests and priestesses of various sects in large numbers. Each element has, in theory, a single sect devoted to it (although in reality, many sects exist for each, some competing at cross purposes. But such is the way of the Rihannsu). There is no central leader to the sects, only a five person "Key". The Key is a group of High Priests and Priestesses (one from each of the primary sects of each major element) who hold the sects together and advise the Praetorian directly when asked. As already mentioned, there are 5 major elements -- Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Space. Strangely, there is no sect for the Archelement, although all sects join together to worship and celebrate it equally. Each of the sects has three scrolls as its basis.

These scrolls govern the daily life of the Elementals and the populace. S`Task and his followers created these scrolls and each tell of tales or legends for easy understanding without misunderstanding the true meaning. Each scroll stands for Mind, Heart, and Soul. Together they are the key to the understanding of the Archelement. There are many, many rituals, ceremonies, prayers, songs, poems, stories, tales, legends, and sonnets for respect and empowerment.

Then there are Elementals, people with whom have special gifts. While the Rihannsu are not generally psychic as a race (despite their Vulcan heritage), these Elementals are able to harness the power of the Universe in one, or (although extremely rare) more, elements. All of the exhibit powers over their bodies and their surrounds as bound by the element they specialize in, as well as other psychic powers such as telepathy.

Elementals are usually priests, and trained for such: to be both Elementals and Priests. However, there are very few people outside the priesthood who are Elementals and are never trained. These few are feared and usually vanish, some presume by (or perhaps even, into) the Tal'Shiar. There is no known list of these Elementals, but some one in ten million people have such abilities. One in one hundred million harnesses more than one element. One in one ten billion harnesses all elements.

They naturally gain power in some form, and go on to contribute to the race. Elementals carry and create spell books. Also, only Elementals use a form of Runes and glyphs for their second language which mysteriously none learn but all know. Elementals who are not in the priesthood are notorious for their sexual appetites, and their skills in various endeavors.

There is no black or white in the Priesthood itself, but the rare Elementals are known to be diverse and operate in three ranges: Black, White, or Gray. By using spells, ritual, prayer, runes, crystals and so forth, they harness the power given to them for any purpose they wish. Some Elementals of Fire are known to be able to withstand and throw bolts of plasma and even control fire and temperature. Water Elementals are excellent swimmers and manage long periods of time and incredible depths under water. They can also control the temperature of water in any and all forms. Air is managed by Air Elementals and can control climate and weather, also can throw bolts of electricity at times they also make excellent pilots. Elementals of Earth are excellent farmers and sometimes predict or control tectonic movements. Also they can create or find gemstones, and other interesting abilities with their actions. There is no known Elemental of Space, but if one existed, it would have been S`Task.

The Rihannsu also consider the Universe itself to have borderline sentience, much as a favored pet. It craves attention, and responds to such (or the lack of it) with affection (or annoyance). The Rihannsu further believe that the existence of a thing gives it the right of nobility -- to be honored and appreciated; to be named, and hence to be able to respond to that name. The Rihannsu language is therefore rich with phrases which acknowledge the sentience of the Universe such as: "Oh Elements, avert it!", "What in the Element's name?", "Elements be thanked!", "Oh Fire & Air & Earth!", "Powers and Elements!", "Elements granting" and so forth.

Romulan Behavior

This handsome, dusky olive skinned race is a passionate race. They are fierce in war, love, and play. In this respect, they have changed little from their heritage of Ancient Vulcan. They enjoy good food and trustworthy companions. Their love of life is seen in the stunning vitality, clarity and ferocity of their art.

Their devotion to duty, and their loyalty to the Empire exceeds even that of the most fanatical Klingon. Rihannsu starships are all equipped with powerful fusion explosive devices for use in the destruction of the craft. Rather than be taken prisoner, the Rihannsu would rather die with their ship. In the history of contact between the Rihannsu and the Federation, only a handful of Rihannsu officers have ever been captured, and all killed themselves during imprisonment.

Cautious at best, xenophobic at worst, the Rihannsu people have a right to paranoia born of their violent history. The experience with the Orion pirates on ancient Vulcan burned a lesson into their minds forever: Never trust an alien. In the mind of a Rihannsu, only another Rihannsu person is worthy of respect and civility. All others are discounted.

Though xenophobic, Rihannsu still carry an interest and curiosity about the Federation, particularly the human race, and admired their delicacies and history in artistry. More importantly, Rihannsu archaeologists theorize that perhaps one of the ships from the original caravan of refugees of Rihannsu people may have crashed into or on Earth.

The reason for this theory lies in the Orient. The singsong languages of Earth's Asian countries are fairly similar to ancient Vulcanese, and the Chinese and Japanese foods are prepared similar to many Vulcan and Rihannsu dishes. Plou'mek soup, otherwise a form of avian meat filled spiced soup with a form of noodle or worm (Terrans call it Chicken Noodle Soup) is curiously found in Vulcanese cookbooks thousands of years prior to the creation of it on Earth. More importantly, the original Karma Sutra is a book that contains rituals of Ancient Vulcan, many still used by the Rihannsu today. If it is true that a colony ship did land on or crash into Earth early on in their journey, then perhaps it may have been one carrying predominantly scientists and artists.

Other notable similarities are in appearance. The Asian people are similar in appearance, language, and ways. Appearance wise, they have sharp facial bone structures, almond shaped eyes, very light skin complexions (which are almost golden-olive in color), straight hair (usually worn short or long, rarely in between) and almost always cut in sharp lines, although variations appear after global expansion. They are excellent tacticians and gifted at creating technology on a miniaturized scale. They are usually inclined to stay with their own genetic kind, though that has changed over the years as to be expected. A pure Asian descendant is more likely to fall into these examples and as such, is usually devoid of most characteristically human body hair on the chest, arms, back, and legs. Most Asian people are best with logistics and are highly an emotional and traditional people -- such as the Rihannsu are.

Another reason for the theory is the belief at the center of the Rihannsu code of behavior: the importance of Mnhei'sahe. It is a measurement of inner strength and a status symbol in their culture.

Mnhei'sahe, or "the Ruling Passion", centers around a strong appreciation of honor, duty, courtesy and strength. It mirrors the Ancient Japanese samurai code of Bushido. Like the samurai, the Rihannsu intensely dislike any form of rudeness.

In all interactions between Rihannsu, it is imperative that all parties leave afterward feeling that their honor, their status (their face if you like) is intact. To do otherwise would be to deny the Mnhei'sahe of the offended party. If the offending party feels he can apologize without himself losing face, he does so. Otherwise, a duel may be in order. Or, if the disgraced party is beyond recall, those present may simply kill him, in order to preserve the memory of his honor and prevent further disgrace.

Above all, Mnhei'sahe is sensitive to the context of the situation. It is not a hard set rule, instead it is an unspoken consensus which guides the actions of all Rihannsu.

Rihannsu honor their word, when it is given to another Rihannsu -- to break with one's word means dishonor, a fate worse than death. Politeness, respect, and quiet dignity are always required if Mnhei'sahe is to be satisfied.

Rihannsu honor power as much as they honor loyalty. The goal of each Rihannsu is power -- if not for them self or their House, then always for the Empire. Though Rihannsu are always loyal to the Empire itself ((not any one person)), they can go against the 'official' government if they feel it benefits their people. For the Rihannsu, power can not be defined in the Terran terms of monetary wealth, it is the power of Mnhei'sahe, and it defines the structure within Rihannsu society.

Spitting at another's feet is a vile insult, as is cursing one's ancestry. A Rihan's vocabulary is sure to include a rich variety of original invectives for use on one's adversaries.

Mnhei'sahe is not a vague or academic term. Wars, executions, and even the deaths of entire Households can be required to satisfy Mnhei'sahe. If Mnhei'sahe is always intact within the Empire, the Rihannsu believe that they can never lose.

There are some people who have no honor. These include those who are not Rihannsu, those who dishonor themselves to the point where no one respects them, and those who act in opposition to the collective will of the empire. This is one reason why slaves are permitted. Although it stems from ancient Vulcan in historical context, it has been permitted to continue because of honor.

Most slaves are either Rihannsu criminals and miscreants or people from outside the empire (usually from the subjugated worlds conquered by the Rihannsu). In Rihannsu society, these people have no honor, and are treated as such. If these people regain some of their honor through devoted service or through other acts, it is possible that their master will set them free. The master does this to respect the honorable conduct of the slave. He or she also does it to preserve personal honor, since it is highly dishonorable for any Rihannsu to keep an honorable being in slavery

Romulan Fashion

The three main sectors of the Republic all have their differing styles, in which the traditional and the modern seem to be constantly at odds, and are only now just beginning to merge together. Traditionally, the Rihannsu are very conservative in their style of dress, preferring to stay with plain, functional clothing that was the norm within the days of the Empire. However, with the ending of the civil war, the young people of the Republic have discovered the more radical (to the traditionalists) fashions of the Northern Sector of the Republic, and have slowly, much to the horror of their elders, started to adopt this newer style. The color pallet of the Romulan people hasn't changed as much as the rest of their fashions have. They still prefer the blacks, deep browns, darker greens, and light to dark gray hues of the older styles. Though it is not uncommon to see dark, almost midnight or cobalt blues, deep purples, and the darkest of reds. This is especially true of the attire preferred by females within the Western and Northern Sectors of the Republic.

Western Sector:

It is within the Western Sector of the Republic, including the twin-worlds of ch'Rihan and ch'Havran, that a revolution between the two styles (traditional and modern) is currently taking place. The elder Rihannsu still prefer the more traditional styles of the old Empire, and the common brown and gray robes of civilians and nobles are still the much preferred unisex mode of dress with the over 200-set. House uniforms are also still very much cherished, and can still be seen at the more formal occasions. However, the younger Rihannsu, have begun to cast aside the more traditional attire and no longer wear the common robes of their elders. These younger Rihannsu prefer the more form-fitting, gender-specific clothing of the North, and it is not uncommon to see them wear the more provocative styles in place of the more traditional House uniforms as well, despite the fact that their elders obviously do not approve.

Northern Sector:

The Northern Sector of the Republic is the center for all the fashion that has been the talk of controversy among the elders of the other sectors of the Republic. It is here at the planet ch'Revellion, with it's much harsher environment then either of the twin-worlds, that a more relaxed and provocative style was born. It is not uncommon to see both males and females with nothing on their feet, but beaded thongs for embellishment. The Men wear tunics or jackets in the colder seasons, and light-weight shirts, either long or no-sleeved during the hotter seasons. The attire for women is much more provocative here in the Northern Sector as well. The preferred dresses of the Western Sector females can be seen here often in the colder seasons, but the Northern Sector females most often prefer the mid-thigh skirts and dresses for the warmer seasons. One of the most popular styles of dresses are either sleeveless, or with halter-type straps that encircle the neck, back-less, and either with one or two side slits on the longer skirts, from either hem-to-mid-calf or hem-to-hip.

Eastern Sector:

The Eastern Sector of the Republic is the furthest out from either the twin-worlds or ch'Revellion, and is therefore still clinging very much to it's fundamentalist attitude. It is here that the more traditional attire is always worn. The brown and gray robes of casual wear still is the norm, House uniforms haven't changed since their first adoption; even the haircuts are still the same close-cropped ones from the days of the old Empire. One would be hard pressed to distinguish between the genders while in the Eastern Sector of the Republic.

Military uniforms:

Romulan military uniforms are a strange lot. At one moment, they are as they were since the founding, very much the 'traditional' bland two-tone gray tunic type. At the other, they are almost more varied than civilian clothing. The reader should keep in mind that, while the following images and descriptions are accurate to the RSR's standard uniform set, the standard uniform set may not be actively used by everyone in the field.

In the case of the Galae, fleets, ships, and even individual units, which have been highly decorated by the Senate may wear uniforms and insignia of their own cut and color. Also, many naval officers wear 'semi-formal' attire while on active duty. This is often simply a family sash, scarf, or even a house crest worn on the belt, but may be as elaborate as a full vest and sword riging.

In the Tal`Shiar, not only is there no official ruling on belt and jacket usage, but there is no ruling on the amount of 'non-standard' gear which an officer may carry on standard duty. So, more often than not, a Agency unit will have a very eclectic feel-- ranging in dress from shiny black leather body suits, to dull heavy black pants, to more metallic equipment than clothing at all.

Lastly, and perhaps most ironic as they represent the most traditional side of the Republic, the Rei`Krannsu has but one rule for uniform: the standard jacket (which doubles as light protective armor) must be worn at all times. Beyond this, vests, sashes, baggy pants, tight pants, half pants, high boots, short running shoes-- all are up to the discretion of the Legion, or if on a smaller scale, the CO, to decide.

The Galae:

The Galae duty uniform consists of dark gray slacks, a gray, mid-collar tunic that is a shade or two lighter than the slacks, and ankle-length boots. Gone are the Y-shaped belts, or the over-the-shoulder belts. Instead a plain, black belt may be worn to hold a disruptor holster, and an honor-blade, if one wishes to carry them.

The dress uniform utilizes the standard duty uniform, but adds a finely-woven black and silver chain-mail shirt to go over the tunic. Senior officers may also use black capes as well. The capes may, or may not, be lined inside with the Officer's House-colors as well. The black boots for the dress uniform are mid-calf length.

The rank insignia for the Galae is worn on the left side of the mid-collar tunic for both duty and dress uniforms.

The Tal`Shiar:

The Tal'Shiar's duty uniform consists of black slacks, black mid-calf boots, and a black high-collar tunic. The tunic has fine lines of gray that streak through the material from collar-to-bottom of the hem, and collar-to-cuff of the sleeves. The rank insignia is worn on both sides of the high-collar tunic for the duty uniform.

The dress uniform also utilizes the standard duty uniform, but adds an elaborately-designed jacket that fits over the standard high-collar tunic. This dress uniform jacket is black, the hem of which is longer than the tunic, almost like 'tails', and fastens in front with five silver plackets. There is silver trim on the shoulders, the cuffs of the sleeves, and the upper lapel of the collar. The rank insignia is worn on both lower edges of this upper lapel. A black, wide belt is worn over the jacket, with a slim over-the-shoulder belt as well. A black cape that fastens on the back of the shoulders may also be worn.

Rei`Krannsu:

The Rei'Krannsu duty uniform is comprised of black slacks, ankle-length boots, and a black jacket that opens and closes along the right side of the chest area. A slim belt may also be worn to carry a disruptor holster, an honor blade, or one of the various styles of swords, if one wishes to carry them.

This same uniform also serves as the dress uniform. The additions of a modernized silver helmet, a black and silver breastplate and a back half-cape that attaches to the left shoulder and drapes down over the back to attach to the right side of the belt makes up the dress uniform. The breastplate covers both the back and front of the uniform, and is comprised of a rather stiff material that is both heat and energy dispersing, and impact resistant. Often the Rei'Krannsu will also carry their various styles of swords while in dress uniform.

The rank insignia for the Rei'Krannsu is shown on the left sleeve of both the duty and dress uniforms, about an inch below the shoulder seam.

Romulan Economy

The main economy of the former Empire is highly centralized, due to the necessities of constantly providing for the protection of the Rihannsu. The government-run Rihannsu Trading Corporation (RTC) controls all major commodity production and large scale trading, such as that between Governments within UCIP. The RTC also regulates the smaller privately owned trading companies to ensure high standards.

Trading between Rihannsu and alien races has the same character as any other economy, in which the vendor attempts to gain the best possible price from the customer while the customer attempts to gain a bargain for himself.

Trading between Rihannsu operates on extremely different principles, however. The vendor honors the buyer by offering the lowest price he can possibly give, and the buyer tries to talk the vendor up to an honorable price which he feels accurately reflects the social status of himself and his House.

For example, if a Rihannsu were to buy a bottle of wine, the vendor would first offer to sell it at cost, or perhaps less if the buyer was of particularly high status. The buyer would then make a counter-offer, providing a profit margin which reflect the power and status of himself and his family. The two then dicker until a compromise is reached, at which point merchandise changes hands.

Trades, and their effect on the society, can greatly vary amongst the Declared. While replicator technology has become a common commodity in the Republic, an interest in 'physical perfection' still drives many Rihannsu to peruse farmer/agrarian posts. Furthermore, the social enticement of land ownership, and the pride of growing high-class Romulan ale brings many more. But, for many more, industrial and semi-artisan based jobs, in the gigantic state legislated (but not always state-run) production centers, are where work is. Though much smaller in number, and socially frowned upon, Romulan underworld activities generate private revenues. Hunted viscously by the Tal`Shiar, the Romulan syndicates, pirates, crime families, and smugglers and many other unsavory but necessary workers eke out a living-- sometimes a creating greater fortunes than those of the proud noble class

Romulan Recreation

Most Rihannsu play games such as D'elo which is a game of stones and sticks that can be traced back to an ancient Vulcan. There are Arena games, similar to the Terran Olympics, where athletes (both men and women) show their prowess with various Rihannsu weapons and fighting techniques. Blood sports, such as Ke`veshrek (similar to kick boxing) and Flitter racing (anti-grav speed way racing) are also extremely popular, and are often broadcast on a regular schedule all through out the Republic.

Multi-D chess, Computer Simulated war games involving traditional and modern Romulan technology, a variety of 'blind chess formats, and a variety of card games all hold the attention of soldiers in the field, as well as those working at home. Most recently, 'portable' computer systems, developed using now outdated Tal`Shiar cipher systems, have become quite popular in the North and East. While these little devices can generate any number of puzzles for their player, most often they revolve around a simple 'layering' system, which grows in complexity (via speed, chance, and scale) over the course of the game. These systems are doubly popular, due to their ability to 'soft-link' with each other, which adds a considerably more challenging 'live' opponent to face.

While Holographic simulations and novels are available and not socially frowned upon, the Rihannsu's thirst for a real opponent, and a real experience, makes them far less popular in the RSR.

Artistic abilities show the softer side of the Rihannsu personality, balancing a fierce warrior ethic with the sensitivity of an artist. Sculpting, pottery, and carving are the most popular media -- Rihannsu prefer to work in 3 dimensional forms. In addition to the visual arts, there is writing, literature, poetry, drama and Lhi, a game of wits and riddles. Rihannsu also relish nature and enjoy the beauty of it -- most are avid hikers, riders, or mountaineers. While less common, scroll painting (a mix of calligraphic writing and light painting) has a long tradition in the Rihannsu culture.