The
Romulan Star Empire |
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The Romulan Star Empire had its beginnings nearly two millennia ago, when the remnants of an exploratory fleet of Vulcan starships settled the twin planets the Federation later named "Romulus" and "Remus", both worlds of great natural beauty. These transposed Vulcans predated the revolution in logic invented by Surak, and as such were violent and warlike. The Romulan Star Empire began a program of slow and steady expansion that continues to this day. 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 Star Empire fought a war with Earth from 2156 to 2160. Their forces were greatly inferior to Terra's, but they vastly outnumbered the Terran vessels. After a humiliating defeat at the Battle of Cheron, they sued for peace via subspace radio. No human ever saw a Romulan face- to-face until 2266. Two years later the Romulan Star Empire established a formal alliance with the Klingon Empire. They traded their cloaking technology in return for improved starship designs. 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 they entered a phase of extreme isolationism - possibly due to internal civil war - from which they have only recently emerged, in 2366. This was due to the unprecedented destruction of Romulan outposts along the Neutral Zone, which has since been proven to be the work of the Borg. They have devoted considerable efforts to weakening the Federation/Klingon alliance since the 2340's, and are pleased at the recent hostilities between those two powers. 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, an efficient body organized in a fashion similar to that of the ancient Terran Roman military, with ranks such as centurion, decurions, etc. Internal order in the Empire is maintained by the Tal Shiar, an elite Romulan Imperial Intelligence Service somewhat analogous to the 20th century Terran KGB. The Tal Shiar is a secretive and brutal extragovernmental agency with the power to investigate both Romulan civilians and military officials. It can arrest civilians without trial, overrule local military commanders, and make people "disappear". It is not popular, but its rule is not questioned. 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 Empress of the Imperial Romulan State is the head of government and head of state of the recently-proclaimed Imperial Romulan State. The Imperial Romulan State's existence was first proclaimed by Donatra, a former commander in the Imperial Fleet of the Romulan Star Empire, in late 2380, who appointed herself the first Empress. Technologically, the Romulan Star Empire is slightly less advanced than the Federation. They have always lagged behind in ship design, however, their new D'deridex-class Warbird has more than closed the gap. Their cloaking technology has always given them a certain edge. Furthermore, Romulans 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. They frequently operate small interstellar scout ships used for spy missions. Their mind control and torture methods are frighteningly advanced. 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. Despite the patriotism of the average citizen, there is a great Romulan fondness for things Vulcan, and there was recently a popular movement for reunification with Vulcan, which was sadly coopted by the military. This movement has gone underground and is popular with many young Romulans, who are interested in learning about logic and the teachings of Surak. There are rumors that this movement is being lead by Federation hero Ambassador Spock. This movement is more prevalent on Remus, the sister planet to Romulus. 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 status of the Rihannsu Star Empire as of 2384: The Leadership: The Military: The Tal Shiar: CURRENT STATUS:
Truce Under Effect |