The Rihannsu Narrator's Note: This species profile outcomes: it (temporarily) unified the Vulcan is based on data created by Diane Duane people and divided the adherents to Surak's for a series of Star Trek novels. philosophy. While the rival nation-states Just as D.C. Fontana was responsible for banded together to fight the invader, a Vulcan codifying much of what we know regarding named S'task (Surak's most prominent student) the Vulcan people, Diane Duane did the first turned away from his master, and adopted a serious, comprehensive work on the more “the ends justify the means” approach. “Romulan” people. Unfortunately, much of Even as the war with the Orions came to an her excellent material was discarded in favor end, the rift between Surak and S'task of the two-dimensional cardboard villains threatened the very unity both men were trying presented in Star Trek The Next Generation to build. and later, Star Trek:Deep Space Nine and Rather than see Vulcan destroyed or their Star Trek: Nemesis. causes reduced to one more justification for This profile is an attempt to reconcile the war, S'task gathered together his followers and different versions of the Romulan Empire into led them into space in seventeen multi- a coherent whole. Wherever possible, the generational colony ships. Because these were data has been weighted towards the on- (comparatively) crude, sub-light vessels, they screen evidence, or logically extrapolated and their descendants would be subject to the therefrom. Narrator's and players should effects of relativity- and spend nearly 500 (non- feel free to use or discard the data as needed subjective) years in space. for their campaign. Comparatively isolated in the Beta Quadrant, Ironically, much of this material has been the Rihannsu would spend nearly sixteen resurrected in the Star Trek Online hundred years in isolation- though a caprice of MMORPG and can now be found in a single the Q caused the formation of a wormhole volume: Rihannsu: The Bloodwing Voyages. which allowed a century of war with their mother planet Vulcan. By the 21st century, the Rihannsu had Known to the Federation as “the Romulans”, returned to space and were busily forming an the Rihannsu are a sister people to the Vulcans Empire-including an attempt to corrupt and who left in a diaspora just as the teachings of suborn their Vulcan neighbors. In response to Surak began to take home on their homeworld. this and other failures, and alarmed at the After much trial and error (and some rumored founding of an interstellar Federation, intervention from the Q), the Rihannsu found the Rihannsu launched a war against the the sister worlds of Ch'Rihan and Ch'Havran humans of Earth, before being defeated and on which to settle- and from which to found “confined” behind the Neutral Zone. their expand their Empire. With the end of the Earth-Romulan War, the History Rihannsu entered a period of isolation which At the Time of Surak, the Vulcan people lasted nearly a century- and which was ended were divided, fragmented, and at near-constant with unprovoked attacks on the Federation's war with one another. According to some monitoring stations along the Neutral Zone. scholars, during the first part of Surak's life, Border conflicts with the Klingons had led to a there was never more than ten year period tenuous treaty which was honored more in its when more than 30% of the planet was NOT breach than its keeping- but which did allow at war. an exchange of technology and intelligence In this maelstrom of death, violence, and between the two powers. blood-debt, two events occurred which proved Upon their return to the Galactic stage in the pivotal to the fate of both the planet and of the 2260's the Rihannsu engaged in acts of Alpha and Beta Quadrants: Surak began military, diplomatic, and technological teaching a system of ethical and reasoned brinkmanship, and establishing diplomatic ties behavior which Federation translators render as and committing acts of aggression throughout “logic”, and Vulcan was invaded by Orion the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. pirates and slavers In the 2270's Rihannsu researchers began The Orion invasion had two curious kidnapping Vulcans in order to harvest the genetic and neurochemicals necessary to Following an abortive attempt to collapse the “bootstrap” latent Rihannsu psionic Bajoran Wormhole in 2371, elements of the capabilities. Tal Shiar allied with the Cardassian Obsidian Rihannsu Commander Ael t'Rllaillieu, fearing Order in order to perpetrate the disastrous that the technology would be used to destroy Battle of the Omarian Nebula- a Dominion the last freedom's and nobilities of her own trap which seriously damaged the effectiveness people, allied with a Federation task force led of both organizations. by the Starship Enterprise and destroyed the Initially neutral in the Dominion War, the research facility, and indirectly touched off a Rihannsu joined the fight in 2374 after the Rihannsu civil war. assassination of Senator Vreenak and incurred In 2276 following the capture and heavy losses during the war. capitulation of the Rihannsu government, Ael In 2387, Rihannsu scientists noted the was installed as Empress of the Rihannsu instability of the Hobus star and Spock appears Empire, instituting a series of reforms and a before the rule that lasted through the latter part of the Rihannsu Senate to warn of the danger of a 22nd century. supernova. With additional reports of By the turn of the century, the Rihannsu dangerous instability in the Hobus Star, the Empire was again wracked by internal Rihannsu Senate finally authorized a full dissension, and Ael's policy of constructive evacuation and every available vessel was engagement with the Federation was recalled to ferry residents off-world. The superseded by aggressive military action. The evacuation was expected to take six weeks. Norkan campaign and the infamous Tomed The star exploded seventy-two hours later. Incident in 2311 cost thousands of lives and Personality led to the signing of the Treaty of Algeron The Rihannsu are (by and large) a (which reaffirmed the Neutral Zone and passionate, artistic, and often pragmatic forbade the Federation the use cloaking people- born to (comparative) poverty and a technology) and to an almost complete suspicious, almost paranoid mindset that withdrawal of the Rihannsu from galactic makes trust difficult and suspicion- particularly affairs which lasted fifty years. With the of the outsider- a way of life. exception of the Narendra III attack in 2344 “Classical” or “Old School” Rihannsu are and diplomatic overtures toward the also driven by matters of honor and a religious Cardassians in the late 2350's, the Rihannsu philosophy and mindset that mixes utter waited behind their Neutral Zone borders and ruthlessness with a passionate affection second bided their time. to none in the Universe. By 2364, Rihannsu internal dissent has been Suspicion of the outsider- if not outright rigorously quashed, and the Rihannsu returned xenophobia- are bred into the Rihannsu to the galactic stage following an attack in mindset- their rift with their Vulcan cousins is 2364 against several Rihannsu and Federation rooted in an alien invasion, and fifty colonies along the Neutral Zone. These generations have been taught that anything attacks were later identified as having been alien is probably bad- and vice-versa. perpetrated by a Borg scout ship on a survey Rihannsu strength is forged in unity and mission in the area. cooperation- and service to one's family and to As with their return to the galactic stage in the State supersedes all personal consideration. the 23rd century, the renewed Rihannsu As a general rule, though, a Rihannsu presence led to a series of acts of espionage, believes in open, honest dealings- honest aggression, and (occasionally) diplomacy. loves, honest hatreds. As a rule, a Rihannsu Diplomatic ties with the Federation were will keep his word- not for your sake, but for renewed, while at the same time the Rihannsu his name's sake. attempted to lure the Federation into acts of Of course, Rihannsu are no more “all of a war, such as the Nelvana III Incident. piece” than are humans- for every “good” Following the discovery of the Dominion in example of a Rihannsu, there is a 2370, the Rihannsu allowed a codicil which corresponding exception. allowed the Federation the loan of a cloaking device for the U.S.S. Defiant in exchange for Physiology information on the new threat. Despite nearly two millennia of isolation, the Rihannsu still broadly conform to the Vulcan Mnhei'sahe- the ruling passion- is a concept hominid norm- copper-based blood, green- of honor primarily occupied with courtesy not tinted skin, pointed ears, greater-than-standard only to the people around one, but to the physical strength and endurance. various objects and elements as well. In one There are minor chemical and physiological sense, it encompases elements that humans differences which differentiate Rihannsu from would describe as karma: in short, be kind to their Vulcan cousins, though these are more a the unverse and the universe will be kind to matter of nurture than nature. you in return. Some Rihannsu sport a slightly enlarged This courtesy, depending on circumstances, cranium, which results in a v-shaped forehead may require killing a person to do him honor, crest. or severely disadvantaging one's self on his Modern scientists believe that the Rihannsu behalf. possess the same raw telepathic potential as The ramifications are complex and often their Vulcan cousins, but the techniques and subtle- but generally, mnhei'sahe is satisfied if disciplines necessary to harness these abilities all the parties to an agreement or situation feel were lost during the Rihannsu diaspora. that their "face" or honor is intact after a social (or other) transaction. Homeworlds This concept is sometimes mistranslated as The Rihannsu are actually native to Vulcan, doing things “for the good of another.” This is but emigrated to the homeworlds of Ch'Rihan incorrect. In Rihannsu culture, one does and Ch'Havran nearly two thousand years ago, things for one's own good- or rather, the good and made these worlds their own, subjugating of one's honor- and if properly carried out, the the Reman population native to Ch'Havran. actions in question will have benefitted the Ch'Rihan is a large, lush Class M world, and other parties in the transaction as well. was home to the bulk of the Rihannsu population until 2387. Names Ch'Havran is also a Class M world, but is Given both the Rihannsu take on religion considerably harsher than its planetary sister. (described above) and the fact that they speak an artificial language, it is not surprising that Language names take on a special significance in As the Rihannsu began preparing for their Rihannsu culture and psychology. A person's Diaspora, they took deliberate steps to craft a (or object's) name has power- especially their separate cultural identity for themselves: “true” name. When you call someone's name- notably and particularly, in their language. In they notice- the Elements no less than people. their own minds, the Rihannsu were recreating As a result, Rihannsu are chary about sharing themselves as an idealized Vulcan- Vulcan as it their names with others. should be. Rather than simply divorcing Rihannsu generally have either three or four themselves from their forebearers and heritage, names: a given name, a second name (usually a committee of poets, linguists, and scholars denoting either clan or place of origin). returned to the roots of ancient, Old High Rihannsu attached to a noble House or clan Vulcan and "aged" the words and syntax in a also have a House name. Finally, there is the different direction. While the Rihannsu “fourth name”. common tongue is grossly similar to Vulcan, One's fourth name is not bestowed, but is human speakers often describe it as sounding something one finds for oneself. It is one's somewhat like Latin and Welsh. “true name”- deeply private, and shared only Religion with the closest and dearest friends or family. While not all Rihannsu share the same faith One further note- House names are normally (except perhaps a near-fanatical devotion to modified by an honorific indicating gender: the State), many share in an animistic faith that “t'” for females and “tr'” for males. Aeden began largely as a joke during the Diaspora. tr'Kellian would, therefore, be a male named In this faith/philosophy, everything in Aeden of the House s'Kellian. Lhae t'Tarii existence embodies the four primary elements would be a daughter of House t'Tarii. (Air, Earth, Fire, and Water) to varying degrees, Honored or particularly trusted servants of a and are endowed with the dignity of their noble House may (in rare circumstances) be existence. granted permission to use the clan name as their own “third name”. the Empire, and mnhei'sahe might flourish again. Societal Structure Rihannsu society is centered around the Government Structure family or clan, with the hru'hfirh or Head of The Rihannsu government is, technically, a House acting as clan chieftain. Loyalty flows ceremonial monarchy, feudal in nature, with upward from the average citizen to their the central power and control held primarily Senator, the Praetorate, and to the Empire as a by the Rihannsu Senate. whole. The Rihannsu Senate uses a modified tri- Most Rihannsu are free citizens, but bond cameral or three-house legislative-executive servants and even slaves still exist. Rihannsu branch. The Tricameron is comprise of a in a given territory (or colony) owe their Senate - evenly divided against itself into a half allegiance to their Senator (who is chosen that proposes and passes legislation, and a half either by Imperial appointment or by heredity). that vetoes it - and the Continuing Commitee Military service is not only the surest means or Praetorate, a sort of quadruple troika or to both advancement and prestige within the duodecimvirate: twelve men and women who Empire, it is also one of the only means to implemented the Senate's decrees, declared political power. As a result, the Rihannsu have war or peace, and spent most of the time a ready pool of talent and can afford to put squabbling amongst themselves for power. The their very best in uniform. Head of the Continuing Committee (and Rihannsu society has shifted greatly in the hence, of the Senate) was called the Praetor. last two hundred years. For fifty generations, “Senator” is a hereditary position associated the Rihannsu enjoyed relative peace and with a specific geographic region and passed plenty as they lived, loved, warred, and died down from father or mother to the eldest amongst themselves. Rihannsu personal rights sister's-son or -daughter. The only thing that and mnhei'sahe flourished. could remove a Senator from office was The Rihannsu seem to follow a “classical”, if abdication or death (which was often mercurial, pattern. Where personal honor and disturbingly easy to arrange). integrity are allowed to flourish, the Rihannsu In 2379, all but one member of the people prosper. When their leaders begin to Praetorate were assassinated in a military coup desire what others have- when greed and arranged by Shinzon of ch'Havran, and for a deeds done in secret replace noble and honest time, a human (albeit a Rihannsu-created dealings as the currency of the Empire- the clone) stood as Praetor of the Romulan Empire. people suffer. Following Shinzon's death, the Senate and The rights of the people and mnhei'sahe Praetorate were reorganized, with Senator suffered during expansionist period that led to Tal'aura replacing Shinzon as Praetor. the Earth-Romulan War- only to recover in the In 2387, the Praetor, the Empress and her reorganization which followed the Rihannsu family, most of the Romulan Senate, and the defeat. bulk of the Rihannsu people were killed by the Rihannsu treachery (against both their own Hobus supernova. A new Senate and capital and their neighbors) of the 2260's was were organized on Rator III, but have yet to answered with a revolt as the Rihannsu consolidate their power. reclaimed their mnhei'sahe. The authoritarian excessed of the 2350's, The Rihannsu Military 60's, and 70's were met with war, bloodshed, The strength of the Praetor has always lain as treachery, and ultimately, with the destruction much in his control of the Rihannsu military as of Ch'Rihan and Ch'Havran themselves. As in his ability to sway the other Senators. While one Rihannsu citizen phrased it, “Perhaps we the Emperor (or Empress) is the titular have not been as kind to the elements as we commander in chief of the Rihannsu military, thought”. the orders invariably come from the Praetor. Despite the excesses of the authoritarian The Rihannsu Star Navy is responsible for regime, there are still those Rihannsu who protecting the Empire against external threats, remember the rewards of honor and fair- and represents the “classic” military. In dealing- and hope that, with the rotten core addition to the bulk of the Rihannsu Fleet, the removed- that these principles might return to Rihannsu Star Navy maintains a series of deep- space installations such as starbases and supply relationship has grown less overtly hostile depots, and shore installations such as the since the Dominion War. Imperial War College. The Rihannsu treat the Flaxians as a client state, just as they did with the Breen- despite The Tal Shiar the fact that the latter relationship ended in The Rihannsu Intelligence apparatus is rebellion and betrayal. “Never turn your back designed to protect the Empire against both on a Breen” is a common Rihannsu saying. external infiltration and internal subversion, The Tal Shiar has been known to use Flaxians, and has waxed and waned in power Nausicaans, and others for both espionage and considerably since the late 23rd century. assassinations. Depending upon the fortunes of its various patrons and the political climate within the Technological Summary Empire, the Tal Shiar has exercised greater or The Rihannsu are Tech Level 6/7 society- lesser power over the Rihannsu populace. comparable to the Federation and the Klingon The Tal Shiar was at the height of its power Empire, though are there are a number of between 2360 and 2371- and were largely technical differences. able to subvert the Senate and dictate Imperial Like the Klingons, a lot of Rihannsu military policy through threats of blackmail and equipment is powered by power cells intimidation. containing minute antimatter bottles. Tal Shiar power was largely broken in 2371 The other primary difference is that (due to after the disastrous Battle of the Omarian their sheer size) many Rihannsu starships are Nebula- in which a joint Tal Shiar-Obsidian powered by quantum singularity generators, Order task force were led into a trap over the which use an artificial black hole to generate Dominion homeworld. power. Since then, the vestiges of the Tal Shiar Technology levels can vary widely from resumed their rightful duties as a security planet to planet and even from city to city service of the Empire. In the wake of the within the Empire. destruction of the Rihannsu homeworlds, While it is true that many of the worlds however, a number of Tal Shiar officers are controlled by the Rihannsu are resource poor, making a bid to regain their lost power in the it is equally true that the scars of war and a chaos and confusion. centralized, often punitive bureaucracy biased towards the home worlds has kept the Empire Interstellar Relations from utilizing its resources- in both personnel The Rihannsu maintain an interstellar empire and material- to their fullest. With the advent roughly 1/3 larger than the Klingon Empire and of advanced replicator technology, the roughly half the size of the Federation. Rihannsu Empire had both the opportunity and Unfortunately many of these worlds are either the means to end hunger and want in their resource poor or devastated by internal (or society- and failed to do so. external) conflicts, or both. This fact, coupled with limited trade relations, limits their Projections economic impact in the galaxy at large. Starfleet Intelligence and the Federation The Rihannsu conduct limited trade relations Diplomatic Corps expect little change in with a number of minor galactic powers, but Federation-Rihannsu relations over the short most of their economy and production are term. Despite the destruction of their directed inwards. homeworlds and the attendant internal chaos, The Rihannsu are sworn enemies of both the the Rihannsu remain both territorial and Klingons and the Federation, though the latter distrustful of the other Alpha Quadrant powers. Notes The Rihannsu are available for use as Player Characters in either a “Romulan” campaign or with Narrator approval and one heck of a good in-story reason. Favored Profession Starship Officer, or Soldier. The Rihannsu can take up almost any profession, but the heroes will encounter them most often in one of the above contexts. Species Adjustment +1 STR, +1 INT Species Abilities: Bonus Edge (Keen Hearing): Avrius receives a +4 bonus to Observe (Listen) tests. Disciple of D'era: Rihannsu society overall tends to be regimented and orderly, and Rihannsu work well in organizations and under stress, and receive a +1 to all extended or combined tests. Intrigue: Rihannsu are good at watching others for clues to their true motives, intentions, and feelings, and gain a +3 bonus to Inquire tests from their Observe skills. The Ruling Passion: “Old School” Rihannsu adhere to Mnhei'sahe a concept of honor primarily occupied with courtesy to people around one: this courtesy, depending on circumstances, may require killing a person to do him honor, or severely disadvantaging one's self on his behalf. The ramifications are complex and often subtle- but generally, mnhei'sahe is satisfied if all the parties to an agreement or situation feel that their "face" or honor is intact after a social (or other) transaction. In Rihannsu culture, one does things for one's own good- or rather, the good of one's honor-- and if properly carried out, the actions in question will have benefitted the other parties in the transaction as well. So long as a Rihannsu is actively living in accordance with the concepts of mnhei'sahe , he receives 4 Courage points instead of the usual three.