Vulcan

Vulcans are a humanoid civilization, instrumentally responsible for the founding of the United Federation of Planets.
They are widely known for their logical minds and stoical natures. The **Vulcan** homeworld is the planet Vulcan.

## Anatomy

Genetically, Vulcans and Humans are similar enough that they can produce offspring with little genetic help. Externally, Vulcans appear similar to Humans, with the chief exceptions of notably arched and upswept eyebrows, and ears which taper into a into a clearly defined point.

Skin shades range from noticeably pale, to darker, brown skin. Vulcans with pale skin sometimes have a subtle greenish tinge, which those with a darker skin tone do not possess. Hair ranges from brown to black, with most Vulcan hair being straight and glossy. Vulcan males are not noted for their body hair, though some have been known to grow facial hair.

Internally, Vulcan anatomy different greatly from Humans. For example, a Vulcan heart is located where a Human liver is located, and said heart beats several hundred times per minute. (A Human heart beats approximately 60-100 times per minute.) Vulcan blood is copper based, and so appears green when exposed to the air. While still in the body and deoxygenated, blood will appear copper or rust colored. Bruises will therefore also vary in shades of green, as opposed to a human, who bruise in shades of red.

Due to their planet possessing a thinner atmosphere from that of Earth's, a Vulcan's respiratory system is more efficient than a Human's. The desert-like planet also allowed Vulcans to evolve hardier than other humanoids, and can survive for several days without water. They also have inner eyelids which provide further eye protection in harsh conditions. This hardiness additionally improved the Vulcan metabolism: they are capable of surviving for long durations without food or sleep, and their fast metabolism means caffeine, alcohol, and toxins have little effect on Vulcans in normal doses. It is also well-known that Vulcan ears are more sensitive than a Human's, as well as more sensitive noses. Vulcans are on average three times physically stronger than humans.

The Vulcan digestive tract is highly adaptable. Although alien foods -notably Human food- will occasionally disagree with a Vulcan, their body will eventually adapt to the alien food.

One weakness of the Vulcans is their inability to metabolize nitrous oxide. After only a few minutes of exposure to the gas, a Vulcan will pass out.

Vulcans typically have a lifespan of 200 years or more.

### Vulcan Brain

Arguably the most interesting aspect of the Vulcan physiology is their brain. The Vulcan brain was described by Dr. McCoy as "a puzzle, wrapped inside an enigma, housed inside a cranium". This has some basis in fact, as the Vulcan brain is composed of many layers.

Like other humanoids, the brain is in direct control of most bodily functions, acting as a control unit for many organs.
 Despite this, a Vulcan body from which the brain has been removed is capable of functioning and even walking around (albeit in a zombie-like state) with a portable life support system.

Unlike most humanoid brains, traumatic memories are not only psychologically disturbing to Vulcans, but have physical consequences as well. The Vulcan brain, in reordering neural pathways, can literally lobotomize itself.

Vulcans have learned to gain conscious control of many autonomous functions, allowing them to regulate their bodies to a high degree by simple will power.

* When injured, a Vulcan can go into a trance-like state, using this ability to concentrate all of his or her energy onto repairing the injury.
* This trance can be self-induced, and give the physical appearance of near-death.

The substance "Trellium-D" acts as a neurotoxin to Vulcans, destroying the neural pathways which control their emotions.

* Treatment must be provided quickly after exposure, otherwise the damage is irreversible.

One of the more well-known aspects of the Vulcan brain is their telepathic abilities, such as the Vulcan mind meld.
Vulcans are natural touch-telepaths, though considerable training is required to utilize this ability to the fullest. To do this, one would have to perform the "fal-tor-pan" ceremony.

* Stronger minds are capable of non-contact telepathic projection and scanning, usually over short distances, but sometimes even over interstellar distances.

Another psionic ability of the Vulcan race is the telepathic suggestion/compulsion.

Although Vulcans do not typically allow themselves to experience uncontrolled strong emotions, they may be able to sense them in others.

Besides the Trill (through the Zhian'tara ritual), Vulcans are the only other known humanoid capable of performing a synaptic pattern displacement, or the transfer of one individual's consciousness into another.

Noted few Vulcans have demonstrated the ability known as telekinesis.

* It should be noted that telekinesis has only been seen by high priestesses who have trained there entire life.

The psycho-suppression system responsible for the Vulcan suppression of emotions is located in the mesiofrontal cortex.

### Pon Farr

One of the more important parts of Vulcan culture is "pon farr." Due to their concern for personal and cultural privacy, Vulcans do not discuss this condition with outsiders unless it is absolutely necessary. Despite rumors and popular belief, *pon farr* is not simply the act of mating. During *pon farr*, a Vulcan experiences a time of emotional abandon, brought on by chemical changes in the body. Also contrary to popular belief, *pon farr* is not the only time that Vulcans mate. Vulcans can and do mate whenever they want; this biological ritual simply produces an irrepressible urge to do so.

Pon farr can occur either naturally, though it is possible to induce. The chemical changes that cause *pon farr* are the result of the emotional suppression that Vulcans practice. The emotions suppressed produce chemical reactions necessary to maintain a healthy body, and without these reactions taking place an imbalance can occur. Approximately every seven years, this accumulated imbalance causes Vulcans to enter *pon farr*. Females are less likely to suffer from such imbalances, as their natural menstrual cycle produces the required chemicals on a regular basis.

Doctors or counselors who examine Vulcan patients suffering from *pon farr* are urged to handle the situation with the utmost privacy. Most Vulcans will not admit to having entered pon farr, even to their personal medical doctors. As there is no current treatment for the condition, monitoring the patient’s status is primary. Vulcan males will exhibit symptoms of irritability, and they can be prone to violence. They also will experience physical discomfort. The initial symptom for females is a telepathic awareness that their bondmate has entered pon farr. They will both be driven by the need to mate, and they can become quite aggressive towards others. Isolating such patients from the rest of the crew is recommended, though that isolation can be self-imposed.

The final stages of *pon farr* typically only occur when the bonded pair unite. Physical contact, via a mind meld, will initiate *plak tow*, or "blood fever." This is the most dangerous time of *pon farr*, and the patient will not be able to think rationally. Violence and aggression become the sole motive for their existence. A physician or counselor treating a Vulcan in *plak tow* should observe the utmost caution. Security measures should be in place, and the patient should be isolated until such time as the *pon farr* can be completed. It is imperative that patients be allowed to carry through with their emotional and physical needs at this point.

The main treatment a physician or counselor can offer a patient in *pon farr* is to unite the patient with their bondmate, or to find a suitable partner for them. It is dangerous in most situations to offer combat as an option to satisfy the *plak tow*. It is recommended that only Vulcan doctors and counselors treat patients in *pon farr* if possible.

### Medical Conditions

There are several diseases that the Vulcan species suffers from which include:

* Pa'nar Syndrome
* Tuvan Syndrome
* Bendii Syndrome
* Choriocytosis

## Psychology

Vulcans are well-known for their logic and reason. They do not view the world in the same manner as other species, and their approach to life is pragmatic.
Unnecessary and irrational concepts, such as social pleasantries and material possessions, have little to no value to Vulcans. The pursuit of logic is foremost, and they devote their entire lives to that ideal. Though they typically look down on other species who they see as less socially advanced, it is not done so out of arrogance. To them, it is a scientific observation with a logical conclusion. They do not see other beings as any less deserving of status. They simply choose to isolate themselves and their culture from outside influences, finding them incompatible with the chosen goal of living by pure logic.

A common fallacy is that Vulcans have no emotion. Vulcans do experience emotion, but simply choose to suppress them, instead relying on logic to dictate their actions. When disease or physical injury diminishes their ability to control their emotions and to think logically, it can be a very stressful experience. In such instances, they can be quick to anger and prone to violence. As Vulcans are physically stronger than most species and possess more intense emotions, such a state can make them highly dangerous. Patients should be restrained and isolated, for their own protection as well as for that of others, until such time as they can once again regain control of themselves.

### Treating a Vulcan

Vulcans live by the concept that the greater good is more important than the individual. As such, they will often jeopardize their own health and safety for others. Vulcans' need for privacy can be seen as stubbornness, as they won’t often admit when they are ill or injured. Mostly, a Vulcan will only seek medical treatment when their physical state has deteriorated to the level where they can no longer function efficiently or they are a danger to others.

Vulcan patients are known to resist medical treatment. Physicians may be required to order treatment rather than suggesting it. Vulcans will not disobey orders directly, though they may find ways to circumvent them.

In some instances, Vulcans have the ability to heal themselves without the help of medical personnel. The Vulcan brain is more advanced than those of other humanoid species. They have the ability to control many key bodily functions, such as heart rate and respiration. When a Vulcan is severely injured, they may appear to slip into a coma when in fact they are inducing a state of suspended animation, shutting down unnecessary body functions and slowing others in an effort to concentrate on the healing process. It is dangerous to wake a Vulcan from this state. Such a total shutdown, however, can require that the patient have help in regaining consciousness. They may make requests that seem bizarre or unusual.

The Vulcan brain also has the ability to reroute neural pathways, which occurs mostly after traumatic events. The brain literally shuts off access to the area where the memory is stored, and the patient may have no recollection of what happened.

## Society

The government on Vulcan is a "representative democracy."

* **Representative Democracy**: a form of government where the collective decisions are achieved through methods such as elections.
In a representative democracy, holders of political office make laws for those who electe them.

The Vulcans do have some spiritual believes, though little is known regarding details. Polytheistic in nature, Vulcans also believe in ones "katra," best translated as a "soul" and consciousness of a person. In rare instances, through much discipline, the *katra* can be transferred from a person while on their death bed, into another person or a golem.

While generally non-violent, Vulcans do partake in combat for training and exercise, and have developed weapons. Their forms of martial arts are called *Tal-Shaya* and *Suus Mahna*.

Vulcans cherish logic over anything, with honesty being paramount. They are reluctant to lie at all, but will do so if they believe there is a logical reason behind doing so. As parents, Vulcans rarely shield their children from the truth. Doing so, in their eyes, would only hinder the child's ability to cope with inevitable difficulties. A Vulcan parent's attachment to their children cannot be described as an emotion. They are part of the parent's identity and the parent is incomplete without them.

Vulcans sometimes have mates chosen for them by their parents at the age of seven. The mates are joined in a ceremony that links them telepathically that is "less than a wedding, more than a betrothal". When the two come of age, the link compels them to follow through with full marital rituals, which cement their relationship. If, for whatever reason, the female does not wish to go through with the marriage, then the ceremony of "Koon-ut-kal-if-fee" ("Marriage or Challenge") is invoked. The male must fight for the right to keep his mate against a challenger of her choosing. The female becomes the property of the male who wins the contest, unless he chooses to release her.

* The *Koon-ut-kal-if-fee* is a fight to the death.

Development of a Vulcan's understanding of logic begins at a young age. The essence of the Vulcan logical society is in arriving at the truth through logical process. Emotion is illogical, thus making them impure, and deterrent to truth. Vulcans are born with the same emotions that afflicted their violent ancestors, but continual mental conditioning generally gives them the impassivity they seek. Vulcan parents will utilize learning tools, such as *pleenoks*, to train their infants in primary logic. Vulcan children will then learn to detach themselves from their emotions at an early age. Though not all can arrive at the ultimate pure logical state, the exacting process of mental control gives Vulcans enough to conform to the ideals of Vulcan society. The ultimate level of logical thought is achieved through the attainment of *kolinahr*, which is said to purge them of all remaining emotions.

Vulcans believe knowledge to be the best defense against unknown dangers, and pursue them with the intellect and logic that makes them some of the finest scholars in the Federation. Their pursuit of knowledge and impassivity of emotion are the driving forces in a Vulcan's life. It must be noted that not all Vulcans follow the path of Surak and *kolinahr*. Some believe that knowledge and enlightenment can be gained by understanding and *embracing* their emotions. These Vulcans are known as "V'tosh ka'tur", or "Vulcans without Logic". They are considered a fringe element in Vulcan society.

Most Vulcans consider death to be the completion of a journey. Therefore, they do not fear it happening, however the loss of one's *Katra* is to be avoided if possible, since the *Katra* lives on beyond the physical death.

Vulcans do possess family names, although they are pronounceable by Humans only after many years of practice.

*Note: Most modern Vulcans are vegetarians, since they consider it illogical to slay animals for meat. Additionally, the advancement of technology has made it unnecessary to use animals for consumption.*

## Culture and Tradition

* Vulcans have been fermenting wines as early as the 21st century.
It has been noted that Vulcans don't drink wine, indicating that perhaps Vulcan port is for cultural purposes only, or perhaps is nonalcoholic.

* Although it has not always been so, most Vulcans are vegetarians, and do not touch food with their hands.

* Guests in a Vulcan household are expected to arise before sunrise to prepare the morning meal.

* What little is known about Vulcan religious beliefs indicates that beginning prior to the "Time of the Awakening" they were polytheistic.
Surak's teachings became the primary focus of Vulcan spirituality/mysticism, but as late as the 23rd century it was still not unheard of to find Vulcans honoring the traditional gods.
There are no demons in Vulcan literature.

### Holidays

* *Kal Rekk*
* *Rumarie*
* *Tal-Shanar*

## History and Politics

Vulcans were once an extremely violent and emotional people, even by Earth standards, and waged almost constant warfare on one another. They believed in a variety of gods, such as war, peace and death. As their level of technology improved, the Vulcans eventually reached a point where their violent nature threatened species extinction. In an effort to avoid this fate, a Vulcan named Surak developed a new philosophy, igniting the "Time of Awakening." Surak maintained that the root cause of all the problems on Vulcan lay in the uncontrolled outpouring of the people's emotions. His followers swore to live their lives by an ethical system, based purely on logical principles. All expression of emotions, negative or positive, was completely forbidden.

* Although this new philosophy spread rapidly across Vulcan, a minority known as "those who march beneath the Raptor's wings", rejected Surak's ideals.
A destructive war began, including the use of atomic bombs. Among the victims was Surak himself.
* Eventually, those who opposed logic left Vulcan and founded colonies elsewhere, most notably on the planet Romulus.
They founded a new society, eventually becoming what is known today as the Romulan Star Empire.
At some point later in history, the Romulans and the Vulcans engaged in a 100-year-long war against one another.
The war is said to have been instigated by the actions of a member of the Q Continuum.

Another group that rejected Surak's philosophy was known as the "V'tosh ka'tur" or "Vulcans without Logic".
The V'tosh Ka'tur believed in controlling emotions by allowing themselves to actively experience them rather than surprising them. Many of these also left Vulcan, and took up a nomadic existence.

The Vulcans were one of the first of the current powers to develop warp drive, though a century would pass between the first warp flight and the breaking of the Warp 2 barrier. The Vulcans conducted a series of survey missions to the Sol system, as early as 1957. The official first contact between Vulcans and Humans came on April 5, 2063 when a Vulcan survey ship detected the warp flight of Zefram Cochrane's Phoenix. The Vulcans met with Cochrane at his launch site on the day following the flight.

* The Vulcans began to advise Earth officials on how to proceed into the galaxy.
The Vulcan High Command considered Humans volatile, and similar to Vulcans before the Time of Awakening.
 Due to this belief, they attempted to slow down humanity's move into the galaxy until the time was right.

By the 21st and 22nd centuries, the Vulcans would have also made contact with the Cardassians, Trill, Tholians, Klingons, and scores of other races.

In contrast to their tradition of peaceful exploration, the Vulcans have also had a long history of border skirmishes with the neighboring Andorians.
The Humans helped negotiate a peace between the two over a disputed Class D planetoid, known to the Vulcans as *Paan Mokar*.

In the 22nd century, the Vulcan High Command, once in charge only of space exploration and planetary defense, gained much more control over civilian affairs.
 Under the High Command's leadership, Vulcan policy toward other planets became more aggressive and interventionist, using the ancient monastery at P'Jem to spy on Andorian activities.

Vulcan also became less tolerant of political and philosophical challenges towards the High Command's operations, notably engaging in purges of the Syrrannite group, who claimed that Vulcan society was no longer following the teachings of Surak. These tensions came to a head in the crisis called the Vulcan Reformation, which resulted in the overthrow of the High Command and a restructuring of the Vulcan government. One of the first acts of the new government was to end the policy of holding back human expansion into the galaxy.

As of the 23rd century, Vulcan had never been conquered in its collective memory. That memory goes so far back that Vulcans can't conceive of a conqueror.

Present day, Vulcan remains one of the principal Federation members, and is deeply involved in all levels of that society. Their tradition of exploration has continued: in the 24th Century, a Vulcan ship was the first to make formal contact with a Gamma Quadrant civilization, upon encountering the Wadi. They were at the forefront of exploration in the Gamma Quadrant, encountering the Rakhari and finding the remains of the Hur'q civilization.

Despite the enmity between the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire, some Vulcans have been attempting to forge a more cordial relationship with their genetic cousins, ultimately hoping to reunify the two cultures. So far these efforts have met with little success.

In the 24th century, the Vulcan ministry of security was known as the *V'Shar*.