Praetor (fvillha in the Romulan language) was a title held by a Vulcan and Romulan judicial officials with executive governmental powers. (ST - Countdown comic: "Number One", TOS - Rihannsu novel: The Romulan Way)
History and specifics[]
Romulan Empire[]
Originally, the praetors of the burgeoning Romulan nation-state were assembled in a body known as the praetorate. Situations where one or more of the praetorate collaborated or were consorted with one another yielded significant ruling power over the Romulan state. (TOS - Rihannsu novels: The Romulan Way, Swordhunt, Honor Blade, The Empty Chair)
During the expansion of the Romulan Star Empire, the highest level praetor, the Praetor of the Romulan Star Empire, became a top-level position chosen by the Imperial Senate of the Romulan Star Empire. The influence of the high Praetor was much expanded, yielding substantial control over the Romulan Senate and the Romulan Imperial Fleet, and even having a separate military force, the Praetorian Guard. (ST reference: Federation: The First 150 Years)
This high Praetor position gained expanded powers and an early 22nd century holder of this office removed some powers of the Imperial Senate, making himself effectively a dictator. (ST reference: Federation: The First 150 Years)
- The competition for power between the Senate and the high Praetor could explain why there seem to be periods of time where the position has been vacant, such as the multiple praetors of the praetorate vying for power in Star Trek: Rihannsu.
Officially, the Praetor as head of government is third in rank in the Empire behind the Emperor and the Emperor's Legate. In reality the Praetor is often the true power of the Empire, with the Emperor and his Legate fulfilling mainly ceremonial roles. (TOS novel: Probe)
In theory, this high Praetor serves as the effective leader of the Star Empire and is the very embodiment of the Romulan ideals of honor, accomplishment, discipline, and most importantly, D'era, the destiny of the Romulan people to spread and conquer the stars. (Last Unicorn RPG module: The Way of D'era: The Romulan Star Empire)
Vulcan[]
By the year 2387, the title of Praetor was also used to refer to the leader of the Vulcan High Command. (ST - Countdown comic: "Number One")
Appendices[]
References[]
- Romulan praetors and the praetorate
- Vulcan praetor
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- ST - Countdown comic: "Number One"