One of the founding members of the Federation, Vulcans are culturally one of the most fascinating member species. They were once an extremely violent and emotive people who waged almost constant war. As they became more technologically advanced, their violent ways threatened to entirely annihilate them. In an effort to divert them away from this eventual fate, a Vulcan name Surak developed a new philosophy of logic over emotion. He reasoned that the root of their problems was the uncontrolled outpouring of emotion, whether negative or positive, and under his teachings all emotion was consequently forbidden. Although his philosophy was widly and quickly accepted by the populace, there were some who did not agree and who left Vulcan to found colonies throughout the Galaxy. Most notable of these was the Romulus colony, which eventually became know as the Romulan Star Empire.

Vulcan culture prizes scientific and medical advancement through the application of logic, but also values art and music. However, due to the Vulcan denial of emotion, most other species find their artistic expression too rigid and formal. Vulcans have created many popular 'games' that were originally designed to practice the application of logic, although most are beyond the average user. Vulcan politics are stable, and the species as a whole is pacifist, preferring negotiation to armed conflict. The reunification movement in Vulcan society is gaining popularity, endeavouring to create more cordial ties with their Romulan 'cousins'.

The Vulcan homeworld is a harsh M class planet, with much of the surface consisting of large expanses of desert and mountain ranges. Vulcan has a higher gravity and thinner atmopshere that most other M Class worlds, which has resulted in the species developing a greater strength, endurance and stamina. The Vulcan hearing range is far greater than that of Humans and they also have an inner eyelid, which is believed to be an evolutionary defense against the harsh sun.

Vulcans serve at all levels within Starfleet and there are numerous Vulcans serving within the Delta Fleet.

INFORMATION

Species: Vulcan
Classification: Bi-pedal Humanoid
Affiliation: United Federation of Planets
Homeworld: Vulcan
Location: Beta Quadrant

Special Abilities:
Vulcans are telepathic within their own species and interspecies are mildly telepathic. The Vulcan Mind Meld is a telepathic merging of minds by touch. Vulcans are also physically strong, despite a relatively slender build, but prefer to use intelligence rather than force, as demonstrated with the vulcan nerve pinch, where a Vulcan will render an opponent unconscious through the manipulation of nerve endings in the shoulder.

Traits:
Highly intelligent, physically strong

Description:
Vulcans appear very similar to Humans, with the exception that they are generally taller on average and that they have pointed ears and sharply angled eyebrows.