Virasa

Virasa is the majority religion on the world of Dlan. During the Rebellion it assumed an outsize importance because Dulinor was a native and resident of Dlan, which was the seat of government of the Federation of Ilelish.

Description (Specifications)

Virasa, the Old High Vilani term for "enlightenment", is also the name of Dlan's majority religion. Virasins believe that knowledge of God is impossible during one's normal life, and that discussion of God's nature is pointless. However, they have very specific beliefs as to the nature of the afterlife, the paradise that awaits them there, and the norms of behavior that will ensure entrance into it. Virasins believe that when they enter paradise, they will gain all knowledge. This link between knowledge and paradise has led to religious support for scientific research and high levels of technological development on Dlan, and a patterning of Dlani society on the Virasin concept of heaven (enforced by a repressive religious dictatorship).

Virasins believe that the only people who can enter paradise are human believers who die a non-violent death on Dlan itself. As a token of their unfortunate status, nonbelievers on Dlan are required to wear entirely black clothing. They are also restricted to practicing a limited number of occupations, which include the military and police (because of the risk of violent death in those occupations). Dlani military and police uniforms and battle dress are colored black as a result.

Doctrinal issues in the Virasa faith are resolved by regular meetings known as Khanu; the delegates to the Khanu are collectively known as the Synod of the Khanu.

History & Background (Dossier)

Virasa gained outsize importance during the Rebellion because Dulinor was a native and resident of Dlan, as were many members of his inner circle of advisors. Dulinor himself was not a Virasin (and he adhered to the clothing regulations listed above), but he had close dealings with high-level members of the faith's clergy.

1120 marked the beginning of the 457th Khanu meetings. After extensive debate, the Khanu made a doctrinal change in 1121 stating that nonviolent death on Dlan was no longer a requirement for entering paradise. This change was strongly denounced by more orthodox members of the Khanu. In 1122, influential clergyman Tredek Jurisor was appointed to a high-level post in Dulinor's government; this was denounced by orthodox clergy as a heretical quid pro quo arrangement to cement native Dlani backing for Dulinor's regime. Said orthodox clergy were put under house arrest in 1124.

References & Background (Sources)

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.

• MegaTraveller Rebellion Sourcebook
• TNE Survival Margin