Volans

Volans was the first Patriarch of the Light Order as well as the first Supreme Patriarch of the Colleges of Magic.^[1a]

History

Little is known about Volans' early life, although he is believed to have originated from the Border Princes. He was one of the few humans able to perceive all of the Winds of Magic in a single harmonious whole, although like all other human wizards he could only use one Wind safely. After a few disastrous attempts to manipulate multiple Winds in his youth, he remained focused on a single one afterwards and as such managed to avoid corruption over his life. ^[1a]

During the Great War Against Chaos (2301 to 2304 IC), the High Elf Loremaster Teclis called together the magic-users of the Old World; Volans was the most powerful and educated to answer the call. He had successfully avoided corruption over his decades of practice, and retained the appearance of a man of thirty despite being in his fifties. He and his fellow Magisters were disturbed to understand that the source of their powers was pure Chaos, but their elven teachers explained that manipulating Aethyric energy into spells was not evil or would not serve the Chaos Gods. Volans was tasked with studying the White Wind and, when Teclis convinced Magnus the Pious to found an official body for the study of magic, Volans was chosen to lead both the White Order and the Colleges as a whole. ^{[1a][1b][2][3a]}

Volans theorised that Human mages cannot use Magic in the same way as High Elf Mages do is because Humans perceive the Winds as separate colours because of their limited minds.^[1g]

After Teclis had returned to Ulthuan, Volans set up relations with Imperial civil authorities and religious cults. He made it clear that the Colleges would handle their own issues and the Witch Hunters had no excuses to intervene in their matters.^[3a]

Volans additionally decreed that the Grey Order should never aid the internal political manouverings of the Empire. Their purpose was to oppose Chaos, not have undue influence in the political struggles. ^[1e]

Magic

He was a immensely skilled user of the Lore of Light.^[1a][3a]

Known Works

• Book of Volans, believed to explain usage of undiluted magic.^[3b]
• The Elder Races, about history, the Realm of Chaos and the Elves.^[1f]
• At least four letters to the Colleges of Magic, lecturing about Magic.^[1d][3c]
• He additionally kept private journals.^[3c]

Weapons and Equipment

• Staff of Volans, a badge of office of the Supreme Patriarch ^[2]

Notes & sources

• 1: Realms of Sorcery (2nd Edition)
  • 1a: Volans, First Patriarch of the Order of Light, pg. 89
  • 1b: The Source of Magic, pg 31
  • 1c: pg 36
  • 1d: pg 55
  • 1e: pg 104
  • 1f: pg 20
  • 1g: pgs 33-34
• 2: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition): pg. 64
• 3: Winds of Magic (book)
  • 3a: pg 14
  • 3b: pg 17
  • 3c: pg 90

• Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (3rd Edition), pg. 26, Winds of Magic - Advanced Magic and Wizardry