One of the four major orders of vislae, the Order of the Vance focuses on the mathematical nature of spells and spellcasting, and looks upon spells as living, aware entities unto themselves.
The order is led by a group of Vances called the Telemeric Court. Members of the court are chosen from the ranks of the 6th degree of the order, based on seniority, reputation, skill, and desire. The Telemeric Court convenes at a three-week event each summer called the Conclave of Iov, although special sessions can be called at other times of the year in extraordinary circumstances.
In the Conclave of Iov, new spell discoveries are reviewed and catalogued, theory papers are read and critiqued, and various seminars and symposiums are held on topics related to the mechanics of spellcasting.
People in Satyrine (and elsewhere) consider Vances to be the archetypal vislae: studious individuals with their minds on matters of little interest to anyone else. They are looked at in a positive light, if for no other reason than the actions of the Paresaad, a small branch of the order that deals with magical calamities. “At least they clean up after themselves,” people say.
Vances spend most of their time studying spells and magical theory. Many focus their studies on developing new spells of their own. The prestige of creating a new spell that other Vances will use fuels their efforts. Recognition of this kind propels a Vance in advancement through the six degrees of the order, and thus most members become fairly obsessed with such acclaim.
It is an honor to be able to learn from an advanced member of the order, and as one rises in degree, it becomes more and more likely that they will offer their services as a teacher. Some instruct in a one-on-one capacity, while others lecture in a classroom environment.
This creates a very academic presence for the Vancian Order. Vances are usually friends with other Vances, but social activities are outside the purview of official functions. As a whole, they are a serious, studious group, and they present themselves as such to their membership and to outsiders.
Most often referred to as “the Campus,” the headquarters of the Order of the Vance can be found in Fartown. As the name would suggest, it is a large group of buildings located on a single tract of land. 17 buildings make up the campus, including administrative offices, records offices, lecture halls, laboratories, and two different libraries—one just for spells, the other for more general esoteric studies.
The Order of the Vance is likely one of the oldest orders. Perhaps only the Order of Weavers is older. Although its precise origins are up for debate (and Vances love to debate), certainly two of the most renowned Vances from the order’s history were Zamrah and Orrod. These two rivals discovered a great many original spells and together founded the Telemeric Court, ostensibly to keep each other’s power in check and place regulations and controls on new spell development by others in the name of safety. Eventually, Zamrah created a spell that allowed her to grow to more than 100 feet tall. Unfortunately, it drove her mad. Orrod used his magic to stop her insane rampage across Fartown, but it cost him his life. The subdued Zamrah regained her senses and afterward created the Paresaad in Orrod’s honor. She also created a spell that turned the raindrops in the next storm into flower petals, each bearing the name of her late rival.
The Order of the Vance trains and sponsors a group of members that operates as an emergency response team in times of magical crisis in Satyrine. While the Paresaad has no official authority in the city, their involvement in times of need is almost always appreciated. Their reputation is one of speed, efficiency, and self-sacrifice.