Balthasar Gelt is the current Supreme Patriarch of the Colleges of Magic and one of the Empire's greatest Wizard of this very age. The position of Supreme Patriarch is the highest attainable position by a wizard within the Empire of Man. The patriarch is responsible for advising Emperor Karl Franz in all decisions dealing with the Arcane. Every couple of years each of the eight Colleges of Magic elect one of their number to compete in duel with an equal counterpart. The victor of this arcane dual receives the office of Supreme Patriarch and the right to wield the ancient Staff of Volans.[1a]