Lord Volshyenek Ornelos was an important figure in the early history of the Varisian city of Korvosa. Born into House Ornelos, an ancient and wealthy Chelaxian noble family, Volshyenek relocated his estate and family to Korvosa upon losing the favor of the imperial court in Westcrown. Fearing old age, the wizard made an infernal pact with the devil Lorthact to stop his aging. Volshyenek was tricked, however, and realized too late that, although he no longer aged, he was not immortal. He died of old age in 4493 AR, whereupon his identity was taken over by Lorthact. The devil continued living under this assumed identity until 4607 AR, when he was forced to abandon it.