Voilas was a potter in Skopentzana during the reign of Maleinos II. When a civil war broke out between Maleinos and his grand domestikos Stylianos, Voilas joined the city militia formed by Toxaras and became his deputy. After wandering Khamorth tribesmen crossed the border at Midwinter's Day, peasants from the surrounding countryside fled their farms and came to the city for refuge. Voilas agreed with Toxaras that they weakened the city defences and should be forced out but did not act on this when the prelate Rhavas denounced such actions as anathematic.