@TheEdVerse May I ask: How is Volo still alive in the current Forgotten Realms setting? Between 2e and 3e, not much time passed, so it made sense. But from 3e-4e-5e a lot of time has passed. Has his lifespan been extended by magic?
— Remember me from such posts as (@posthawkish) February 23, 2021
1)
Sure you can ask, and I’ll answer, too. You’re far from the first, so here’s one of my more recent Twitter answers:
Volo is unwittingly one of Mystra’s ‘Weave anchors,’ invested with her divine fire, which has kept him alive on… 2)
…quite a few improbable occasions.
He was trapped in stasis (thanks to Elminster) when the Spellplague hit, and his Weave anchor-status kept the stasis magic from going wild and harming him (or ending prematurely). So he stayed…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) February 24, 2021
3)
…the same age, as decades passed, trapped in stasis. As covered in published Realms products, El put him into stasis as a punishment. He would dearly have loved to just blast Volo to ashes for his behavior, but (unlike Volo…
#Realmslore 4)
…himself) El knew Volo’s special status (Mystra wanted some “secret” Weave anchors no one would guess, and Volo was one of them), so couldn’t. So: on ice instead.#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) February 24, 2021
Punishment? What did he do for a time out, publish a poor tatse limerick??
— Tevapotrans (@Lord_Toast13) February 24, 2021
3)
…El warned Volo. Thrice. The fourth time was: spend time as a statue, and so, be shut up when you wouldn;t shut yourself up.#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) February 24, 2021
Since Weave anchors can be inanimate objects, why Elminster just didn’t leave him a statue for all eternity? Volo is going to do his thing again, soon or later. Elminster didn't do that because he obeys Mystra.
As to why Our Lady of Mysteries didn't want Volo to stay a statue forever…you'll have to ask her.
(I'll just be over here, getting started on your tombstone. ;} )#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) February 26, 2021