Alexander Nostra

Alexander Nostra is a historical figure from the late-end period of the Pardic Empire. He was known as one of the most skilled (if perhaps not most powerful) Thaumaturges of his time, and is primarily responsible for compiling and publishing the Treatise on Magical Mecahnics, which is still considered the most comprehensive textbook on sourcery, thaumaturgy, and Ether.

In a sense he represents the unrealized promise of the empire; a mixed race (Alexander is a definitively Galosean name, and limited historical records indicate his direct parents were mixed Parda and Skogga) citizen achieving high status in the thaumaturgic art; his talents recognized regardless of his race. He became Arch Thaumaturge of the Univerity of Al'Moraah at only 33 and kept the position until his death.
The reality of course is that this more speaks to his prodigal skills as opposed to any supposed unbiased nature of Pardic society. Limited historical records would seem to indicate he used his prestigious position to advocate for social reforms in the empire, and drew the ire of the more intolerant satraps.

Exact details of his death are unknown but it is believed he died during The Lashing.

Alexander was one of the only Thaumaturges to become well known enough to be a household name, owing in large part to his books. Centuries after his death, and during the coalescing of the Nabalic Faith, his name became a shorthand for all practicioners of sourcery or thaumaturgy.