Isstanar
| Isstanar | |||||
 Isstanar, from Ultima VII Part Two | |||||
| Species: | automaton | ||||
| Appearances | |||||
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Isstanar is an Ophidian adherent of Order who served as Commander of the outpost Serpent's Fang during the events of The Silver Seed.
Description[edit]
Isstanar had, in his youth, served as part of the guard assigned the Master of the Temple of Discipline.[1] A vehement believer in the virtues of Order, he became one of the elite few selected by the Hierophant Calithiss to undergo the "final sacrifice," in which he surrendered his physical form and had his consciousness transferred into the body of a steel automaton.[2]
Following the death of Ardiniss in an ambush some nine months prior to the Avatar's arrival,[3] Isstanar was assigned by the Order Hierophant to oversee Serpent's Fang. His appointment was the cause of some unrest among the warriors already stationed there, particularly Tsandar, who had hoped to retain command of the keep himself.[4]
Calithiss gave Isstanar instructions to someday expect the arrival of a Champion of Balance, entrusting to him a magical keyring to be given to the prophesied hero as a symbolic acknowledgement that they should need "keys to the land" before they brought Balance to it.[5] He was told that this champion would recover the Silver Seed and plant a new Tree of Balance, something the forces of Order believed would prove instrumental in healing the land after their holy crusade against the adherents of Chaos was at an end.[6]
When the Avatar was sent through time to Serpent's Fang as it existed in the late days of the Ophidian War, Isstanar believed he had encountered the promised Champion of Balance having displayed the Amulet of Balance and thus surrendered the keyring as he had been directed. However, the Avatar's general ignorance as to Ophidian custom and history gave Isstanar substantial doubts, and he proved most vocal in expressing his concerns. While he offered many explanations to the dangers involved in the retrieval of the seed, he refused to some of the particulars as to how to find the magical orbs necessary to gain access to it, believing he had aided the Avatar enough.[7]
Once the Silver Seed was finally planted, completing the quest, Isstanar apologized for his earlier doubts, now convinced that the Avatar is in fact the Champion of Balance.
Despite his adherence to Order, it is unclear whether or not Isstanar remained on Serpent Isle after the War of Imbalance was halted, or if he chose to travel with his brethren beyond the Wall of Lights. It should also be noted, that along with Petra, Isstanar is the only automaton in the game with its own personality. They are both steel automaton, rather than the standard brass versions.
Lore[edit]
| “ | Revered Order Hierophant, It is my pleasure to present to thee the first report concerning my new duty station. I include a map of the keep to familiarize thee with Seriss and its particulars. My arrival has caused some agitation in the garrison — but I prepared for that. I can assure thee that I have the situation completely under control. The warriors must learn to obey my orders and pay me the respect that I deserve as the Commander of the Order Forces at this post. In time, they will discover the importance of Ethicality and Discipline, certis. To the best of my ability I will instruct them more deeply in the virtues and aid them with their internal conflicts. It honors me that my superiors have entrusted me with this position. I am dedicated to carrying out my orders and will meet all expectations to perfection — as always. |
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Trivia[edit]
- The Silver Seed Play Guide contains a report from Isstanar to Calithiss, where he gives his own view on the castle and its inhabitants.
- He is affected by the anti-force of Order and has become completely ruthless, making him cold and unfeeling.
Reference[edit]
- ↑ Isstanar. Paul Carr’s Ultima transcripts. Ultima VII Part Two. "Temple of Discipline, young warrior".
- ↑ Isstanar. Paul Carr’s Ultima transcripts. Ultima VII Part Two. "honor, tested".
- ↑ Surok. Paul Carr’s Ultima transcripts. Ultima VII Part Two. "Abandoned Outpost".
- ↑ The Silver Seed Play Guide (Ultima VII Part Two: The Silver Seed). Origin Systems, Inc.: 1993. Pages 1–2.
- ↑ Isstanar. Paul Carr’s Ultima transcripts. Ultima VII Part Two. "What is it?, Why give it to me?".
- ↑ Isstanar. Paul Carr’s Ultima transcripts. Ultima VII Part Two. "Silver Seed".
- ↑ Isstanar. Paul Carr’s Ultima transcripts. Ultima VII Part Two. "magical orbs".