View source for Isgarren

{{spoiler|''[[Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure]]'', ''[[Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds]]'', and ''[[Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity]]''}}
{{NPC infobox
| icon = Collection.png
| location = Lonely Tower Fractal; Outer Sanctorium; Soaring Sands; Pilgrim's Rest
| race = Seer
| organization = Wizard's Court, Tyrian Alliance
| level = 80
| rank = legendary
| gallery1 = Echo of Isgarren.jpg
| gallery1-text = [[Vision (race)|Echo]] of Isgarren. 
| gallery2 = Isgarren (Arcane Flow).jpg
| gallery2-text = Isgarren with the [[Arcane Flow Infusion|Arcane Flow]] aura.
| requires = soto, jw, voe
}}
{{quotation|[[Lasha]]|Not much is known about Isgarren. He keeps to his castle, and is rarely ever seen or heard. What is known, is that he has a kind gracious heart, and he cares for and loves the people of this town.}}
[[Isgarren]] the Curator is an enigmatic wizard who resides in, and is the current owner of,<ref name="Jeff Grub lore interview">[https://web.archive.org/web/20120207092100/https://www.guildmag.com/gmblitz-lore-interview-with-jeff-grubb Lore interview with Jeff Grubb] GuildMag.com (Archived)</ref> the floating castle of [[Wizard's Tower]] in [[Kessex Hills]] according to the townsfolk of [[Garenhoff]].

He is eventually revealed to be the last known survivor of the [[seer]]s as well as the founder of the secretive [[Wizard's Court]] and patron of the [[Astral Ward]] who has safeguarded the world of [[Tyria (world)|Tyria]] against various threats from [[the Mists]] with help from [[the World Spire]] in [[Amnytas]]. Isgarren and Midnight King [[Eparch]] of the [[Kryptis]] have a centuries-spanning rivalry that has led to conflict between their respective forces.

== Biography ==
=== Early years ===
{{section-stub|npc|Add missing information.}}
==== Life among the seers ====
Isgarren claims to have had many names and shapes over his millennia-spanning existence, and those who know him from ages past even refer to him as "Your Highness," suggesting a royal origin of some sort although he prefers not to use such titles on [[Tyria (world)|Tyria]].<ref>[[Treachery]]
:'''Isgarren:''' More importantly, we have questions to answer. I would very much like to talk to you, Peitha.
:'''Peitha:''' And I, you, "your highness."
:'''Isgarren:''' No titles. Not in my home.
:'''Peitha:''' Oh? Curious.</ref> He was once a member of the [[seer]] horde, or fhogos, and underwent the [[Ascension (seer)|Rite of Divinity]] with the [[magic]]al staff [[Ancora]] in the [[Temple of the Blessed Mantle]] on the ritual grounds of the island continent known as [[Castora]], becoming an immortal [[Wizard's Court|wizard]].<ref name="Path of Divinity">[[Path of Divinity]]
:'''Isgarren:''' I dampen the memories of my wizards to ensure that they are of unbiased mind when they obtain that power. Vloxx would keep his.
:'''Isgarren:''' And this version of the rite is raw—it is how I ascended. It does not belong in the hands of a fanatic.</ref> Isgarren was highly regarded among his people, so much so that the doyen Sidony ruminated that under certain circumstances Isgarren could have become the doyen instead.<ref name="Journal Scroll">[[Journal Scroll]]</ref> He became the latest owner of [[the Wizard's Tower]] at some point.<ref name="Jeff Grub lore interview" />

Sometime during the [[Elder Dragon]] [[Jormag]]'s rise, Isgarren discovered a wandering [[kodan]] [[Voice of Koda|Voice]] named [[Waiting Sorrow]] who was being being driven mad by the [[Rage of Koda]]. Feeling sorry for the kodan, Isgarren ascended her with a version of the Rite of Divinity to sever her connection to [[Koda]]. Some time after ascending Waiting Sorrow and leaving her to recuperate, Isgarren rescued a [[Kryptis]] named [[Eparch]], who had somehow managed to get into Tyria but had found himself chased by the Elder Dragon [[Mordremoth]] after the latter had consumed Eparch's brother. Isgarren was intrigued and brought the surviving Kryptis back to the Wizard's Tower, offering him a chance to learn more about Tyria and the opportunity to eventually ascend, as Isgarren had done to Waiting Sorrow, and thus create equilibrium.<ref name="Kryptis Memory">[[Kryptis Memory (The Eleventh Hour)]]</ref><ref>[[Peitha#Dialogue|Peitha telepathic dialogue at the Wizard's Tower]]
:'''Peitha:''' To imagine him in this place, as bright as it is.
:'''<Character name>:''' Did Eparch...live here?
:'''Peitha:''' Long enough to be hungry for more. You should ask your wizards. Isgarren and Eparch have a long history.</ref> However, Isgarren ignored Eparch's mentions about constant hunger and believed that the [[demon]] could control his urges to learn balance. The hunger ultimately gnawed at Eparch so much that he tore an entire [[centaur]] village into innards and scraps of meat. Horrified of Eparch's actions, Isgarren refused to listen to the Kryptis's pleas and banished him back to [[Nayos]], the Realm of Dreams.<ref name="Kryptis Memory" /><ref name="Strength of the Unseen">[[Strength of the Unseen (achievement)#Dialogue|Strength of the Unseen]]</ref><ref>[[Hell Breaks Loose]]
:'''Mabon:''' The Kryptis are demons.
:'''Mabon:''' They...evolved, learned. Their influence and power grew under the...guidance of their leader. Eparch.
:'''Mabon:''' Centuries ago, Eparch wanted to join our ranks but Isgarren denied him entry. He found Eparch to be...ignorant. Hungry.
:'''Mabon:''' Demons tend to be solitary creatures, but Eparch saw potential. Wells of power that they'd yet to tap into.
:'''Mabon:''' He dubbed himself their king and built a society in his own image. One of fear and anger. Nayos, the Realm of Dreams.</ref>

Isgarren assisted his fellow seers in their alliance with the [[elder race]]s of [[Tyria (world)|Tyria]] against the ravenous Elder Dragons. However, just before the seers were to aid the [[mursaat]] in the attack against the Elder Dragon [[Zhaitan]], the seer doyen [[Legendary Sidony the Shadowkeeper|Sidony]] suddenly decided against seer involvement in the battle and left the mursaat and the [[Forgotten]] to fend for themselves while the seers focused on the creation of the [[Shadowstone]] and the [[Bloodstone]] instead. Isgarren felt sorry for the mursaat, but Sidony stopped him from interfering before he could lend them aid.<ref name="Strength of the Unseen" /> The mursaat, who had suffered heavy losses alongside the Forgotten in the battle, never forgave the seers for this perceived act of betrayal. They refused to participate in the Bloodstone project and used their [[Mursaat Shadowcraft|shadowcraft]] to phase out of Tyria, leaving the rest of the Tyrian races to fend for themselves against the Elder Dragons.

Sometime after the seers' Bloodstone had drawn Tyria's available [[magic]] into it and forced the Elder Dragons into a premature slumber, the mursaat returned with a vengeance and began a millennia-long [[Seer-mursaat war|bloody war]] against the seers.<ref>[[Mursaat Lore Tablet]]</ref><ref>[[The Unseen Ones: A Primer on the Mursaat]]</ref> During the height of the war, Sidony finally became aware of Isgarren's transgression of ascending Waiting Sorrow, a non-seer, without permission. The seer council convened to decide Isgarren's fate; the votes were tied, however, and it was Sidony's deciding vote which ultimately resolved the issue in favor of banishing Isgarren from the fhogos and from the seers' ritual center on Castora.<ref name="Journal Scroll" /> The doyen enforced the banishment with a powerful curse so that Castora itself, [[the All Seer]] construct and the two [[seneschal]]s bound to it would reject and weaken Isgarren should he ever find his way back, and [[Ancora]], a staff used in the Rite of Divinity, would burn the banished seer if he ever touched it again.<ref>[[Path of Divinity]]
:'''Echo of Isgarren:''' Am I to leave all who turn to us for help to crumble? We already abandoned the mursaat to battle Zhaitan alone—
:'''Echo of Sidony the Shadowkeeper:''' The kodan Voice was not going to die. She was simply not ready to wield the power that stood before her.
:'''Echo of Sidony the Shadowkeeper:''' So, you gifted her ours. What logic guided you toward that choice?
:'''Echo of Isgarren:''' I saved her soul from Koda's claws.
:'''Echo of Sidony the Shadowkeeper:''' You mutilated our power to your will. Your turned the Rite of Divinity into a parlor trick.
:'''Echo of Sidony the Shadowkeeper:''' You betrayed us, Isgarren. And this is but the peak of your ever-building sedition. Time and time again you chose yourself.
:'''Echo of Sidony the Shadowkeeper:''' Especially now, as the mursaat seek our blood... I cannot allow your negligence to flourish as war rages against us.
:'''Echo of Isgarren:''' Sidony, listen to reason. I have never stepped against you.
:'''Echo of Sidony the Shadowkeeper:''' You are too great a risk and must be struck from this place. You are not of my flock any longer.
:'''Echo of Isgarren:''' You need me.
:'''Echo of Sidony the Shadowkeeper:''' You are banished, Isgarren. Exiled from our people! No home. No belonging. No asylum.
:'''Echo of Sidony the Shadowkeeper:''' My seneschal will attack you. Your mind will fail you! If you touch Ancora again, your flesh will burn. [...]
:'''<Character name>:''' I knew you were exiled, but... He cursed you?
:'''Isgarren:''' And he left all of this to punish and mock me. Am I so theatrical to you now, Wayfinder?
:'''Isgarren:''' From the fog that surrounds this place, to every trap left behind... It is a stronghold, built to keep me out.</ref>

==== Founder of the Wizard's Court ====
It is unclear if the [[Beacon of Ages]] and other [[Beacon (Wizard's Court)|beacons]] scattered throughout Tyria predated Isgarren and he discovered and claimed them for his use, or if he created the beacons himself.<ref>[[Mabon#Dialogue|Mabon]]</ref> Either way, at some point he was inspired to found the [[Wizard's Court]] to study magic and safeguard Tyria from threats from [[the Mists]], and he extended his influence by having the wizards be assisted by what became known as the [[Astral Ward]] and the [[Rift Hunters]]. His first recruit to the court was the mursaat [[Mabon]] whom he had been fighting during the mursaat-seer war but whom he had later befriended when Mabon had professed a desire to end bloodshed as he had become ashamed of his people's actions.<ref name="Strength of the Unseen" /><ref>[[Into the Obscure]]
:'''Isgarren:''' (snarls) Why have you stopped fighting back?
:'''Mabon:''' It's not worth it. Killing you.
:'''Isgarren:''' A mursaat without bloodlust? How humble you are.
:'''Mabon:''' I'm honest. I don't blame you for hating me. I don't blame your fear.
:'''Mabon:''' My kind has killed for less. I...am as ashamed.
:'''Isgarren:''' I...</ref>

Isgarren conversed with the Elder Dragon [[Soo-Won]] at some point and struck a bargain with her. They remained respectfully distant from one another, as Soo-Won sought to protect Tyria proper while Isgarren looked to the sky and the Mists beyond.<ref name="Drakologist Daisy">[[Drakologist Daisy]]</ref><ref>[[Records of the Deaths of the Elder Dragons]]</ref> Isgarren also met with the [[dragon]] prophet [[Glint]] who gifted him with one of her scales; he would not reveal the purpose of the gift to his later allies.<ref>[[Janthir Field Notes: Troll Cave]]</ref>

Waiting Sorrow, the [[Forgotten]] [[Vass]], the [[djinn]] [[Akeem]], and the [[jotun]] [[Dagda]] joined the ranks of the Wizard's Court later, and Isgarren and Vass grew close over the centuries. All wizards were required to undergo the rite of [[Ascension (Wizard's Court)|ascension]], which was a lesser version of the seers' original Rite of Divinity, to tap into the flow of magic of the world itself albeit with the caveat that the wizard's personal memories would be tampered with as a side effect.<ref>[[Seer Curses and Rituals]]</ref><ref>[[Treachery]]
:'''Zojja:''' In order to connect to the "flow" and access the magical ecosystem, there's a ritual...
:'''Zojja:''' It makes your memories fuzzy. The personal ones, at least. You've probably heard about that...unfortunate side effect.</ref><ref>[[Fumbling in the Dark]]
:'''<Character name>:''' This ritual, it's what you used for the Wizard's Court, isn't it?
:'''Isgarren:''' The rite I performed on my fellow wizards is a more subdued, precise version. But they are similar, yes.
:'''<Character name>:''' And this Ancora it mentions? You know what that is too, don't you? And where it is, I'm sure.
:'''Isgarren:''' It is the staff that the rite requires, an object of immeasurable power. And no, I have not located it yet.</ref> However, the tampering turned out to actually be deliberate on Isgarren's part to ensure that the wizards would be of unbiased mind when they obtained the power.<ref name="Path of Divinity" />

Back in Nayos, Eparch believed that he had been banished unjustly and that Isgarren had denied him power. He began uniting the Kryptis into a coalition under his command, dubbing himself the Midnight King in preparation of eventually invading Tyria to make Isgarren and those dear to him suffer.

=== [[Lonely Tower Fractal]] ===
[[File:Eparch versus Isgarren.jpg|thumb|[[Eparch]] confronts Isgarren during the [[Lonely Tower Fractal|assault]] on [[the Wizard's Tower]].]]
After the [[Astral Ward]]'s founding to aid the Wizard's Court in their task to protect Tyria from Mistborn threats in 604 <small>[[Mouvelian calendar|AE]]</small>, Eparch's Kryptis possessed the first [[Warden of the Wizard's Court]], [[Taryn]].<ref>[[Foundation of the Astral Ward]]</ref><ref name="Collection">[[Collect evidence of Kryptis infiltration]]</ref> This ultimately led to Eparch's first invasion attempt into Tyria sometime around 635 <small>AE</small>,<ref name="Collection"/> where the Kryptis [[Lonely Tower Fractal|targeted]] the Wizard's Tower with Eparch himself leading the incursion alongside his nephews [[Cerus]] and [[Deimos]]. The wizards Akeem and Vass died in the assault which culminated in Isgarren and Eparch's second confrontation. Mabon was unfamiliar with the magic that the Kryptis were using to block the ward's path but did his best to stabilize the tower so the wizard Dagda and the ward could push onward and banish Cerus and Deimos. The battle had drained Mabon's strength, so he asked Dagda to open a portal to Isgarren's current location so they might offer the wizard some assistance against Eparch.

Isgarren asked Mabon to lend him his strength so they could finish a banishment spell and expel all Kryptis from the tower while the ward battled Eparch directly. They were ultimately able to force the Midnight King and the Kryptis back into Nayos despite the tower sustaining heavy damage in the ensuing clash. Mabon expressed disbelief at having seen Eparch's humanoid form and that the demon had brought an army with him this time around. When Mabon tried to ask Isgarren for more information, the seer wizard dismissed any further commentary as the ward should focus on recovering from the assault and tending to their fallen and wounded.

=== Life Above Garenhoff ===
Sometime prior to the [[Transformation of the Dwarves]], Isgarren ascended the [[dwarf]] [[Lyhr]] as a wizard.

After the Wizard's Tower had relocated close to the town of [[Garenhoff]], the townsfolk began relying on the wizard's protection. He was praised by many denizens of Garenhoff for providing [[Tamed Elemental|elemental]] guardians to protect the town and its people, but he was rarely seen or heard.<ref>[[Wizard's Fief#Ambient dialogue|Wizard's Fief ambient dialogue]]</ref><ref>[[Clandint]]</ref><ref>[[Lasha]]</ref> Some of the townspeople viewed the gifted elementals with skepticism as they believed that something felt off about the elementals.<ref>[[Gabriette]]</ref><ref>[[Tillee]]</ref> Despite his reclusive nature, Isgarren was said to have occasionally sent invitations to some of the townsfolk to come live in his castle; none of the people who entered the Wizard's Tower were ever heard from again.<ref>[[Felna]]</ref>

In the past, Isgarren visited the [[Mystic Forge]] in search of special compounds. [[Zommoros]], the [[djinn]] owner of the Forge, only learned of the visit afterwards. Due to lack of proper [[skritt]] documenting, he was unable to find any record of what items Isgarren had tossed into the Forge and what the wizard had received in return. The djinn hoped that Isgarren returned one day so he could inquire the wizard about the nature of his work and where he had been. However, no one had heard from Isgarren for a long time, and Zommoros pondered if something had happened to the wizard since the previous visit.<ref>[[Zommoros's Research Notes]]</ref> At some point, the [[charr]] merchant [[Brine Clutchall]] ran a shop at Garenhoff but had to leave in a hurry after he had supposedly overcharged a person he believed to have been Isgarren; he began working for the [[Guild Initiative]] in exchange for them protecting him from the wizard.

{{spoilers|When [[Ankka]] and the [[Aetherblades]] traversed [[the Mists]] and unleashed the [[Void]] on Soo-Won and [[Cantha]] in 1335 <small>AE</small>, the Astral Ward debated whether to get involved. However, Isgarren and Lyhr ultimately decided against the ward's involvement in the crisis as an all-out chase through the Mists would have taken too much of the ward's power and too many bodies while Soo-Won's Void affliction was threatening the existence of Tyria itself. However, Isgarren would have intervened had Ankka found her way into his bank of [[Fractals of the Mists|fractals]] as unleashing the potential threats there would have been too severe a risk to ignore.<ref>[[Healer Krys]]</ref>|''[[Guild Wars 2: End of Dragons]]''|100}}

=== [[Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure|Secrets of the Obscure]] ===
==== Act 1 ====
{{section-stub|npc|Could still be expanded.}}
Following the death of [[Soo-Won]] and the outbreak of the [[Void]], the [[Spire's Heart]] became fractured from the unleashed magic. Though [[Aurene]] quickly mended things, the defenses of the World Spire were still injured, and required fixing. Eparch's Kryptis took advantage of this as Isgarren moved the [[Wizard's Tower]] to a new location, and assaulted the Wizard's Court directly. Isgarren was attacked by [[Cerus]], and left to go into hiding at [[The World Spire]] to prevent harming others as he fought off the possession.<ref>[[Hell Breaks Loose]]</ref><ref name="worldspire">[[The World Spire (story)|The World Spire]]</ref>

==== Act 3 ====
{{section-stub|npc|Add missing information on post-story achievements.}}
When the Astral Ward had finally located Isgarren, the Wizard's Court and [[Pact Commander|Wayfinder]] set off to rescue Isgarren and cleanse him of possession. After chasing the Seer across the [[Bastion of the Celestial]] and fighting the ancient seer's many fragmented magics, a final confrontation occurred atop [[the World Spire]] itself. However, instead of simply removing the possessing Kryptis from Isgarren, a new rift opened and dragged the Wayfinder and Isgarren through into [[Nayos]] itself, where [[Cerus]] was waiting for the pair. Unable to properly move, Isgarren gave the Wayfinder what little help he could so that they could confront Cerus. It wasn't enough, however, but rescue came in the unexpected form of [[Peitha]], Kryptis Lord and sister of Cerus, who turned on her brother to assist the Wayfinder. After Cerus' defeat, Peitha opened a new rift for the three to leave Nayos and return to the Wizard's Tower. There, Isgarren had a brief moment to recovery before confronting Peitha and her intentions. With the Wayfinder's opinion considered, Isgarren agreed to a tentative alliance with Peitha to confront and kill Eparch once and for all.<ref name="worldspire"/><ref>[[Treachery]]</ref>

==== [[Through the Veil (release)|Through the Veil]] ====
{{section-stub|npc|Add missing information.}}
When the [[Wayfinder]] has returned to the [[The Wizard's Tower|tower]], Isgarren could be seen in company of [[Peitha]]. Contrary to the statements issued previously by both her and [[Frode]], the wizard was visibly and audibly upset by the presence of the [[Kryptis]] in his home. Despite this, he listened to Peitha's reports about ongoing escalation happening in [[Nayos]] — the homeland of Kryptis. Reluctantly, he agreed to consider aiding the cause — not out of sympathy towards the Kryptis, but out of necessity, believing it better to stop the threat before it grows. According to him, no meaningful effort could be launched until current incursions are stopped. Yet, while speaking privately with the Wayfinder, he decided to allow volunteers to follow them into Nayos. At the time, he also shared that according to Peitha's words [[Arina]], Frode's daughter, is still alive inside Nayos.

As Isgarren was preparing to send [[Peitha]] and the [[Wayfinder]] to [[Nayos]], a [[Kryptis Rift]] emerged inside [[The Wizard's Tower]]. When efforts to neutralise it proved futile, Isgarren urged his allies to instead use it to cross into Nayos and disable it from the other side. By combining efforts with Peitha, Wayfinder and newly [[Ascension (Wizard's Court)|ascended]] [[Zojja]], enemy Kryptis were defeated and the rift was sealed. Still inside of Nayos, Isgarren issued a last warning to the Wayfinder as they followed Peitha deeper into unfamiliar lands. He then stepped into a [[Wizard Portal]], presumably heading back into the tower.

==== [[The Midnight King]] ====
{{section-stub|npc|Add missing information.}}

=== [[Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds|Janthir Wilds]] ===
[[File:JW screenshot 12.jpg|thumb|Isgarren makes an [[Prologue: The Tyrian Alliance|appearance]] in the inaugural [[Tyrian Alliance]] meeting.]]
==== Act 1 ====
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==== Act 2 ====
{{section-stub|npc|Add missing information.}}

==== [[Godspawn]] ====
{{section-stub|npc|Add missing information.}}

==== [[Repentance]] ====
{{section-stub|npc|Add missing information.}}

==== [[Absolution]] ====
{{section-stub|npc|Add missing information.}}

=== [[Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity|Visions of Eternity]] ===
==== Act 1 ====
[[File:Isgarren and Sayida.jpg|thumb|Isgarren and [[Sayida the Sly|Sayida]].]]
{{section-stub|npc|Add missing information.}}

==== Act 2 ====
{{section-stub|npc|Add missing information.}}

==== [[The Only Way]] ====
{{section-stub|npc|Add missing information.}}

== Scriptures ==
{{quotation|The Exile of Isgarren|Let the burden of bitterness, The curse of [[Legendary Sidony the Shadowkeeper|Sidony]] befall, Isgarren, in solitary sorrow, alone in [[The Wizard's Tower|his tower]].

Enslaved to [[Tyria (world)|Tyria]], he claims perfection, May his reputation be blighted, his position stolen, his perception blinded, This eternal grudge befalls him.

Who stands at the gate, Who is doomed to watch over all, Standing above the ground, Watching, ever waiting.

Isgarren, the father, cries in vain, Back bent in passive supplication, the weight of the sky he will carry, This solitude remains, endless.

Lest the [[The All Seer|seer of all]] itself should end, The heavy sky will oppress him so long as he remains, So speak Sidony, So it is written, so it will be done.}}

{{quotation|Curse-Breaker, [[Historian Minna]]|Let the burden of bitterness, The curse of Sidony, be lifted, Isgarren, in joyous company, Together in [[Castora]].

Servant of Tyria, he forgoes perfection, May his reputation be restored, His position freely given, his perception sharpened; This eternal grudge lifts from him.

Who stands at the gate, Who volunteers to watch over all, Standing above the ground, Watching, ever waiting.

Isgarren, the father, rejoices, Back straightened by determination, The weight of the sky he will carry; This solitude cease, finite.

The seer of all stands conquered, The heavy sky shall oppress him no more, So speaks Minna, So it is written, so it will be done.}}

== Locations ==
;[[Castora]]
* [[Eternity's Garden]]
** [[Pilgrim's Rest]]
* [[Shipwreck Strand]]
** [[Soaring Sands]]
* [[Starlit Weald]]
** [[Lost Basilica]] {{during}}

;[[Horn of Maguuma]]
* [[The Wizard's Tower]]
** [[Outer Sanctorium]] <small>(after [[Treachery]])</small> — on a balcony on the floor below the [[The Wizard's Court]]

;[[The Mists]]
* [[Fractals of the Mists]]
** [[Lonely Tower Fractal]]

== Story involvement ==
=== [[Secrets of the Obscure story]] ===
* Act 3
** [[Into the Obscure]] <small>(as a [[Vision (race)|vision]])</small>
** [[The World Spire (story)|The World Spire]]
** [[Treachery]]
* [[Through the Veil (release)|Through the Veil]]
** [[Duress]]
* [[The Midnight King]]
** [[The Eleventh Hour]]
** [[Sovereign of Nayos]]

=== [[Janthir Wilds story]] ===
* Act 1
** [[Prologue: The Tyrian Alliance]]
** [[Strangers among Lands]]
* Act 2
** [[Sorrow in These Halls]]
* [[Godspawn]]
** [[Trial and Error]]
** [[Battle's Eve]]
** [[Balrior Peak]]
* [[Repentance]]
** [[Into the Valley of Shadow]]
** [[A Legacy Damned]]
** [[Penance for the Past]]
* [[Absolution]]
** [[Forced Entry]]
** [[A Titanic Undertaking]]
** [[Salvation's Cost]]

=== [[Visions of Eternity story]] ===
* Act 1
** [[Unscheduled Departures]]
** [[Solid Ground]]
* Act 2
** [[Fumbling in the Dark]]
** [[Path of Divinity]]
* [[The Only Way]]
** [[On the Threshold]]
** [[Within Your Grasp]] <small>(voice only)</small>
** [[Divitium Nava]] <small>(voice only)</small>
** [[A Bold Strategy]]
** [[So It Is Written]]

== Event involvement ==
;[[The Basilica Vaults]]
: {{event|Defeat the ancient defenses and gather their power for Isgarren}}
: {{event|Gather the loose magic for Isgarren}}
: {{event|Defeat the champion enchanted weapon}}

== Combat abilities ==
=== General ===
;Effects
{{defiance}} <br>{{chain}}'''[[Stun (defiance)|Stun]]''' — {{skill description|Stun (defiance)}}

;Skills
* '''{{plain icon|Chain Lightning}}''' - Hit multiple foes with arcs of chain lightning.

{{collapsible section|<h3>Story Mode ([[The World Spire (story)|The World Spire]])</h3>|style=max-width: 90em|
==== Final Encounter ====
;Effects
{{defiance}}

;Skills
* '''Bitter Rebuke''' - Smash the ground in front of you to damage foes.
* '''Chaos Vortex''' - Release a vortex of chaos energy that inflicts {{vulnerability|stacks=5}}{{slow}}{{blinded}} on foes.
* '''Flying Cutter''' - Send a blade of energy at your target.
* '''Grasping Dead''' - Summon skeletal hands that inflict {{torment|stacks=2}} to foes in the target area.
* '''Haunt Shot''' - Send out a shadow bolt and inflict {{torment|stack=1}}.
* '''Meteor Shower''' - Call down a meteor shower onto the target area.
* '''Seeking Judgment''' - Fire a seeking projectile that explodes upon contact and damages enemies.
* '''Shadowfall''' - Drop a well that {{knockdown|knocks down}} on initial impact, then pulses {{torment|stacks=1}}.
* '''Temporal Rift''' - Slice into the Mists, creating an unstable rift. After a short duration, this rift will collapse in on itself, {{pull}}ing in enemies and inflicting {{torment|stacks=2}}.
* '''Zealot's Embrace''' - Send a wave toward your foe that {{immobile|Immobilizes}} foes in a line.

;Stolen skills
{{section-stub|npc|Add missing information.}}

==== Manifestation of Bitterness ====
;Abilities
* Manifestation of Bitterness

;Behavior
* Periodically summons five [[Corrupted Kryptis Essence]]s when defiance bar is unlocked
* Summons a [[Core of Hatred]] and [[Core of Resentment]] when defiance bars at 66% and 33% health are broken, respectively
* Regenerates 25% health if defiance bar not broken or a Core reaches Isgarren

;Effects
{{defiance}} <small>(at 66% and 33% health)</small>
* {{effect|Kryptis-Possessed}} - {{effect description|Kryptis-Possessed}}
* {{effect|Determined}} (30s) <small>(at 66% and 33% health)</small> - {{effect description|Determined}}
* {{effect|Stun}} (30s) <small>(at 66% and 33% health)</small> - {{effect description|Stun}}
* {{effect|Demonic Aura (materialize)}} (30s) <small>(at 66% and 33% health)</small> - {{effect description|Demonic Aura (materialize)}}
* {{effect|Kryptis Detachment}} (30s) <small>(when defiance bar is broken)</small> - {{effect description|Kryptis Detachment}}

;Skills
* '''Bitter Rebuke''' - Smash the ground in front of you to damage foes.
* '''Grasping Dead''' - Summon skeletal hands that inflict {{torment|stacks=2}} to foes in the target area.
* '''Haunt Shot''' - Send out a shadow bolt and inflict {{torment|stack=1}}.
* '''Necrotic Grasp''' - Send out a grasping hand that pierces foes in a line and inflicts {{torment|stacks=1}}.
* '''Shadowfall''' - Drop a well that {{knockdown|knocks down}} on initial impact, then pulses {{torment|stacks=1}}.
* '''Temporal Rift''' - Slice into the Mists, creating an unstable rift. After a short duration, this rift will collapse in on itself, {{pull}}ing in enemies and inflicting {{torment|stacks=2}}.

;Stolen skills
{{section-stub|npc|Add missing information.}}

==== Manifestation of Ego ====
;Abilities
* Manifestation of Ego

;Behavior
* Summons two clones (Impulse and Vulgarity) at 66% and 33% health

;Effects
{{defiance|grey}}
* {{effect|Kryptis-Possessed}} - {{effect description|Kryptis-Possessed}}
* {{effect|Shielded (Isgarren)}} <small>(at 66% and 33% health)</small> - {{effect description|Shielded (Isgarren)}}

;Skills
* '''Chain Lightning''' - Hit multiple foes with arcs of chain lightning.
* '''Chaos Vortex''' - Release a vortex of chaos energy that inflicts {{vulnerability|stacks=5}}, {{slow}}, and {{blinded}} on foes.
* '''Flying Cutter''' - Send a blade of energy at your target.
* '''Grasping Dead''' - Summon skeletal hands that inflict {{bleeding|stacks=3}} and {{crippled}} to foes in the target area.
* '''Meteor Shower''' - Call down a meteor shower onto the target area.
* '''Seeking Judgment''' - Fire a seeking projectile that explodes upon contact and damages enemies.
* '''Zealot's Embrace''' - Send a wave toward your foe that {{Immobile|Immobilizes}} foes in a line.

;Stolen skills
{{section-stub|npc|Add missing information.}}

==== Manifestations of Impulse & Vulgarity ====
;Abilities
* Manifestation of Impulse
* Manifestation of Vulgarity

;Effects
{{defiance|grey}}

;Skills
* '''Chain Lightning''' - Hit multiple foes with arcs of chain lightning.
* '''Chaos Storm''' - Create a magical storm at the target location that applies random conditions to foes. The first strike of the storm {{daze}}s foes. 
* '''Grasping Dead''' - Summon skeletal hands that inflict {{bleeding|stacks=3}} and {{crippled}} to foes in the target area.
* '''Warding Rift''' - Create a rift from the Mists that blocks incoming attacks.

;Stolen skills
{{section-stub|npc|Add missing information.}}

==== Manifestation of Rigidity====
;Abilities
* Manifestation of Rigidity

;Effects
{{defiance}}
* {{effect|Kryptis-Possessed}} - {{effect description|Kryptis-Possessed}}
}}

== Dialogue ==
=== [[The Wizard's Tower]] ===
;After completing [[Treachery]] and before beginning [[Secrets Obscured]]
:[[Wayfinder]], after everything... I must thank you. For protecting my people, my home. This place is a reflection of myself, so to say. Without it... I don't know what would become of me. Or [[Tyria (world)|Tyria]].
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Anything else I can do?''
::These events gave me pause and a moment to reflect on things I've left unsettled for too long. I...have a task I'd request of you.
::{{dialogue icon|collection}} ''What is it?''
:::'''<Character name>:''' What is it?
:::'''Isgarren:''' [[Wizard's Court|We]] have kept the walls around Tyria up for ages now. There has been much conflict in that time, all across the world.
:::'''Isgarren:''' There are items that have been left hidden in the process. It seemed the safest approach, but the situation has changed.
:::'''Isgarren:''' They must be recovered. Our gift to the people of Tyria is that they never know just how much danger they've been in.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I've got plenty of tasks already.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''You're welcome.''

;While Secrets Obscured is active
:Are you making progress on the task I gave you?
:{{dialogue icon|collection}} ''What was I supposed to be doing again?''
::You were given a list of items that need to be retrieved, lest the citizens of Tyria discover the nature of our work.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Ah, that's right.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Can you give me any advice on where to find them?''
::Very well. What do you need to know?
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Where is this jeweled amulet?''
:::I suspect it fell from the [[The Wizard's Tower|tower]] when it was moved. [[Garenhoff]] would be the logical place to start.
:::{{dialogue icon|return}} ''Back.''
::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Leave.''
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Where can I find "Planning for Tyria's Future"?''
:::The tome was sealed away in one of the [[Beacon (Wizard's Court)|beacons]] in [[Ruins of Orr|Orr]], then it was lost when the continent [[gww:The Cataclysm|fell]]. If it has survived, it will be in a [[Vizier's Tower|tower]] there.
:::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Which one though?''
::::[[Vizier Khilbron|Its caretaker]] went mad and renamed it. I believe he started calling himself a vizier. Perhaps that will narrow it down.
::::{{dialogue icon|return}} ''Back.''
::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Leave.''
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Where should I look for this tainted [[bloodstone]] censer?''
:::The cursed censer was locked away in the [[Bloodstone Caves]], where I had hoped it would remain. But alas, here we are.
:::{{dialogue icon|return}} ''Back.''
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Leave.''
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Do you know what [[Mabon]]'s favorite food from [[Divinity's Reach]] was?''
:::I never asked him about it, but he often spoke fondly of cuisine from [[Elona]], and also of the value of bloodstone as an ingredient. Perhaps some combination of them?
:::{{dialogue icon|return}} ''Back.''
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Leave.''
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''What about this [[Kryptis]] research document?''
:::The research was being done at [[Rata Pten]] before its demise. I wouldn't tarry long—I've heard talk of excavations happening in the area.
:::{{dialogue icon|return}} ''Back.''
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Leave.''
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''What do I need a Kryptis body for?''
:::It's less about needing one and more about not leaving any behind. Incursions in Tyria proper increase the risk of their remains being found.
:::{{dialogue icon|return}} ''Back.''
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Leave.''
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Where should I find this missing stone?''
:::The stone was last in possession of a [[Astral Ward|ward]] member at the [[Sunrise Tower|former beacon]] in [[Ascalon]]. It is mistakeable for an ordinary stone and likely still resides there.
:::{{dialogue icon|return}} ''Back.''
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Leave.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Leave.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'm on it.''

;After completing Secrets Obscured
:You did well in gathering those items I requested. Now, what can I do for you?
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Have [[Peitha]] and the Kryptis kept their word?'' <small>'''(after completing [[Sovereign of Nayos]])'''</small>
::What choice have they? I've little concern for Peitha's rule in the short term; return to me in two hundred years and ask me this question again. The answer will be more meaningful then.
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll try.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''How's your recovery coming along?''
::No need to worry. I have learned to bear the burden of this role over time, and I don't break easily. I will be fine.
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll leave you to rest.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Are there still Kryptis attacks happening?'' <small>'''(before completing [[Sovereign of Nayos]])'''</small>
::Of course. Those likely will not subside until [[Eparch]] himself is dealt with. Your continued assistance in combating those invasions would be of great value.
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll leave you to rest.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Are you ever going to reveal yourselves to [[Tyria]]?''
::That is not a decision that can be made lightly. Secrecy has been very important, both for our cause and for Tyria. But...perhaps someday. If the situation changes.
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll leave you to rest.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I'm curious. Can you tell me about the [[Seer]]s?''
::Ah. My fhogos—my kin. I would not be surprised if I was the only one you'll ever meet. [[Mabon]] and I were both birthed by stubborn beings. And like the Tyrian [[mursaat]], my kind are all dead.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I'm so sorry.''
:::We didn't age well. And we lived a very difficult experience... Of all my thousands of years of self-reflection, I barely spent my adolescence among them. I parted from the horde after...
:::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''...After?''
::::We once tried to fell the [[Elder Dragon|dragons]]. The [[Elder race|Elder Races]] of Tyria. The Seer doyen, [[Legendary Sidony the Shadowkeeper|Sidony]], cried for war. But...just before we were to aid the mursaat in their attack on [[Zhaitan]]... Sidony decided against.
::::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''(Listen intently.)''
:::::The mursaat never forgave us, and I empathized with that. They were turned to bone scraps and bile... But they would hunt us for thousands of years after. A few hundred of them, for all of us.
:::::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''You and Mabon, then...''
::::::An unlikely alliance. He was different, and more so resembled the mursaat I've met external Tyria: brutal, yes, but fair. He's endured as much as I have.
::::::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Mursaat...external Tyria.''
:::::::Some, at least. Who could say? Mabon searched, but... He stayed here all this time, after all. Perhaps, they were not worth finding...?
:::::::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I'm sorry, about Mabon...''
::::::::I am, too.
::::::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::::::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll leave you to rest.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I think I'm good for now.''

=== [[Soaring Sands]] ===
;Before completing [[Path of Divinity]]
:Yes, Wayfinder? Keep it brief, will you?
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Are you feeling all right?''
::No. Sea travel does not suit me. And somehow I am still feeling its effects, despite having my feet on solid ground again. Figuratively, that is.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Sorry to hear that. Maybe you need to rest.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''My pleasure.''

;After completing Path of Divinity
:...
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Should I take your silence as shame, guilt, or indignation?''
::I have regrets. These are not the first. Does such an admission bring you joy? Regardless, I'm contemplating [[Director Vloxx|Vloxx]]'s motivations. What does he truly seek with [[Ancora]]?
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I don't know. But I need to be able to count on you to help me find out.''

;During [[Memories of Another Time]]
{{main|Memories of Another Time#Dialogue}}

=== [[Eternity's Garden]] ===
;Before completing [[A Brief Reprieve]]
:<small>'''(If not holding [[Medication]])'''</small>
:Wayfinder. Just...give me some time. I need to rest.
:<small>'''(If holding [[Medication]])'''</small>
:(groans) I need rest, Wayfinder. I won't be much help to you until this curse is broken. Or until I'm dead.
:{{dialogue icon|choice}} ''Don't be so dramatic. Try this.''
::I...I don't know how much a mortal remedy will... Ah, never mind that. Thank you, Wayfinder.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Happy to help.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll leave you be.''

;After completing A Brief Reprieve
:Thank you. The remedy you provided was no curse-breaker...but the gesture has dulled some of the pain. I appreciate the thought.
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''We'll figure it out, Isgarren.''

== Gallery ==
;Screenshots
<gallery>
Isgarren (Arcane Battlestaff).jpg|Isgarren wielding the [[Arcane Battlestaff]]. 
Isgarren (Astral Projection).jpg|An [[Isgarren (Astral Projection)|astral projection]] of Isgarren. 
The Midnight King 03.jpg|Isgarren and [[Mabon]].
</gallery>

;Promotional and concept art
<gallery>
Isgarren concept art.jpg|Isgarren concept art.
Secrets Obscure wallpaper.jpg|Key art of the [[Pact Commander]], [[Zojja]], and Isgarren for the [[Secrets of the Obscure]] [[expansion]].
Absolution key art.jpg|[[Absolution]] key art of Isgarren and members of the [[Tyrian Alliance]] at the [[Mists Gate]].
Alliance Camp loading screen.png|[[On the Threshold]] loading screen with [[Rytlock Brimstone]], [[Canach]], [[Sayida the Sly]], and Isgarren.
Valentine's Card 2025 - Isgarren.jpg|Valentine's Day Card from 2025 featuring Isgarren.
</gallery>

== Related achievements ==
* {{achievement|A Chapter Closed}}
* {{achievement|Manifestation Mayhem}}
* {{achievement|Astral Ward Research}}
* {{achievement|Secrets Obscured}}
* {{collection achievement|A New Threat Emerges}}
* {{achievement|Talk of the Tower}}
* {{achievement|Everyone Loves Democracy}}
* {{achievement|A Moment of Quiet}}
* {{achievement|Life of the Party}}
* {{achievement|Show Me Those Moves, Isgarren!}}
* {{achievement|Field Updates}}
* {{achievement|So Touchy}}
* {{achievement|Wayward Wayfinder}}
* {{achievement|Diplomatic Relations}}
* {{achievement|Master Mingler}}
* {{achievement|The Doorstep of Divinity}}
* {{achievement|Things Are about to Get Interesting}}
* {{achievement|Memories of Another Time}}
* {{achievement|Lost No Longer}}
* {{achievement|Any Last Thoughts}}
* {{achievement|Castoran Curse-Breaker}}
* {{achievement|The Storm Ahead}}
* {{achievement|A Brief Reprieve}}

== Trivia ==
* Isgarren is [[Voice actor|voiced]] by [[Xander Berkeley]].<ref>[https://twitter.com/indigoboock/status/1694032858996949506?s=20 Tweet by Indigo Linde], Twitter.com</ref>
* Xander Berkeley has suggested that Isgarren may be 3,000 years old.<ref>[https://www.threads.com/@xanderoriginal/post/DL5CE57uU_P/it-has-been-such-a-blast-creating-the-voice-for-the-3000-year-old-wizard-isgarre Post by Xander Berkeley], Threads.com</ref>
* Narrative designer [[Peter Fries]] has once jokingly suggested that Isgarren is the son of Wasgarren, and his son is Wilbigarren, the joke being about the English verb tenses 'is,' 'was,' and 'will be.'<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/Guildwars2/comments/4p6shb/what_happened_to_e/d4je1wq/ Comment by Peter Fries], Reddit.com</ref>
* [[Grand Wizard Garren]] was a mage who designed the gardens in [[the Upper City]] of [[Divinity's Reach]] during [[King Roderick]]'s reign circa 1265 <small>[[Mouvelian calendar|AE]]</small>.<ref>[[Divinity Guide]]</ref> The similar names and titles have left some questioning if there is a relation, which remains unanswered.
* Isgarren's involvement in ''[[Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure]]'' was first teased in a blog post.<ref>[https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/after-the-dragon-cycle/ After the Dragon Cycle], GuildWars2.com</ref>
* Between the release of [[Bastion of the Penitent]] and the development of ''Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure'', [[Bobby Stein]], [[Crystal Reid]], and [[Jason Reynolds]] had a pitch of Isgarren's story taking place in a [[raid]] themed around the Wizard's Tower. Isgarren would invite people over for a tour but had ulterior motives: he intended to experiment on the visitors in order to sustain the life of an ill family member. The story's tone was meant to be bittersweet, showing that Isgarren was not acting out of malevolence but had a sympathetic reason for his dubious actions.<ref>[https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1968111593?t=76m34s Extra Life 2023 - Colin Johanson and Bobby Stein: Guild Wars Factions], Twitch.tv
:'''Bobby Stein:''' I was working on the Raids Team with Crystal Reid and [...] Jason Reynolds. [...] One of the ideas was that Isgarren basically was inviting people up to the tower but not necessarily for benevolence but basically that he was basically experimenting on them. And the reason why he was doing this was to actually sustain the life of an ill family member. We had this concept where the tower would actually change shape, so every time you would go in, it might actually—you'd go into a room but the room layout might be different. [...] The story was meant to be sad. A lot of the story concepts that we worked on for at least the first few raids were sort of bittersweet or tied to loss. Kind of heavy emotions. That's why one of the things we wanted to talk about is instead of just making a person who's doing this just to be nefarious, there's a reason why they're doing things that they wouldn't normally do, and it was because of wanting to fix a loved one or bring them back or something.</ref>
* Narrative Director [[Bobby Stein]] has jokingly suggested that the reason Isgarren's weapon pierces his shoulder when he folds his arms is due to Isgarren being a [[w:Sadomasochism|masochist]].<ref>[https://en-forum.guildwars2.com/topic/147243-mother-of-stars-what-happened-to-dagdas-voice/?do=findComment&comment=2133057 Comment by Bobby Stein], Guild Wars 2 Forums</ref>
* Despite seers being [[w:Genderless|genderless]],<ref>[[gww:User talk:Bobby Stein/Temp#Ancient Seer|Comment by Bobby Stein]], Guild Wars Wiki</ref> Isgarren is only referred to with masculine pronouns, and is fine with being called "he."<ref name="Treachery">[[Treachery]]
:'''Cerus:''' Isgarren the "Curator." [...]
:'''Isgarren:''' I don't care what you call me. "Isgarren" is comfortable. "He" is comfortable.
:'''Isgarren:''' But I've been called many names, and all of them are as true as this one.</ref>
* Isgarren is also referred to as:
** The Curator<ref name="Treachery" />
** The Mask Scourge<ref>[[Dusty Tome]]</ref>
** Wizard of the Tower<ref>[[Divination Table]]</ref>
* Isgarren was gifted an [[Astral creature|astral]] cat, named [[Mingoo]], by [[Vass]].

== See also ==
;Associated items
*{{item icon|Mini Isgarren}}
*{{item icon|Relic of Isgarren}}

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Story characters]]
[[Category:Visions]]
[[de:Isgarren]]
[[es:Isgarren]]
[[fr:Isgarren]]