Overview

The older of the two Draenei brothers in the Adventurer's Guild, and one of the 3 members of the group that would evolve into the Alliance's guild, alongside Winstant and Meyneth.

The definition of a protector, Istaanu has been a shield for the weak for millennia; and in that same time attempting to keep his last remaining family member alive. His belief in the Light and his intense desire to never again experience the constant horrors his people have experienced brings him strength and purpose.

Despite his image of being a paragon of defense, inside lies a scared man with a large heart in a universe that can't contain it.

Bio

Gender: Male (He/Him)
Race: Draenei (Lightforged)
Class: Paladin
Birthplace: Argus
Age: 13,052
Birthday: Feb. 5
Favorite Things: His brother, Strong comrades, Big hugs
Least Favorite Things: Loss, The Burning Legion, The Scourge, Sleeping

Personality

• Istaanu has suffered much and lost many. Because of this, he is one of the most protective and loving people you will ever meet. He is very outwardly affectionate, preferring hugs as his usual greeting of family and friends (or family and friends of friends). He prefers to throw himself over others at danger, not wanting anyone to get hurt, and knowing his abilities, as well as the Light, will brave him through any darkness.
• For much of his life, Istaanu had incredible anxiety. Fear of loss was prominent in his mind, which drove him to strengthen himself, so he would have the tools necessary to fight back. This twists itself into a complex of needing to take things into his own hands. It also gets projected on others, most notably his brother Toraal, who Istaanu sheltered for most of their life, not wanting to lose his last family member.
• In recent years, especially after his Lightforging, Istaanu has been able to calm his anxiety. His companions and their victories together have built up his trust in others. His love has not gotten any less strong, even if he tends to be... a lot.

Story

• Born on Argus, he fled with the rest of the Draenei, only escaping with his younger brother, the rest of his family having either defected or perishing. He continues to prioritize his brother’s safety over all else over the years, training with the light to become stronger and stronger.
• After Draenor tore itself apart, Istaanu and Toraal listened to Velen's promises of their next safe haven, not feeling safe on the planet. They joined the raid on Tempest Keep leading to the theft of the Exodar, but, as befitting the pattern of their life, struck more tragedy with the crashing of the ship on Azeroth. In a constant state of adrenaline and stress, Istaanu ended up assisting the Draenei settle on Azuremyst and Bloodmyst Isle out of a train of feeling responsibility.
• On Azeroth, after years, he finally became comfortable enough to not fight Toraal’s independence, but quickly regretted it due to losing him nearly immediately. This drove Istaanu to pushing himself harder than anyone ever should to never lose anyone ever again.
• One day, in Stormwind, he heard an extremely loud commotion from the Trade District, hearing angry yelling and large messes being thrown around. Citizens that day, other than seeing members of the Scourge join the Alliance, would also be greeted with the sight of a very large paladin paralyzed on the ground in tears.
• He went through the ritual to become Lightforged in order to strengthen himself further: if the Light flows through his body, he can shield and heal those he cares about more effectively. His trial involved a near army of souls he couldn't protect, led by a vision of Toraal.

Relationships

• Toraal - Istaanu loves his brother more than anything else in the world. He is the only living family member he has left, the main positive memory from the millennia of pain and suffering. It's taken years to work around his stress of loss projecting itself onto Toraal, and healing from the pain it has caused, but Istaanu will do anything for his family.
• The period after his death and subsequent resurrection was incredibly rocky (as to be expected), Istaanu struggling with the fact that not only is his beloved brother back, but also an undead monster. He shouldn't care and love as much as he does, but seeing Toraal's face overwrites any feelings his duty creates.
• In modern times, with the two actually fighting alongside each other, Istaanu's Lightforging and the Tishamaat, their relationship is somehow the healthiest it's ever been, despite their completely opposing natures.
• Winstant - One of his closest companions. They met during the Burning Crusade, often finding themselves fighting the same battles. Istaanu found the human's reckless fighting style stressful, but was determined to back the mighty warrior. He often acts as a balancing act to Winstant's fiery nature.
• Meyneth - Meyneth has been one of the most prominent sources of alleviating Istaanu of his anxiety and worry. Mainly starting from his overbearing nature getting in the way of her freedom, their relationship has evolved into one of trust. Some might call them the "mom" and "dad" of the Alliance's guild.
• Faraani - Sees nothing but a younger Toraal in her. He is far more able to trust in her abilities than he would in years past, but his instincts and her recklessness tend to lead to him being a mentor figure, regardless of if Faraani actually wants it.

Other

• He is larger than the average Draenei.

Author's Notes

• Istaanu is the only Draenei character with a name inspiration, that being Istanu, the Hittite goddess of the sun. When looking for inspirations, I went the path of looking at gods, and in his case, being a paladin, I wanted to go the path of the sun. I ended up going with the first one that sounded Draenic, adding an extra a in there to really make it fit. Beyond this though, there's very little connection between him and his namesake.