Isthanar

**Lord Isthanar** is the Witness for the Universities and a member of the Corazhas.

## Personality

Isthanar did not seem to have independent thoughts outside of following others' lead “whenever university policy was not sufficient guidance . . . although he might be baffled at least into silence by evocation of the ideals of education and the pursuit of knowledge.” He was also pompous and patronizing.

## Life

Isthanar worked at the University of Cetho, and served as the Witness for the Universities on the Corazhas under Varenechibel IV.

During Maia Drazhar's coronation, when Isthanar gave his oath of loyalty, Maia noted that Isthanar was not old enough to have given the oath more than once, implying that Isthanar was not also a holdover from Varevesena's reign.

When the Corazhas met to decide Maia's future empress, Isthanar supported Lord Bromar, who seemingly supported the choice of Paru Tethimin. Csethiro Ceredin won the majority and was ultimately chosen.

When the Clocksmiths' Guild of Zhaö presented the model of the bridge over the Istandaärtha, Isthanar was very skeptical and even cruel in his criticism. Evet Polchina appeared unbothered, and pivoted well in response, seemingly shocking Isthanar, and Isthanar withdrew from discussion. When Lord Pashavar asked Maia if it was suitable for the Clocksmiths' Guild to be in charge of such technology, and that perhaps the universities should be doing it, Maia suggested Pashavar speak to Isthanar about it, which Pashavar followed through on.

When the final vote for the bridge over the Istandaärtha occurred in the Corazhas, Isthanar supported Pashavar's opposition. The vote was split evenly, and Maia cast the deciding vote in favor. After Lord Deshehar suggested it be called the Varenechibel Bridge, Maia proposed it be named the Wisdom Bridge instead, and all the Corazhas assented.

## Relationships

#### Lord Deshehar

For Maia's birthday, Deshehar sent him a number of caricatures drawn during Corazhas sessions, including one of "Isthanar obviously on the verge of falling asleep".

#### Eiru Berenar

Isthanar was often at jealous odds with Eiru in the Corazhas.

#### Evet Polchina

Although Isthanar was patronizing to Polchina, Polchina seemed unbothered, and defended himself well.

#### Lord Pashavar

Isthanar and Pashavar are friends, and Isthanar usually follows Pashavar's lead in court.

## Trivia

* It's unclear how Lord Isthanar is related to Osmer Isthanar, but it seems unlikely they're the same person, as Lord Isthanar is a member of the Corazhas and works in Cetho, while Osmer Isthanar likely lives in Amalo. Likely they are both simply members of the Isthanada.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Addison, Katherine. “22. The Bridge over the Upazhera.” *The Goblin Emperor*, English 1st ed., Tim Doherty Associates, New York, NY, 2014.
2. ↑ Addison, Katherine. “8. The Coronation of Edrehasivar VII.” *The Goblin Emperor*, English 1st ed., Tim Doherty Associates, New York, NY, 2014.
3. ↑ Addison, Katherine. “17. Dinner with the Goblin Ambassador.” *The Goblin Emperor*, English 1st ed., Tim Doherty Associates, New York, NY, 2014.
4. ↑ Addison, Katherine. “26. The Clocksmiths and the Corazhas.” *The Goblin Emperor*, English 1st ed., Tim Doherty Associates, New York, NY, 2014.
5. ↑ Addison, Katherine. “34. Building Bridges.” *The Goblin Emperor*, English 1st ed., Tim Doherty Associates, New York, NY, 2014.
6. ↑ Addison, Katherine. “30. The Nineteenth Birthday of Edrehasivar VII and the Winternight Ball.” *The Goblin Emperor*, English 1st ed., Tim Doherty Associates, New York, NY, 2014.
7. ↑ Addison, Katherine. *The Witness for the Dead*, First ed., Tor, 2021.