Isran

Not to be confused with Ikran.

"I knew it would come to this one day. I knew. And no one believed."

―Isran^[src]

Isran is the stoic Redguard leader and founder of the modern Dawnguard. He also serves as a master skill trainer in Heavy Armor and will offer his services to the Dragonborn if they join the Dawnguard.

Background[]

He was previously a member of the Vigilants of Stendarr years ago after witnessing his family's death at the hands of Molag Bal Vampire cultists, alongside Celann. Dissatisfied with the order, and the fact the Vigil found his methods "extreme," they both left to form their own partnership. It didn't last long, as Celann began to disagree with some of Isran's methods.

In 4E 201, after a recent spate of vampire attacks, Isran went on to revive an ancient order of vampire hunters known as the Dawnguard. He re-established its headquarters in Fort Dawnguard, a massive fortress deep within the Velothi Mountains and rallied new recruits in order to combat the undead menace.

Personality[]

"Be on your guard at all times. Avoid sleep if you can... Sleep is for the weak."

―Isran^[src]

Isran has a strong sense of righteousness and in addition believes it is his duty to protect Skyrim from vampires. However, he tends to prioritize killing vampires over most other things, and would even put the lives of innocents at stake in order to aid his cause. Even though he is not from Skyrim, he is proud to live there as heard through his battle cries. Despite no longer being a Vigilant, he still believes in Stendarr. He has quite a cold demeanor initially, perhaps the only trait he shares with his counterpart, Harkon. His unfriendliness goes to new extremes when Serana is among the Dawnguard; he talks to her in harsh tones and constantly refers to her as 'it', even to her face. However, towards the end of the main questline, Isran refers to Serana by her name, rather than 'it', and goes as far to thank her for helping kill Harkon. According to him, his hatred of vampires is what keeps him strong; that, and constant vigilance. Compared to Gunmar who also lost his family to vampires, his drive to purge the land of vampires is not out of protecting people from the vampire menace but out of pure hate. Despite these negative traits, he is still compassionate and forgiving, as he did not gloat about his dire predictions coming true to Vigilant Tolan.

He is so tense and alert that he belittles the Dragonborn for sleeping, claiming it to be a weakness. The Dawnguard's leader is perfectly content expecting the worst to happen. However, while others mocked him, he read the signs and was able to take the right measures.

Isran apparently has a consistent habit of falling-out with people and holding grudges. The Vigil let him go after he proved too "extreme." Celann explains that he was never happy with Isran's rough and violent methods, and broke off their partnership. Florentius, the priest of Arkay, never got on with him either. However, Isran is not so petty as to stay mad at people in times of need. To the surprise of his old colleagues, he recruits them to help the Dawnguard. In his own gruff manner, he continued to care for these people too. Upon hearing of Keeper Carcette and the other Vigilants' deaths, he shows sorrow and compassion for their losses. If anything, it gives him more fuel for his obsession: to exterminate all Vampires.

He makes this more clear if the Dragonborn returns to Fort Dawnguard after either contracting vampirism or becoming a Vampire Lord, angered that the Dragonborn has become one of them and directs them to Morthal to seek a cure from Falion, stating that until the Dragonborn does that, he will not allow them to remain in Fort Dawnguard, saying "How dare you come back here after being infected by one of them." and "Get out of here, monster."

Combat[]

Isran is a formidable opponent, more than capable of spearheading an assault on vampires. He wields a Dawnguard warhammer with lethal force, especially deadly to Vampires. He uses the Dawnguard-exclusive spell Stendarr's Aura.

Interactions[]

Dawnguard[]

After hearing about an order of vampire hunters who are recruiting, the Dragonborn goes to join them at Fort Dawnguard. Isran and Celann meet both the Dragonborn and Agmaer and induct them into the group.

Awakening[]

After a plea from Tolan, Isran sends the Dragonborn to investigate what the vampires who attacked the Hall of the Vigilant were looking for within Dimhollow Crypt, which was just up the mountain from the Hall of the Vigilant.

A New Order[]

Furious at the Dragonborn's compassion to Serana and delivering an Elder Scroll to the Vampires, Isran orders the Dragonborn to make amends and recruit two of his old colleagues to their cause: Sorine Jurard and Gunmar. When they return to Fort Dawnguard, Isran checks to make sure they haven't contracted Sanguinare Vampiris, then lets them into the fort to begin their work with strengthening the Dawnguard for future battles with the Vampires.

Prophet[]

Isran brings the player to reunite with Serana, who has fled from her father, Harkon. While disgusted at her presence, Isran is interested to hear about a Moth Priest in Skyrim and could help them understand the Tyranny of the Sun that Serana mentions. He sends the Dragonborn to retrieve Dexion Evicus to help read Serana's Scroll and see if it provides any details that could aid the Dawnguard against Harkon.

Kindred Judgment[]

After the Dragonborn retrieves Auriel's Bow, leaving him amazed that they have the object that Lord Harkon seeks to complete the Tyranny of the Sun prophecy, Isran rallies the Dawnguard to prepare for the final assault against Harkon and his court at Castle Volkihar, taking Sorine Jurard, Durak, Florentius Baenius, Gunmar, Celann, and an Armored Troll with him to the castle. Once joined by the Dragonborn and Serana, they attack the castle and eliminate all of Harkon's court members, including his two Death Hounds, Garmr and CuSith, leaving Serana and the Dragonborn to face Harkon alone. After Harkon is slain, Isran thanks Serana for her help, showing newfound respect for Harkon's daughter. He offers the Dragonborn a chance to return to Fort Dawnguard to continue working with the Dawnguard to weed out other vampires around Skyrim, knowing that Auriel's Bow is in good hands.

Destroying the Dawnguard[]

He and the others members in Fort Dawnguard are targets for this vampire side quest with eliminating them to ensure the Dawnguard won't be a threat to Harkon's court any longer.

A Jarl's Justice[]

Isran requires help dealing with a vampire masquerading as a Visiting Advisor to a Jarl.

Dialogue[]

Show: Dawnguard
Inside Fort Dawnguard: "So who are you? What do you want?" I'm here to join the Dawnguard. "Got a fire in your belly to kill vampires, huh? Good for you. But look around - there's really not much to join yet. I've only just started rebuilding the order." I heard you were looking for vampire hunters. "You heard right. I'm glad word's finally starting to get around. But that means it won't be long before the vampires start to take notice as well." I was just looking around. What is this place? "Why do I even post guards? This is the headquarters of the Dawnguard. Well, it used to be, a long time ago. As you can see, we have some work to do to restore it to its former glory. But maybe you want to help me with that?" What can I do to help? "I need someone out in the field, taking the fight to the damn vampires, while we're getting the fort back into shape... Tolan was telling me about some cave that the Vigilants were poking around in. Seemed to think it was related to these recent vampire attacks." What's the Dawnguard? "We hunt down and kill vampires. Haven't you been paying attention? In the old days, the Dawnguard kept all of Skyrim safe from those bloodsucking scum. Then people stopped taking the threat seriously, the Dawnguard was disbanded, and the vampires came creeping back. Now I'm trying to reestablish the Dawnguard. Take the fight to the vampires for a change. I hope it isn't too late." I'll have to think about it. "While you're thinking about it, the vampires will be gathering strength in the shadows, waiting to strike."

Show: Bloodline
Inside Fort Dawnguard: "So, any luck? Was Tolan right about the vampires ebing interested in Dimhollow Crypt?" Yes, the place was crawling with vampires. "Good. I assume you took care of that little infestation. Did you figure out what they were looking for in there?" Tolan was right. And he's dead. The vampires killed him. "Damn fool. I told him not to go. The Vigilants always had more bravery than sense. Did you at least find out what the vampires were looking for in there?" It seems they were looking for a woman who was sealed in a crypt. "That doesn't make much sense. Where is this woman? Who is she?" I don't know who she is. She says she lives in a castle near Solitude. "Well I don't know what that means. But we need to find out. She must either have something the vampires want, or be someone important to them." She didn't want to follow me here. But she wants me to take her home. "Home? Where's that?" She says she lives in a castle near Solitude. "Well I don't know what that means. But we need to find out. She must either have something the vampires want, or be someone important to them. I won't lie - if this were any other situation, I'd put her down just on the chance she might be a vampire. But this is something different. I'd say do what she wants. Take her home, and see who else is in this castle." I'm pretty sure she's a vampire, actually. "That would fit with the rest of it... I don't like it, but you did right to play along. We need to find out what this is all about." "I won't lie - if this were any other situation, I'd put her down just on the chance she might be a vampire. But this is something different. I'd say do what she wants. Take her home, and see who else is in this castle."

Show: Awakening
Inside Fort Dawnguard: "I knew it would come to this one day. I knew, and no one believed." What's the Dawnguard? "We hunt down and kill vampires. Haven't you been paying attention? In the old days, the Dawnguard kept all of Skyrim safe from those bloodsucking scum. Then people stopped taking the threat seriously, the Dawnguard was disbanded, and the vampires came creeping back. Now I'm trying to reestablish the Dawnguard. Take the fight to the vampires for a change. I hope it isn't too late." Any advice for a new vampire hunter? "There's only one thing worth remembering. When it comes to vampires, if you're sloppy or careless, you're dead. And good people will die because of you. I've lasted this long because I don't take chances, I cover my tracks, and I keep my eyes open. If you're smart, you'll do the same." What is this place? "This is Fort Dawnguard. Originally owned by the Jarl of Riften back in the Second Era, it was a bit of a black mark on the Hold's history. I'm trying to put it to good use." I need training in Heavy Armor. "Well, at least you're smart enough to want to learn more. I'll show you what I can." "Watch your back." Upon the Dragonborn's return: "Look at this. I should've known it was only a matter of time before they found us. It's the price we pay for openly recruiting. We'll have to step up our defenses. I don't suppose you have some good news for me." Not exactly. "Damn. Well what do you know?" I have news, but I wouldn't call it good. "Of course. Why did I suppose differently. Fine, tell me what you know." The vampires were looking for a woman trapped in Dimhollow. "A woman? Trapped in there? That doesn't make any sense. Who is she? More importantly, where is she?" She wanted to go home, so I took her to her castle. "I'm waiting to hear what any of this means." She's the daughter of a powerful vampire lord. "And so you delivered her to them." They also have an Elder Scroll. "They what? And you didn't stop them? You didn't secure the scroll?" I'm lucky I made it out alive. "Right. So they have this woman, and an Elder Scroll." There were too many of them, and only one of me. "So they have everything they wanted, and we're left with nothing." I never got the chance. "I suppose you're lucky you're not dead. Or worse, one of them." "By the Divines, this couldn't get much worse. This is more than you and I can handle." So you're just going to give up? "When did I say that? We just need... we need help." We have to do something. "Well of course we do. I'm old, not stupid. We're just going to need some help." "If they're bold enough to attack us here, then this may be bigger than I thought. I have good men here, but... There are people I've met and worked with over the years. We need their skills, their talents, if we're going to survive this. If you can find them, we might have a chance." Where can I find the people we need? "Right to the point, aren't you. I like that. Not like those fools in the order. We should keep it small. Too many people, and we'll draw unwanted attention to ourselves. I think we'll want Sorine Jurard. Breton girl, whip-smart and good with tinkering. Fascination with the Dwemer. Weapons in particular. Last I knew, she was out in the Reach, convinced she was about to find the biggest dwarven ruins yet." She'll help us? "Might need a little convincing, but she should. You'll also want to find Gunmar. Big brute of a Nord, hates vampires almost as much as I do. Got it into his head years back that his experience with animals would help. Trolls in particular, from what I hear. Last I knew he was out scouring Skyrim for more beasts to tame. Bring the two of them back here, and we can get started on coming up with a plan." If spoken to during "Bloodline": "Look at this. I should've known it was only a matter of time before they found us. It's the price we pay for openly recruiting. We'll have to step up our defenses. I don't suppose you have some good news for me." Not exactly. "Damn. Well what do you know?" I have news, but I wouldn't call it good. "Of course. Why did I suppose differently. Fine, tell me what you know." The woman was a vampire, and they wanted her back. "And so we delivered her right to them. I should've kept her here until we were certain..." They also have an Elder Scroll. (From here the conversation continues as normal) If approached again: "Find Surine and Gunmar, and maybe we can do something about this mess." Where did the Dawnguard come from? "Vampires need to be dealt with. Hunted, rooted out, destroyed. Once there was a group dedicated to a similar cause. They called themselves the Dawnguard. That was a long time ago, but the idea was, and is, a good one. That's why I'm bringing it back. This latest attack proves it's the right time." What do you have against the Vigilants? "Isn't it obvious? They're soft, the lot of them. Totally unprepared for any real threat. And yet I was the one ridiculed for trying to be ready for anything. "Too extreme", they called me. Well, that doesn't seem to have worked out in their favor, now has it?" "Keep your eyes open."

Show: A Jarl's Justice
Inside Fort Dawnguard: "I knew it would come to this one day. I knew, and no one believed." What can I do to help? "The Jarl's in danger. A vampire plays as a visiting "advisor" to the court. Destroy it before it's able to complete its foul business. But be warned. The Jarl's guards are unaware of the threat, and will treat violence against this "advisor" as a crime. Convince the Jarl of the threat and he'll let you destroy the creature. If not, then do your best not to get caught. Quickly now! The longer you delay, the more danger the Jarl is in." After dealing with the vampire: I've destroyed the vampire in the Jarl of Riften's (Or another Hold Capital) court. "Good. Maybe now they'll afford the vampire threat a tad bit more respect, eh?"

Show: Prophet (Dawnguard)
Inside Fort Dawnguard: "All right, you've heard what it has to say. Now tell me, is there any reason I shouldn't kill this bloodsucking fiend right now?" Because we're going to need her help. "Why, because of that story about the prophecy? About some vampire trying to put the sun out? Do you actually believe any of that?" Why else would she risk her life to come here? "Who knows, maybe it has a death wish. Maybe it's just insane. I don't really care." Set your hatred aside and try to see the larger picture, Isran. "Set my hatred aside? Not a chance. It's what keeps me strong." You don't trust her, fine. Trust me. I believe her. "You'd better know what you're doing." "It can stay for now, but if it so much as lays a finger on anyone here, I'll hold you responsible. Got it?" After finding Dexion Evicus: "I'm impressed you could find a Moth Priest so quickly." Does he have the Scroll? Is everything ready? "For the reading? Yeah. Just let the old man know when you're ready." After the Scroll reading: "Be on your guard at all times. Avoid sleep if you can... Sleep is for the weak." You've heard the Scroll reading. Now do you believe Serana? "I heard a lot of vague nonsense. You could interpret that a hundred different ways. Only thing that stood out for me was Auriel's Bow. That's a powerful weapon, and I sure as Oblivion don't want the vampires to get hold of it. The Moth Priest can stay here for now. As for the vampire, I still don't trust it, so keep it on a leash." "Watch your back."

Show: Bolstering the Ranks
Inside Fort Dawnguard: "Be on your guard at all times. Avoid sleep if you can... Sleep is for the weak." I need to find someone named Florentius. "Who said something, Sorine or Gunmar? I thought they'd have learned their lesson by now. I don't trust that man, and I don't want him here." Sorine thought we'd need his help. "I suppose she's right. I shouldn't let my personal feelings get in the way. Last I'd heard of him, he was aiding the Vigilants of Stendarr at Ruunvald. He may still be there. If he can maintain some appearance of normalcy, I'll allow him to stay." Forget I said anything. "No, just... I suppose she's right. I shouldn't let my personal feelings get in the way. Last I'd heard of him, he was aiding the Vigilants of Stendarr at Ruunvald. He may still be there. If he can maintain some appearance of normalcy, I'll allow him to stay."

Show: Kindred Judgment
Inside Fort Dawnguard: "The bow... you have Auriel's Bow! I've heard it described in tales, but I could never have imagined its beauty." We need your help, Isran. "Indeed. The day hasn't been won while Harkon still walks Tamriel. But what of Serana? Can she be trusted to lift a blade against her own kind? Her own family?" I trust her to do the right thing. "I suppose that's as much as I can hope for. Let me address the Dawnguard, and then we'll be off. The men deserve to know we've finally gained the upper hand." After the speech: "It's time we take the fight to their door. Gather your things and rest well, my friend. We meet outside Castle Volkihar." At Castle Volkihar: "We're done with this when none of them are left standing. Let's go." "For the Dawnguard! For Skyrim!" After defeating Harkon: "So, the beast is destroyed. Not only that, but Auriel's Bow is in safe hands. The Dawnguard will now be dedicated to safeguarding it, making sure that prophecy will never come to pass. You've served Skyrim well. Even with these vampires gone, the fight isn't completely over. Once we're settled back in at the fort, there will be more work to do. We'd be honored to have you join us."

Conversations[]

Agmaer

Isran: "You there, boy. Stop skulking in the shadows and step up here. What's your name?" Agmaer: "I'm, uh... my name is Agmaer, sir." Isran: "Do I look like a "sir" to you, boy? I'm not a soldier, and you're not joining the army." Agmaer: "Yes, si... Isran." Isran: "Didn't I tell you to step forward? Hmm... Farm boy, eh? What's your weapon?" Agmaer: "Uh, my weapon? I mostly just use my pa's axe, when wolves are attacking the goats or something." Isran: ""My pa's axe", Stendarr preserve us. Don't worry, I think we can make a Dawnguard out of you. Here, take this crossbow and let's see how you shoot." Agmaer: "Uh, crossbow? I've never..." Isran: "Yes, a crossbow. Best thing for killing vampires. Just take a few shots at those crates over there. Watch the recoil. Takes some getting used to. That's it. Take a deep breath and let it out as you fire. You'll get the hang of it. You need to concentrate, boy. Try it again."

Vigilant Tolan

Isran: "Why are you here, Tolan? The Vigilants and I were finished with each other a long time ago." Tolan: "You know why I'm here. The Vigilants are under attack everywhere. The vampires are much more dangerous than we believed." Isran: "And now you want to come running to safety with the Dawnguard, is that it? I remember Keeper Carcette telling me repeatedly that Fort Dawnguard is a crumbling ruin, not worth the expense and manpower to repair. And now that you've stirred up the vampires against you, you come begging for my pardon?" Tolan: "Isran, Carcette is dead. The Hall of the Vigilants... everyone... they're all dead. You were right, we were wrong. Isn't that enough for you?" Isran: "Yes, well... I never wanted any of this to happen. I tried to warn all of you... I am sorry, you know."

About Dimhollow Crypt:

Isran: "Tolan, tell him about, what was it, Dimhollow?" Tolan: "Yes, that's it. Dimhollow Crypt. Brother Adalvald was sure it held some long lost vampire artifact of some kind. We didn't listen to him any more than we did Isran. He was at the Hall when it was attacked..." Isran: "That's good enough for me. Go see what the vampires were looking for in this Dimhollow Crypt. With any luck, they'll still be there. Feel free to poke around the fort and take what you need. There isn't much yet, but you're welcome to anything you can use." Tolan: "I'll meet you at Dimhollow. It's the least I can do to avenge my fallen comrades." Isran: "Tolan, I don't think that's a good idea. You Vigilants were never trained for..." Tolan: "I know what you think of us. You think we're soft, that we're cowards. You think our deaths proved our weakness. Stendarr grant that you do not have to face the same test and be found wanting. I'm going to Dimhollow Crypt. Perhaps I can be of some small assistance to you."

A New Order

Gunmar: "All right Isran, you've got us all here. Now what do you want?" Isran: "Hold it right there." Sorine: "What are you doing?" Isran: "Making sure you're not vampires. Can't be too careful. So, welcome to Fort Dawnguard. I'm sure you've heard a bit of what we're up against. Powerful vampires, unlike anything we've seen before. And they have an Elder Scroll. If anyone is going to stand in their way, it's going to be us." Sorine: "This is all well and good, but do we actually know anything about what they're doing? What do we do now?" Isran: "We'll get to that. For now, get acquainted with the space. Sorine, you'll find room to start your tinkering on that crossbow design you've been working on. Gunmar, there's an area large enough for you to pen up some trolls, get them armored up and ready for use. In the meantime, we're going to get to the bottom of why a vampire showed up here looking for you (To the Dragonborn). Let's go have a little chat with it, shall we?"

Serana

Isran: "This vampire showed up while you were away. I'm guessing it's the one you found in Dimhollow Crypt. Says it's got something really important to say to you. So let's hear it."
[After talking with Serana and Isran]
Isran: "You hear me? Don't feel like a guest, because you're not. You're a resource. You're an asset. In the meantime, don't make me regert my sudden outburst of tolerance and generosity, because if you do, your friend here is going to pay for it." Serana: "Thank you for your kindness. I'll remember it the next time I'm feeling hungry."
[After talking with Serana again]
Isran: "Some Imperial scholar arrived in Skyrim a few days ago. I was staking out the road when I saw him pass by. Maybe that's your Moth Priest." Serana: "Do you know where he's staying now?" Isran: "No, and I'm not going to waste men looking. We're fighting a war against your kind, and I intend to win it. You want to find him, try talking to anyone who'd meet a traveler. Innkeepers and carriage drivers in the big cities maybe. But you're on your own."

Kindred Judgment

Isran: "Everyone! Gather 'round! Come on then, we haven't got all day! For too long we've allowed these vampires to poison the night and kill our people! Now, we finally have the means to strike back! We now have Auriel's Bow. The gods themselves have favored us and we must answer with action! The time has come to finally put an end to Harkon and his unholy prophecy! We will march on their lair and destroy those wretched abominations so they can no longer corrupt our world! This is our fight and this is our fate! This is the time of the Dawnguard!" Florentius: "Burn them all!" Celann: "Kill the abominations!" Agmaer: "Victory to the Dawnguard!" Sorine: "Give him a crossbow bolt between the eyes for me!" Beleval: "Send the troll after them!" Gunmar: "Send them to Oblivion!" Florentius: "Praise Arkay!" Durak: "The prophecy is no more!"

Harkon

Isran: "It's over. He's dead, and the prophecy dies with him. I... I suppose this is difficult for you." Serana: "I think my father really died a long time ago. This was just... the end of something else. I did what needed to be done. Nothing more." Isran: "I think perhaps... I think you did more than that. You have my thanks."

Quotes[]

"Well? Ready to join the fight against the damn vampires?" – During "Dawnguard"
"I will not be defeated!" – During "Destroying the Dawnguard"
"Not even the gods will show you mercy!" – During "Destroying the Dawnguard"
"No one is going to stand in my way!" – During "Destroying the Dawnguard"
"Filthy vampire!" – During "Destroying the Dawnguard"
"Gods curse you!" – During "Destroying the Dawnguard"
"Skyrim will be purged of your filth!" – During "Destroying the Dawnguard"

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

Although Isran claims sleeping to be a sign of weakness, he can sometimes be found sleeping in a bed in the upper levels of Fort Dawnguard.
Although Isran is a Master trainer in the Heavy Armor skill, he wears a black-colored light variant of Dawnguard Armor.
He is voiced by James Lewis.

Appearances[]

The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard