Also, regardless of how far your character has progressed through the SotO story, you still see Mabon in Skywatch Archipelago. Either patrolling Wizard's Ascent or playing his role in the Meta.

On the other hand you won't see Isgarren in the Wizard's Tower, unless your character has progressed far enough through the story.

But maybe it's true and Story is as optional in Games as it is in Porn -- A developer quote I sadly can't find the source for anymore.