Main Quest Endings: Empire vs. Barbarians

In Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, the main story culminates in a single binary choice: Save the Empire or Destroy the Empire. While the outcome (you ruling Calradia) is similar, the enemies you face along the way are vastly different.

The Pivotal Choice

After assembling the Dragon Banner, you must give it to a ruler or use it yourself.

Path 1: Restore the Empire (Istiana)

• Goal: Unify the Empire.

• Method: Capture 2/3rds of all settlements with Imperial culture.

• The Enemy: The "Barbarian" kingdoms (Vlandia, Khuzait, Aserai, Battania, Sturgia).

• Difficulty: Hard.

  • Why? The barbarian kingdoms are geographically spread out. Fighting the Khuzait on the far east while Vlandia attacks the far west is a logistical nightmare.

• Outcome: The Empire is restored under one banner (yours or your liege's).

Path 2: Destroy the Empire (Arzagos)

• Goal: Dismantle the Empire.

• Method: Reduce each of the three Imperial factions (Northern, Southern, Western) to less than 4 settlements.

• The Enemy: The three Imperial factions.

• Difficulty: Medium.

  • Why? The Empire is already fractured and fighting itself. They are centrally located, meaning you can focus your war efforts in the middle of the map rather than running to the edges.

• Outcome: The Empire falls, and a new kingdom rises.

The Conspiracy Mechanic

Once you choose a side, the Conspiracy begins. The person you spurned (Arzagos or Istiana) will plot against you.

• The Meter: A bar from 0 to 2000 fills up over time.

• Delaying Tactics: You will receive quests to "Stop the Conspiracy" (destroy a hideout, stop a caravan). These reduce the meter slightly.

• The Inevitable: You cannot stop it forever. When it hits 2000, Total War is declared.

Which Ending Should You Choose?

For a smoother campaign, Destroying the Empire (Arzagos) is generally recommended for newer players.

1. Centralized Enemies: The Empire factions are clustered together.

2. Weakened State: They are often already at war with each other.

3. No Two-Front War: You avoid the "Khuzait vs Vlandia" ping-pong across the map.

However, if you love the lore of the Empire or want the challenge of fighting the entire world, Istiana's path is the ultimate test of skill.

Tips for Victory

• Don't Rush: Do not give the banner until you are ready for war. You can sit on the quest for years (in-game) to build your strength.

• Rich Economy: You need millions. See Making Money Fast.

• Execute if Necessary: If the enemy has too many lords, the executioner's axe is a valid (if bloody) solution to reduce their numbers.

Back to Walkthrough: Main Storyline Walkthrough