Main Storyline and Banner of Calradia

November 21, 2025

Walkthrough of the Neretzes’ Folly questline and banner restoration.

Main Storyline: The Dragon Banner of Calradia

The Dragon Banner is the legendary artifact that supposedly grants the legitimacy to rule all of Calradia. Finding it is the core objective of the early main story in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. This guide focuses on the specifics of the quest steps: "Neretzes's Folly" and "Assemble the Dragon Banner".

Step 1: Investigate Neretzes's Folly

After the tutorial, you receive this cryptic task. You must speak to 10 Nobles who fought in the Battle of Pendraic.

Neretzes Folly Quest Log

How to Track Them

You are not looking for just any lord. You need the older generation of leaders.

  • The Shortcut: Open your Encyclopedia (N), go to Heroes, scroll down to "Traits", and look for faction leaders.

  • Confirmed List of Nobles:

    • Lucon (Northern Empire)

    • Rhagaea (Southern Empire)

    • Garios (Western Empire)

    • Derthert (Vlandia)

    • Unqid (Aserai)

    • Caladog (Battania)

    • Raganvad (Sturgia)

    • Monchug (Khuzait)

    • Other older lords like Mesui, Olek, Adram.

Tip: When you meet a lord who knows nothing, ask them who knows. They will often give you a name and update your map with that person's last known location.

Step 2: Meet Istiana and Arzagos

Once you have your 10 names, the quest updates. You must meet two people who hold the location of the banner pieces.

  1. Istiana (Epicrotea): An Imperial spy who wants to save the Empire.

  2. Arzagos (Marunath): A hermit who wants the "barbarians" to rise up.

You do not have to choose a side yet. You can (and must) speak to both.

Step 3: Assemble the Banner

Both Istiana and Arzagos will tell you about a bandit hideout near their respective cities.

  • You already have one piece (from the tutorial).

  • Istiana points to a hideout for the second piece.

  • Arzagos points to a hideout for the third piece.

Banner Piece Hideout

The Hideout Raid

  • These hideouts are heavily guarded. Do not attack with a party of recruits.

  • Bring Tier 3+ Infantry (shielded) and Archers.

  • Upon killing the Bandit Boss (Duel him if you can!), you will loot a piece of the Dragon Banner.

What Comes Next?

Once you have all 3 pieces, the quest "Assemble the Dragon Banner" is complete. You must now return to either Arzagos or Istiana to make your final decision.

  • Give the Banner to Arzagos: Create a non-Imperial Kingdom or support one.

  • Give the Banner to Istiana: Create an Imperial Kingdom or support one.

Dragon Banner Conspiracy Guide

Be warned: Giving the banner away triggers the Conspiracy phase, where the entire world may eventually turn against you. Make sure you are ready for war.

See the outcomes here: Main Quest Alternate Endings