Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Main Storyline Walkthrough

The main quest in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord serves as both a tutorial and a narrative framework to guide your rise from a lowly mercenary to the ruler of Calradia. While many players opt for the Sandbox mode to forge their own path, the Campaign mode offers unique rewards—specifically the Dragon Banner and a family that can serve as powerful companions.

This walkthrough covers every step of the main quest, from the training field to the final battle for supremacy.

Phase 1: Humble Beginnings

Your journey starts with the tutorial, where you learn the basics of combat and movement. Do not skip this if you are new; the free food and combat XP are worth the 10 minutes.

After the tutorial, you are thrust into the world with a simple goal: Rebuild your clan. You must:

1. Earn 1,000 Denars.

2. Grow your party to 20 men.

3. Reach Clan Tier 1 (requires 50 Renown).

4. Hire a Companion.

Strategy Tip: Focus on hunting Looters initially. They deal blunt damage, meaning your troops will be wounded rather than killed. Sell their loot and prisoners in towns to make your first 1,000 Denars.

Phase 2: Neretzes's Folly

This is the infamous "talk to everyone" quest. You are tasked with finding 10 nobles who were present at the Battle of Pendraic.

How to Find the Nobles

• Look for lords with a blue exclamation mark (!) next to their party on the campaign map.

• Ask any lord: "I have a question about the Battle of Pendraic." If they weren't there, they will point you to someone who was.

• Check the Encyclopedia (Default: N), go to Heroes, and filter by "Alive". Look for faction leaders like Lucon, Rhagaea, Garios, Derthert, Raganvad, Unqid, Monchug, and Caladog. They almost always count.

Detailed Guide: Main Storyline and Banner of Calradia

Phase 3: The Dragon Banner

Once you have spoken to 10 nobles, you will be directed to two key figures:

• Arzagos (located in Marunath): Wants to destroy the Empire.

• Istiana (located in Epicrotea): Wants to restore the Empire.

They will reveal the location of two Hideouts containing pieces of the Dragon Banner.

Clearing the Hideouts

These hideouts are tougher than standard bandit camps.

• Bring your best infantry and archers.

• Wait until nightfall.

• Duel the Boss: Always accept the duel if your combat skills are decent. It saves the lives of your troops.

Once you have all three pieces (one you started with, two from hideouts), you must make a choice.

Phase 4: The Choice

You now hold the power to legitimize a claim to the throne. You must choose between:

1. Pro-Empire (Istiana): Create your own Imperial faction or support an existing one (Northern, Southern, or Western).

2. Anti-Empire (Arzagos): Create a non-Imperial kingdom (e.g., Vlandian, Battanian) or support an existing barbarian king.

Detailed comparison of outcomes: Main Quest Alternate Endings

Phase 5: The Conspiracy

Regardless of your choice, the opposing faction leader (Arzagos or Istiana) will begin a "Conspiracy" against you. A conspiracy meter will appear in your quest log, slowly filling up over time.

To stop it from filling:

• Complete Conspiracy Quests: Periodically, you will get quests to stop caravans or destroy hideouts. Doing these lowers the meter.

• Don't Panic: You cannot stop the meter forever. It is designed to eventually fill.

Phase 6: Total War

When the conspiracy meter fills (approx. 2000 strength), the Final War begins.

• If you supported the Empire: All non-Imperial factions (Vlandia, Khuzait, Aserai, etc.) will declare war on you simultaneously.

• If you opposed the Empire: The Northern, Southern, and Western Empires will form a pact and attack you.

To win, you must defeat the opposing alliance by conquering their settlements and forcing their war progress meter to -100.

Tips for the End Game

• Execution: If you are overwhelmed, consider executing enemy lords to permanently remove their armies from the board (Note: deeply hurts your reputation).

• Money: You need millions of denars to pay for peace tributes if you need a breather. See Making Money Fast.

• Loyalty: Ensure your towns don't rebel while you are at the front. See Managing Rebellions.

Summary

The main quest is a marathon, not a sprint. Use the early phases to build a strong economic foundation and a loyal clan. When the final war comes, you will need every friend and denar you have gathered.