The Dragon Banner Quest in Bannerlord

The Dragon Banner of Calradia is more than just a piece of cloth; it is a symbol of legitimacy and power. In Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, assembling this legendary artifact is the key to either restoring the fractured Empire or destroying it forever to forge a new kingdom. This guide walks you through the questline, the choices you face, and the consequences of wielding the banner.

Interacting with Istiana to learn about the Empire's restoration.

Neretzes' Folly

The journey begins shortly after the tutorial with the quest "Investigate Neretzes' Folly." You are tasked with speaking to 10 Nobles who were present at the Battle of Pendraic.

Tips for finding Nobles:

• Look for lords with an exclamation mark ! next to their party on the map or in the encyclopedia.

• Common nobles to ask include: Lucon (Northern Empire), Rhagaea (Southern Empire), Garios (Western Empire), Derthert (Vlandia), Raganvad (Sturgia), Monchug (Khuzait), Unqid (Aserai), and Caladog (Battania).

• Ask any lord "I have a question..." -> "What can you tell me about the Battle of Pendraic?" If they weren't there, they will point you to someone who was.

Once you have gathered the stories, you will be directed to two key figures: Istiana (Epicrotea) and Arzagos (Marunath).

Assembling the Banner

Both Istiana and Arzagos will task you with finding pieces of the Dragon Banner hidden in bandit hideouts.

Acquiring a piece of the legendary Dragon Banner from a hideout.

1. The First Piece: You likely found this during the tutorial hideout raid.

2. The Second Piece: Visit the hideout marked by Arzagos/Istiana. It will be a standard Clearing Hideouts mission. Duel the boss to claim the piece.

3. The Third Piece: A final hideout raid will yield the handle.

With all three pieces, the banner is ready to be assembled. Now comes the pivotal choice.

The Choice: Empire vs. Freedom

You must decide the fate of Calradia. You can present the banner to a ruler or keep it for yourself.

Option A: Support the Empire (Istiana)

• Goal: Unite the three imperial factions under one banner.

• Action: Present the banner to Lucon, Rhagaea, or Garios. Or, Start Your Own Kingdom with Imperial culture and declare yourself the new Emperor.

• Consequence: You will be tasked with conquering two-thirds of all Imperial settlements.

Option B: Destroy the Empire (Arzagos)

• Goal: Dismantle the Empire and ensure barbarian rule prevails.

• Action: Present the banner to a non-Imperial ruler (Vlandia, Sturgia, etc.). Or, create your own non-Imperial kingdom.

• Consequence: You must reduce the Imperial factions to less than 4 settlements each.

The Conspiracy

Once you make your choice, the "Conspiracy" quest begins. This is a ticking clock.

The Conspiracy meter ticking up, threatening the new kingdom.

• The Meter: A conspiracy strength bar will slowly fill up (0 to 2000).

• Events: Conspiracy quests will pop up (stop a caravan, destroy a hideout). completing these lowers the meter.

• Failure: If the meter fills, a "Final War" triggers. All opposing factions will declare war on you simultaneously. This is an extreme challenge, so managing the conspiracy is vital.

For more details on managing these wars, check our Kingdom Management and Main Storyline Walkthrough guides.

The Dragon Banner is a path to glory, but it brings the wrath of all Calradia down upon you. Choose wisely!