The Dragon Banner in Bannerlord is one of the more unique items in this medieval war sim, and it’s tied directly into the core main quest of the game. The lore behind the item breaks down pretty simply, with it having been used as a hallmark for an old empire that ruled Calradia in ages past. Anyone who previously held pieces of the banner vied for control of power factions, using the banner’s components as a status symbol.
The banner was broken down over the years, and each of the three pieces is now a coveted bit of treasure. The main quest of the game, which is key to starting your own faction, involves finding these three pieces and bolting them together. Like all quests in Mount & Blade Bannerlord, this one is timed, but not too aggressively. You have quite a long time to complete this quest, more than 1600 in-game days, so you can take your time.
How to Assemble the Dragon Banner in Bannerlord
The first thing you need to do is explore the map a bit. Each of the two NPCs you need to talk to will spawn in different towns. Use the J key to open your journal to read the quest. You can then click the settlement name, and then click Track on the settlement’s Encylopedia page. This will mark the settlement on the overworld map, making it much easier to find. Go to each marked settlement and talk to the marked NPC. Once you’ve found the villages they’re setup in, find them via the NPC menu on the upper-right, or by taking a stroll around the town. Talk to them and them use the relevant options to progress within their dialogue.
Depending on who you talk to, they will ask you what you plan to do with the banner. Istiana would rather see the Empire saved, while Arzagos wants to see it destroyed. You don’t have to actually commit to either path right now, so just pick the first option and tell them what they want to hear. They will each then mark a special Hideout on your map. Go there and interact with it to take your squad in.
Tip: Use F1 and then F3 to order your squad to charge when you load into the Hideout, they will run ahead of you and detect enemies before you spot them.
Before you can complete Assemble the Dragon Banner, you must meet with both Istiana and Arzagos, then find the two pieces of the Dragon Banner that they will mark on your map. This process is just like other Hideout raids, but you need to be ready. Since the number and level of bandits in these special quest-only Hideouts is higher, you need at least 10 elite units to make it through.
Once you have assembled the banner, choose your path. You can choose to unite the Empire as Istiana wants. You could then create your own kingdom in Bannerlord, fighting for supremacy. You also have the option to join up with one of the existing factions of the new Empires, and fight under their banner.
If you want to join an existing Imperial faction, you can speak with one of the following to pledge your support:
- Garios, ruler of the Western Empire
- Lucon, ruler of the Northern Empire
- Rhagaea, ruler of the Southern Empire
If you want to create your own Imperial faction, you’ll need to meet the following conditions first:
- Your clan must be independent (You cannot be pledged to an existing realm)
- You must be at least Clan Tier 4
- You must have at least 100 troops
- You must own an Imperial settlement to establish as your capital
Arzagos will be very mad if you take this path, in fact, he will found his own bandit faction to contest your rule. Be warned, this is the much harder path, as you will be at war with al the Imperial factions at once. It’s best to take this route once you’ve managed to build a few sizeable war parties and a decently powerful number of castles.
The other option is to seek to destroy all existing Imperials. You can take this path by giving the completed Dragon Banner in Bannerlord to Arzagos.
You could also join existing non-Imperial factions as well. Here are the leaders you must speak to when pledging your support:
- Monchug, ruler of Khuzait
- Unqid, ruler of Aserai
- Raganvad, ruler of Sturgia
- Derthert, ruler of Vlandia
- Caladog, ruler of Battania
- Adram, head of Banu Sarran family
- Duwain, member of the Beni Zilal clan
When taking this path, you will join up with an opposed faction to the Empires, and have a bit more protection from all the imperial wars that go on. Hopefully, you won’t end up at war with all the non-Imperial factions as well. Although that can happen. Whatever path you take once you’ve completed the Dragon Banner in Bannerlord, be prepared to fight a lot of wars.
