Valgard

Valgard is a human Hero character briefly encountered in the first part of The Banner Saga.

Background
Before the Third Great War, Valgard was a member of the Governor's Guard of Strand, partnered with his friend Eirik. He was injured in the course of his duties, and bedridden for most of the events surrounding The Gift Of Hadrborg. He returned to duty just before the death of Steward Olvir, and has supported his successor ever since.

Recent events
During Chapter 1, Valgard assists Ubin and Eirik during the raid of the Nobleman mead house in Strand. He is encountered again in Chapter 17 where he reveals to have survived in Strand which is now overrun by beings warped by the Darkness.

Active Ability: Stone Wall
The Raidmaster braces for impact with his heavy shield, resisting damage from each strike for the next turn. Each hit the Raidmaster takes to either strength or armor is reduced, preventing him from taking permanent damage to either.

The Raidmaster can use Stone Wall to rush into a group of enemies and gain a forward advantage, or step in the way of a powerful enemy to block his movement.

Rank 1: resists 3 damage per hit

Rank 2: resists 5 damage per hit

Rank 3: resists 7 damage per hit

Passive Ability: Shield Wall
By standing next to an ally, the raider creates a Shield Wall, raising the armor of both himself and his ally by 1. This bonus remains until the Raider is no longer adjacent to the ally.

When multiple Raiders stand next to each other this effect is magnified as they grant each other their own bonus. Four Raiders standing in a square formation will each gain an additional 4 armor.

Joining the Party
Valgard is one of Eirik's men. He is available only for the battle in the "Nobleman" mead house of Strand, during Chapter 1, if Ubin agrees to help in the fight.

He joins Iver's party after they rescue him at Strand in Chapter 17.

Possible Death or Departure
He will leave your party after the battle in the "Nobleman".

Valgard will die in chapter 21 if you lose the battle against Bolverk.

Playstyle

 * Since he is available in just one battle, use him to the fullest and don't worry about injuries.
 * The game's AI ignores his active ability, Stone Wall, meaning that enemy units will often attack the Raidmaster for no damage! This can be used to lure/bait enemy units closer to your formation, without losing Stats in the process.

Trivia

 * Valgard shares the same portrait and sprite design with Gudmundr, another Raidmaster met in the second part of The Banner Saga, with different coloration.
 * He is an important character in the book The Gift of Hadrborg by James Fadeley.