The Banner Saga characters

This is a list of the playable (heroes) and non-playable characters (NPC) that you will encounter in The Banner Saga. The story unfolds through the point of view (POV) of a hero or NPC.

Heroes

Heroes are the playable characters in the game, that you will have a chance to use in battles. There is a maximum of 25 heroes in the first part of The Banner Saga whose portraits are displayed in the following gallery, ordered alphabetically; click on their names for more information. The ones marked with a (*) after their name will only be available under specific circumstances, depending on the choices you make along the story; all other heroes are available for at least one battle. The characters marked with a (†) do not actually join your caravan, but only help in some battles.

Refer to the Character Survival Guide to find out when/how these heroes might join or leave your caravan (or die!). Beware... A lot of SPOILERS therein!

Refer to the Hero Comparison Table in order to check and compare the stats of all available Heroes.

Banner Saga

• 

  Alette

• 

  Bersi

• 

  Egil

• 

  Eirik (*)

• 

  Ekkill (*)

• 

  Eyvind

• 

  Fasolt (*)

• 

  Griss (*)

• 

  Gunnulf

• 

  Hakon

• 

  Hogun (*)

• 

  Iver

• 

  Krumr

• 

  Ludin

• 

  Mogr

• 

  Mogun (*)

• 

  Nid (*)

• 

  Oddleif

• 

  Onef (*)

• 

  Rook

• 

  Shieldbanger (†)

• 

  Sigbjorn (*)

• 

  Tryggvi (*)

• 

  Valgard (†)

• 

  Yrsa

Banner Saga 2 (Preview)

• 

  Folka

• 

  Oli

• 

  Nikels

• 

  Canary

• 

  Dagr

• Folka - This brawny shieldmaiden has impressed Bolverk, the Ravens’ leader, with her fighting prowess and ability to shape the mercenaries into a more cohesive unit. She tempers Bolverk’s raging offense with cautionary counsel and actually listens to other members of the Ravens - a new concept in their loose management.
• Oli - A Raven mercenary who excels at three things: drinking, swearing, and throwing axes.
• Nikels - Energetic and dedicated, Nikels is a naturally gifted mender willing to help any way he can. Under the tutelage of Valka Zefr, Nikels is learning more about the world on their travels than he ever did in the Tower of Manaharr.
• Canary - The largest tribe of horseborn - the only tribe seen by most humans in this age - is led by this slender, charismatic warrior. She is eager to learn what she can of humans, varl, dredge, and all the ways of the world as it currently stands. Though her actual name is Cainánóiridhe, humans and varl cannot even begin to pronounce it.
• Dagr - Not much is known about Governor Rugga’s bodyguard, including whether the man can even speak. He’s deadly with a blade and does what he’s told which is exactly what keeps him employed.

Non-Playable Characters

These are the support characters that you will meet along the story, arrayed by order of appearance. You will only have the chance to talk with them, i.e. you can not use them in battles. However, some of those NPC play important roles in the story: they can be POV characters or they may even become playable heroes later on.

First part of The Banner Saga

• 

  Ubin

• 

  Governor of Strand

• 

  Skalfing Chieftain

• 

  Hadd

• 

  Vognir

• 

  Chieftain of Skogr

• 

  Peasant

• 

  Town Leader

• 

  Juno

• 

  Serpent

• 

  Jorundr

• 

  Bolverk

Enemies

Dredge

The main enemies along the first part of The Banner Saga are the Dredge. Only one Dredge actually qualifies for being a character, Bellower, while the rest appear only as battle units. Of these, there are seven types:

• Melee: Grunts, Scourges and Stoneguards
• Ranged: Slag, Spark and Fire Slingers
• Support: Stonesinger

Human & Varl

Apart from the Dredge, you might also have to face Human and/or Varl units. These belong to the following base & promoted classes:

• Archer → Bowmaster
• Raider → Backbiter, Raidmaster and Thrasher
• Shieldbanger → Shieldmaster and Strongarm
• Warrior → Warmaster and Warhawk

Notes:

• Human and Varl enemies can always be fought at training matches, accessible while in Camp.
• The promoted units of human and Varl base-classes come in three Ranks: Regular, Veteran and Champion, with increased stats and more powerful (higher-Rank) active abilities. Beware of that Thrasher Champion!
• Not all playable units have an enemy counterpart. For example, you won't fight against Siege Archers, Skystrikers or Warleaders in the first part of The Banner Saga. But, depending on your choices, you might have to fight against a Provoker...