Bardin Goreksson

Lore & Background

Bardin Goreksson is a Dwarf of the Ranger tradition, a path that takes him far from the deep halls of his kin to patrol the surface world, watching for threats to the mountain holds. He carries the weight of a long, storied past, including a deep-seated grudge against the Skaven for the fall of Karak Eight Peaks, a tragedy that haunts his people like a splintered bone that never heals. His gruff exterior masks a sharp mind and a deep well of experience, making him a natural leader in the heat of battle, though he often grumbles about the 'umgi' (humans) he now fights alongside — muttering about their short lifespans, shorter tempers, and appalling lack of appreciation for a good ale.

His connection to the other heroes is complex: he shares a grudging respect with Victor Saltzpyre, a fellow warrior of faith and duty, though he privately thinks the man's god has a poor sense of timing. With Markus Kruber, he has a brotherly bond forged in the shared hell of command — two old soldiers who know that the best plan is the one that doesn't get everyone killed. With Sienna Fuegonasus, he is wary of her volatile magic, seeing it as a dangerous tool that could just as easily cook them all, and he keeps a flask of water handy for 'accidents.' And with Kerillian, he treats her with a mix of suspicion and begrudging admiration for her skill, though he's never quite sure if she's aiming at the rat or the dwarf behind it. Bardin's defining trait is his unyielding sense of honor, which drives him to protect his companions even when his own life is at risk — and to write their names in his Book of Grudges if they ever forget to return a borrowed pickaxe.

In Their Own Story

The air in the ruined chapel was thick with the stench of warpstone and blood — a cloying, metallic reek that clung to the back of the throat like a bad memory. Bardin Goreksson knelt, his heavy boots crunching on broken stone, as he inspected the crude Skaven sigil carved into the altar. 'Aye, that's the mark of Clan Fester,' he muttered, his voice a low rumble that echoed off the cracked walls. 'They're not just raiding — they're settlin'. Makin' a home of it.' He stood, hefting his axe, the worn leather grip familiar in his calloused hands. 'We've got to burn this place to the ground, or they'll use it as a staging ground for the next wave. No fancy speeches, just fire and steel.' As the others readied their weapons, Bardin took a long swig from his flask, the taste of stale ale grounding him — a small comfort before the chaos. 'For the ancestors,' he whispered, and charged into the darkness, his boots pounding a steady rhythm against the stone as the first skittering claws echoed from the shadows.

Reader's Guide

Bardin Goreksson is a versatile frontline hero in Vermintide 2, capable of fulfilling multiple roles depending on his chosen career. As a Ranger Veteran, he excels at ranged combat and support, providing ammo drops and stealth — the dwarf who keeps the team shooting while they're still breathing. As an Ironbreaker, he becomes an immovable tank, drawing enemy aggro and protecting allies with his Gromril armor, like a walking fortress with a bad attitude. As a Slayer, he sheds all ranged weapons for a berserker melee build, dealing massive damage at the cost of survivability — a suicidal fury that makes even the Skaven hesitate. His playstyle emphasizes positioning and resource management, as his high health and armor make him a durable anchor for the team, but a poorly placed charge can leave him surrounded and out of breath.

Key relationships: Bardin has a deep, brotherly rivalry with Kruber, often bickering over tactics and ale rations — a friendship built on mutual respect and the occasional headlock. With Saltzpyre, it's a cold, professional alliance, each man knowing the other would die before breaking a promise. With Sienna, it's a wary truce, punctuated by Bardin's muttered prayers that her flames don't catch his beard. And with Kerillian, it's a sharp-tongued dance of insults and grudging admiration, where every compliment sounds like a curse and every curse sounds like a compliment.

Did You Know?

• Bardin's surname 'Goreksson' means 'son of Gorek,' a common Dwarf naming convention, but his father is never named in the games.
• His 'Book of Grudges' is a recurring theme in his dialogue, referencing the Dwarf tradition of recording slights for future vengeance.
• In Vermintide 2, Bardin can switch between three careers: Ranger Veteran, Ironbreaker, and Slayer, each reflecting different aspects of Dwarf culture.
• His voice actor, David Rintoul, also voices other characters in the Warhammer Fantasy setting, lending authenticity to Bardin's gruff demeanor.