Balahn

Balahn
Balahn in Horizon Zero Dawn
General Information
Culture	Carja
Gender	Male
Pronouns	He/Him
Position	Captain of Daytower
Profession	Soldier
Status	Alive
Biological Information
Eye color	Amber
Hair color	Black
Production
Appears in	Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
Portrayed by	Robert Don (model) Alex Wyndham (voice)

"I was appointed by Sun-King Avad to make sure all Carja at this outpost show respect to the Nora."

―Captain Balahn

Balahn is a minor recurring character in Horizon Zero Dawn.

History

Background

Balahn was part of the army that Avad, Ersa, and Erend recruited to liberate Meridian from the reign of Sun-King Jiran, scaling the outer walls and securing the Temple of the Sun.

After the Liberation, Balahn was selected by Sun-King Avad to be the head of Daytower, ensure the Nora were properly respected by the Carja there, and to make sure the Sundom didn't unintentionally provoke the Nora.

Following reports of corruption in the Sacred Lands, Balahn sent a group of soldiers into the Valleymeet to investigate. When the reports confirmed his fears, he sealed Daytower in an attempt to contain the corruption to the east.

Horizon Zero Dawn

Balahn met Aloy after she cleared a Corruptor and corrupted machines from the settlement's front gates. At her request, he gave her information about the Sundom, Meridian, and Olin. She asked him if he had seen Nakoa, which he confirmed that he had, she had attempted to kill Zaid. Balahn acknowledges Zaid's reputation among the Nora, but as Zaid claims to be confused for another commander, and there isn't enough evidence to confirm the accusations against him, and directs Aloy to Zaid to ask about Nakoa's incident. Balahn requested that Aloy search for a missing Carja patrol in the Valleymeet, as he recognized the risk of provoking the Nora by sending soldiers into the region, a risk he would avoid with Aloy.

Upon Aloy's return, Balahn confirms that Lakhir made it back Daytower, although he became embarrassed when asked about Aloy. In regards to Zaid's newly discovered slavery ring, Balahn admitted his failure in not probing further, vowing a full inquiry into Zaid's crimes, and asked Aloy to offer his personal apology and clemency to Nakoa should they ever meet again. Balahn acknowledged his apology will do little for Nakoa, but hopes she will be able to recover from her trauma.

Personality

Balahn is a firm supporter of Avad's reformed regime, believing that peace is strength. Balahn also appears to share Avad's respect for women, chastising his soldier Walid for not addressing Aloy directly.

Balahn is capable and reliable, showing genuine concern for his men and not making excuses for his mistakes. He is acutely aware of the lingering animosity between the Nora and Carja, and does what he can to mitigate any tension. He carries himself with a serious demeanor, but is not above banter or lighthearted antics, playfully referring to Walid as "lunkhead".

Associated Quests

Horizon Zero Dawn

• A Seeker at the Gates (mentioned only)
• A Daughter's Vengeance
• In Foreign Lands

Mistakes/Glitches

Even after completing the quests he is associated with, Balahn will still talk to Aloy as though they haven't been completed.

• If In Foreign Lands has been completed, Balahn will still finish a conversation by asking for information on his missing men, despite them having been found.
• If A Daughter's Vengeance has been completed, Aloy can still ask Balahn about Zaid and he will still defend Zaid's honor as if he hasn't yet been found guilty.