Who leads the Banished in Halo Wars 2?

Atriox leads the Banished in Halo Wars 2.

Atriox is a Jiralhanae warlord who founded and commands the Banished, a powerful faction that broke away from the Covenant. In Halo Wars 2, the Banished battle the returning crew of the UNSC Spirit of Fire on the Ark, a Forerunner installation capable of producing Halo rings.

Atriox's rebellion began after the Covenant repeatedly sent him and other Jiralhanae warriors into unwinnable battles. His survival and resistance allowed him to build an independent military organization from ex-Covenant forces, mercenaries, and other species. The Banished later became central to Halo Infinite as well.

Tartarus is a different Jiralhanae leader who appears in Halo 2, while Escharum is a Banished war chief and major antagonist in Halo Infinite. Jul 'Mdama leads a separate Covenant splinter faction in Halo 4 and Halo 5.