Karda Banister was born to a family of three children in the Noongar Tribe in the Wheatbelt Region of southwestern Australia. From a young age, Karda was raised in the traditions of his people, learning to value the land, the animals man shares it with, and the spirits that hold sway over its prosperity. Even at a young age, Banister demonstrated an instinctive mastery of navigating and thriving in the wilderness. His love of the untamed frontier would remain a constant throughout his life.

Prior to entering his teens, Banister, along with a number of other Noongar children, was separated from his tribe as part of the Australian government's Native Welfare Act, while many of his people were placed in camps. Banister was ultimately "adopted" by a European family and  raised for a number of years in Perth, receiving a Western education and becoming familiar with that culture's ideas and values. It was there that he was given the surname "Banister". Although his surrogate parents treated him with kindness, he was never able to fully accept his new surroundings as home. At the age of sixteen, Banister fled Perth, finding his way back to the southwest.

Now, as an adult, Banister serves as a guide and tracker for expeditions traveling or exploring the southern Austrialian wilderness. With his familiarity with European culture, Banister is able to work well with western clients, though he hopes to help convince some of the value of the Noongar and other indigenous peoples. Banister takes great pride in his chosen profession, careful to ensure the safety and welfare of all that he travels with.

Banister stands just under six feet tall, his frame lean. He favors clothing that is western in design, but is functional for the outdoors: wide brimmed hats, camp shirts, canvas trousers, and leather boots. Banister is generally neat in appearance, something driven by a desire to keep his effects functional and in good condition, rather than any concern regarding his appearance. Banister tends to be cordial with everyone he comes in contact with, but around those he knows well, his jovial nature reveals itself, his love of stories, song, and good company readily apparent.