Overview
Crimson Desert features numerous non-player characters who provide quests, information, services, and story development. Hernand, the medieval town where much of the early game takes place, is populated by a fun range of fantasy races including giants and antlered elf-like beings.
Alustin
Alustin is an alchemist and the keeper of the Library of Providence, where every book is a world. The Library is at the center of all worlds, and Alustin reveals that beings plan to bring 'everything to nothingness.'
He summoned Kliff to help restore peace to Providence, which has been plunged into chaos. Alustin explains this was once Gian's mission that has now been cast upon Kliff. There's speculation about whether the 'beings' who introduced chaos could be the Black Bears from another world.
Note: Alustin also appears in Black Desert Online as an alchemist from Calpheon who specializes in Black Crystals, suggesting a connection between the games.
White Crow the Witch
White Crow is a figure clad in white who serves as a bridge between Providence and the rest of the world. After Kliff meets Alustin in the Library of Providence, he is transported outside where he meets White Crow.
She bestows upon Kliff the 'Crow Wings' ability, a glider-like power that allows him to leap off the Library's floating island. This encounter unlocks the gliding mechanic that becomes essential for exploration.
Marquis Stefan Lanford
Marquis Stefan Lanford is the lord of Calphade and an ally to the Greymanes. His subordinate Cassius Morten betrayed him and allied with the Drunken Black Bears to instigate a violent rebellion.
By decree of Marquis Stefan Lanford of Calphade, the traitor Cassius Morten is a wanted man. Kliff joins the battle to help Lanford's forces, eventually defeating Morten and ending the revolt.
Shakatu
Shakatu is a hooded goblin merchant of the Goldleaves guild. After Hubert is freed, Kliff is approached by Shakatu, who explains that the Goldleaves are currently under the command of the evil Split Horn.
Shakatu offers money and his services in exchange for Kliff killing Split Horn. Believing these resources will help find the missing Greymanes, Kliff accepts the quest to challenge Split Horn, the branchmaster of the Goldleafs, to a duel.
Note: Shakatu also appears in Black Desert Online as the 'Magnate of Valencia' who runs a merchant guild.
Matthias
Matthias is a soldier commander encountered early in the game. When Kliff overhears some soldiers discussing the Greymanes, a cutscene triggers where players fight Matthias, their boss.
His health bar is blue (indicating two phases) rather than red. Matthias favors heavy charge attacks and attempts running kicks if players create distance. After defeating him, players encounter Barden Middler.
Split Horn
Split Horn is the branchmaster of the Goldleafs and an unusual-looking goblin, pale instead of green. The goblin guards under his command use red mist as part of their battle tactics, revealing them as the miscreants causing trouble for Hernand's people.
Players challenge Split Horn to a fight after barging into the Goldleaf headquarters. He can execute rapid attacks and uses ranged attacks at distance. The fight doesn't require fully depleting his health, after significant damage, a cutscene triggers where Kliff deals a crippling blow and leaves him to be finished off by his own people.