Overview
Pailune is the northernmost region of Pywel and the ancestral homeland of the Greymanes. Once a region unified under the great leader Gian, Pailune enjoyed a period of relative peace and stability before the Black Bears, led by Myurdin, shattered that peace in a devastating nighttime assault. The region is now occupied by the Black Bears, and reclaiming it is a central motivation for Kliff and the surviving Greymanes throughout the game.
Pailune is the stark opposite of Hernand. Where the starting region offers temperate forests and gentle hills, Pailune presents deep snow, hard-to-traverse mountain areas, freezing temperatures, and enemies adapted to the harsh climate. The southern portions of the region feature green highlands and open grasslands, but the terrain transitions dramatically into snow-capped peaks and sub-zero conditions as you move north.
Access to most of Pailune is restricted until Chapter 7: Homecoming, when the Greymanes mount their campaign to liberate the region from the Black Bears. However, some southern areas bordering Hernand can be explored earlier in the game.
Geography and Climate
Pailune's terrain varies dramatically from south to north. The southern lowlands feature green highlands, rugged terrain, and open grasslands where wild horses roam freely. Rolling fields stretch across the landscape, and the fertile soil supports both agriculture and ranching. Forests and rocky outcrops break up the grasslands, providing shelter for wildlife and cover for travelers. Rivers cut through the highlands, feeding into the broader waterways that connect Pailune to neighboring Hernand.
Further north, the terrain transitions into a freezing alpine environment. Snow-capped peaks dominate the skyline, blizzards reduce visibility to near zero, and sub-zero temperatures present a constant threat. The temperature gauge on the HUD drops well below freezing in these northern reaches, and players should prepare with appropriate gear and recovery items. The Five-Finger Mountain formation marks the rough boundary between Pailune's temperate lowlands and its frozen northern reaches.
The environmental contrast within Pailune mirrors the broader diversity across Pywel's five regions. Where other regions like Delesyia embrace technology or the Crimson Desert bakes under red sands, Pailune relies on traditional weapons and pastoral living, shaped by its harsh but beautiful landscape.
Map Discovery
Pailune's map is covered by fog of war that can only be fully revealed by ringing the Toll of Pailune bell, located in the settlement's northern area. Unlike the bells in Hernand, this bell is in a conflict area that is only resolved during Chapter 7: Homecoming. Players cannot ring the bell and clear the map until after liberating Pailune from the Black Bears.
Until the bell is rung, players must rely on natural exploration to gradually fill in the map. Discovered locations, roads, and points of interest appear as Kliff travels through them. Given the harsh terrain and hostile patrols, mapping Pailune manually is significantly more challenging than in Hernand.
Key Locations
Pailune contains a mix of tribal settlements, military encampments, mountain formations, and cave systems. Many locations are controlled by the Black Bears until liberation.
Settlements and Camps
Location | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
Pailune Town | Settlement | The regional capital and former Greymane stronghold. Contains trade NPCs and a cooking pot. A road crossing in the middle of town serves as a trading hub. Occupied by the Black Bears until Chapter 7. |
Village | A village at the southeastern edge of Pailune, isolated by the Kingshield Mountains. Home to the Beighen Tribe who maintain ancestral spirit traditions and prepare ritual foods. Features a cooking pot to the north and gambling minigames. | |
Encampment | A fortified camp in the Pailune highlands. Serves as a staging area for operations in the region. Contains vendors, crafting stations, and an Abyss Nexus fast travel point nearby. | |
Encampment | A settlement in the lowland areas of Pailune. Contains cooking pots and supply merchants. A Sealed Abyss Artifact can be found at the intersection southwest of the camp. | |
Skoghorn | Tribal Settlement | Home to the Skoghorn Tribe, mountain dwellers who worship the snowy peaks' mountain spirit. A Sealed Abyss Artifact (Two-Handed Weapon 5) is found on the road leading south from here. |
Totemfelt | Village | One of two Stjar Clan villages, located on one side of a river. Focused on ancestor and forest spirit veneration. |
Skallcove | Village | The second Stjar Clan village across the river from Totemfelt. Devoted to lightning god worship. |
Mountains and Natural Landmarks
Location | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
Mountain | A prominent formation in eastern Pailune with five distinct rocky peaks. Serves as a natural landmark visible from across the region. Marks the border between Pailune's temperate lowlands and its frozen northern reaches. | |
Mountain | A snow-covered peak in northern Pailune known for harsh sub-zero conditions and dangerous wildlife. Two Abyss Nexus fast travel points are located here. Site of the climactic battle against Myurdin. | |
Mountain | A significant peak surrounded by open fields and reed marshes. Features challenging terrain and powerful enemies. | |
Dragon Ridge | Ridge | A mountainous ridge formation in the northern reaches of Pailune. Associated with ancient dragon legends. |
Wayward Woods | Forest | A dense woodland in central Pailune, home to the tree-dwelling Longleaf Tribe. An Abyss Nexus fast travel point is located here. The Longleaf are hostile to outsiders and use sacred lanterns. |
Caves
Location | Description |
|---|---|
Second-Finger Cave | A cave system accessible from the second peak of Five-Finger Mountain. Contains mineral deposits and provides shelter from harsh mountain weather. Enemy patrols may guard the entrance. |
Silverwolf Cave | A deep cave network carved into Silver Wolf Mountain. Named after the predators inhabiting its passages. Contains challenging enemies adapted to freezing temperatures. |
Fast Travel Points
Pailune has approximately ten Abyss Nexus fast travel points scattered across the region. Most become accessible only after liberating the region during Chapter 7. The western teleporter near Pailune Town activates immediately upon victory.
Fast Travel Point | Approximate Location |
|---|---|
The Sage's Peak Nexus | Southern Pailune mountainous area |
Central Pailune Nexus (1) | Central zone |
Central Pailune Nexus (2) | Central zone |
Central Pailune Nexus (3) | Central zone |
Wayward Woods Nexus | Central woodland section |
Pailune West Nexus | Western region |
Silver Wolf Mountain Nexus (North) | Northern mountain, upper area |
Silver Wolf Mountain Nexus (South) | Northern mountain, lower area |
Pailune North Nexus | Northern zone |
Pailune Town Nexus | Near the main settlement (activates after liberation) |
Tribes and Factions
Pailune's population is organized into distinct tribal communities, each with their own traditions, territories, and relationships. The Black Bear occupation has disrupted these communities, and liberating the region restores their ability to function.
Faction/Tribe | Territory | Description |
|---|---|---|
Pailune Militia | Regional capital and surrounding areas | The organized fighting force of Pailune. Experienced significant turmoil after their leader Gian's death in the Black Bear raid. |
Beighen Tribe | Southeastern edge, near Beighen | An isolated community protected by the Kingshield Mountains. They maintain ancestral spirit traditions and are known for preparing ritual foods. |
Knytlingar Clan | Northern Pailune | A once-powerful northern tribe, now weakened by conflict. Led by Chief Olvald. |
Longleaf Tribe | Wayward Woods | Tree-dwelling inhabitants of the central forests. Hostile to outsiders and use sacred lanterns in their rituals. The Mistwood Hunters threaten their territory. |
Skoghorn Tribe | Mountain range settlements near Skoghorn | Mountain dwellers who worship the snowy peaks' mountain spirit. Their settlements are built into the high terrain. |
Stjar Clan | Two villages divided by a river (Totemfelt and Skallcove) | A divided clan: Totemfelt focuses on ancestor and forest spirit worship, while Skallcove venerates the lightning god. |
All of Pailune (occupying force) | Led by Myurdin. Murdered Gian and seized control of Pailune. Their patrols control key settlements and suppress resistance. | |
Mistwood Hunters | Wayward Woods | Poachers operating in the Wayward Woods who hunt woodland spirits for profit. A hostile faction that threatens the Longleaf Tribe. |
Blue Fangs | Torstein's resistance force operating out of Beighen. They quietly prepare for the liberation of Pailune and form the backbone of the Chapter 7 assault. |
Quests
The bulk of Pailune's quest content is tied to Chapter 7: Homecoming, which encompasses four quest arcs: Dawn Mist (5 quests), Dawnrise (6 quests), Decisive Battle (6 quests), and Twisted Fate (2 quests). The chapter culminates in the liberation of the region from the Black Bears.
Chapter 7 Key Quests
Quest Arc | Notable Quests | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
Dawn Mist | Shadows Over Pailune, Ashes of Treachery | Kliff reunites with Torstein at Beighen. Shane has gone missing during a scouting mission and must be rescued. |
Dawnrise | Trust Lost | Forces gather at the Pailune safe house (a red hut in the woodland) to coordinate the liberation strategy. |
Decisive Battle | Bared Fang, Resolution, Battle at Silverwolf Mountain | Full-scale military assault on Black Bear positions. Kliff joins forces with Torstein and the Blue Fangs. Culminates in the boss fight against Myurdin at Silver Wolf Mountain. |
Twisted Fate | Final quests of Chapter 7 | Aftermath of the liberation. The region begins to transform as residents return. |
Post-Liberation Content
After liberating Pailune, the region transforms significantly. The Abyss Nexus teleporter to the west becomes available, residents begin to return to their homes, structures are rebuilt, and new vendors set up shop. Players can ring the Toll of Pailune bell to clear the map fog, and a major resource-intensive quest line for Reconstructing Pailune becomes available, serving as a long-term investment of materials and currency.
Bosses and Enemies
Pailune is home to some of the toughest boss encounters in Crimson Desert. Both major bosses inhabit the colder, more dangerous northern territory.
Boss | Type | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
World Boss | Northern Pailune | An imposing warrior clad in Celtic-style armor with ornate weaponry. Uses disciplined, measured attacks with sword and shield. Punishes players who overcommit to aggressive combos. Requires patience and careful timing of blocks and counters. | |
World Boss | Northern Pailune blizzard areas | A towering mountain spirit resembling a giant reindeer crossed with a yeti. Controls the environment during the fight, summoning swirling winds and raining blocks of ice. Multiple phases; players can climb onto its back to deal damage. Powerful but unrefined attacks including ground slams and massive paw swings. | |
Story Boss | Battle at Silver Wolf Mountain | The leader of the Black Bears. A 2-phase boss with full transformation after the first health bar. Uses fire and lava attacks in his second phase. One of the most difficult boss encounters in the game. | |
Story Boss | Time to Face Justice quest | Fought while controlling Oongka. A 1 health bar encounter during the Pailune liberation campaign. |
Standard Enemies
Pailune's varied terrain supports distinct enemy populations. The southern grasslands host standard predators and grazing animals, while the northern mountain zones are home to beasts specifically adapted to sub-zero temperatures. Cold-adapted creatures are significantly tougher than their lowland counterparts, with larger health pools and more aggressive behavior.
Black Bear Patrols: Human enemies that roam the region in force until liberation. They control key settlements and ambush travelers on sight.
Snow Wolves: Predatory pack animals found in the northern mountains. Hunt in groups and flank isolated players.
Mountain Beasts: Large creatures adapted to the freezing conditions. Significantly tougher than Hernand wildlife.
Mistwood Hunters: Hostile poachers in the Wayward Woods who attack on sight.
Resources and Gatherables
Pailune's natural resources differ from Hernand's due to the harsher climate and terrain. The region supports several life skill activities.
Activity | Details |
|---|---|
Wild horses roam the highlands and can be tamed for use as mounts. Pailune is one of the best regions for finding horses in the open world. The Greymane Warhorse mount can be obtained here. | |
Farming | The fertile soil in the southern lowlands supports crop cultivation. Post-liberation, farming opportunities expand around rebuilt settlements and the Greymane Camp. |
Rivers and streams throughout the highlands provide fishing opportunities with region-specific catches not found in Hernand. | |
Hunting | Wildlife populates both the lowland forests and northern mountains. Animals provide materials and ingredients. Northern fauna yield rarer materials. |
Mineral deposits are found in caves such as Second-Finger Cave and Silverwolf Cave. Mountain areas contain ore veins not available in the lowlands. |
Mounts Available
Pailune offers several unique mounts suited to the harsh northern environment.
Mount | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Greymane Warhorse | Horse | A sturdy mount bred by the Greymanes for the harsh Pailune climate. |
Pailune Snow Bear | A bear adapted to the frozen northern terrain. Slower but more durable than horses. | |
Frost Raptor | A swift, cold-adapted raptor for quick traversal of snowy terrain. | |
Frost Salamander | Salamander | An amphibious mount suited to Pailune's icy rivers and terrain. |
Highland Wyvern | Flying Mount | A wyvern capable of aerial travel over Pailune's mountainous terrain. |
Tips for Exploration
Prepare for the cold. Pailune's northern areas have sub-zero temperatures that affect gameplay. Bring recovery items and warm gear before venturing into the mountains.
Wait for Chapter 7. Most of Pailune is locked behind the Chapter 7 liberation questline. Attempting to explore early means facing overwhelming Black Bear patrols with no fast travel support.
Ring the bell after liberation. Once Pailune is freed, ring the Toll of Pailune bell immediately to reveal the entire regional map. This makes finding remaining locations and resources much easier.
Tame horses in the southern grasslands. The open highlands of southern Pailune are one of the best areas in the game for finding and taming wild horses.
Explore caves for rare minerals. Second-Finger Cave and Silverwolf Cave contain mineral deposits not easily found elsewhere. Bring a Pickaxe.
Watch for Sealed Abyss Artifacts. Several artifacts are scattered across the region, including one at the intersection southwest of Trovak Camp and another on the road south of Skoghorn.
Visit Beighen for gambling. The village of Beighen features gambling minigames where players can win significant rewards.
Save before boss fights. The Staglord and White Horn are among the hardest bosses in the game. White Horn in particular uses environmental attacks that can catch unprepared players off guard.
Invest in Reconstructing Pailune. The post-liberation reconstruction quest is a long-term resource investment, but it restores the region's settlements and unlocks new vendors and services.
Related Articles
Topic | Article |
|---|---|
Detailed Region Overview | |
Game World | |
All Regions | |
The Greymanes Faction | |
The Black Bears Faction | |
Chapter 7 Walkthrough | |
Boss Guide | |
Fast Travel System |