Revision 12

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. That peace was shattered when the Black Bears, led by Myurdin, ambushed and killed Gian in a devastating nighttime assault that scattered the Greymanes across the continent. Pailune is now occupied by the Black Bears, and reclaiming it is a central motivation for Kliff and the surviving Greymanes.

Geography and Landscape

Pailune's terrain varies dramatically from its southern lowlands to its northern extremes. The southern portions feature green highlands, rugged terrain, and open grasslands where wild horses roam freely. Rolling fields stretch across the landscape, and the land 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 atmosphere with snow-capped peaks and harsh sub-zero conditions. This colder territory is home to dangerous beasts adapted to the extreme temperatures, presenting significantly tougher combat challenges than the southern grasslands. The environmental contrast within Pailune itself mirrors the broader diversity across Pywel's five regions.

History

Under Gian's leadership, Pailune was a beacon of peace on a continent defined by factional conflict. Gian unified the region's disparate communities and maintained order through the strength of the Greymanes, a mercenary company committed to protecting the weak from oppression rather than fighting for the highest bidder.

Gian's death at the hands of Myurdin threw Pailune into chaos. The surviving Greymanes, including Kliff, Naira, Yann, and Oongka, were scattered across Pywel. Without the Greymanes to enforce peace, the region fell vulnerable to the Black Bears' influence and other opportunistic factions seeking to fill the power vacuum.

Black Bear Occupation

Following the ambush, the Black Bears established control over Pailune. The occupation represents more than a military takeover; it is a deliberate attempt to destroy Gian's legacy and prevent the Greymanes from ever reuniting. Myurdin's forces patrol the region, control key settlements, and suppress any resistance from the remaining population.

The occupation makes returning to Pailune a dangerous proposition. Areas that were once safe under Greymane protection are now hostile territory where Black Bear patrols can engage the player on sight. Liberation of occupied zones in Pailune follows the same mechanics as other regions: defeating enemy forces and their leaders causes residents to return, structures to rebuild, and new vendors to appear.

Role in the Story

Pailune is where Kliff's story begins. Though gameplay starts in Hernand after the Black Bear attack, the Greymanes' emotional connection to Pailune drives the entire narrative. The early chapters of the campaign focus on gathering allies, establishing a base of operations at the Greymane Camp, and building strength to eventually push back against Black Bear influence.

The main story takes players beyond Pailune into the other four regions of Pywel: Hernand, Demeniss, Delesyia, and the Crimson Desert. However, Pailune remains significant throughout the game as the Greymanes' emotional anchor and the symbol of what they are fighting to restore. Reclaiming Pailune from the Black Bears represents both a practical military objective and a deeply personal mission for Kliff and his companions.

Wildlife and Dangers

Pailune's varied terrain supports distinct wildlife populations. The southern grasslands host grazing animals and standard predators, while the northern mountain zones are home to beasts specifically adapted to sub-zero temperatures. These cold-adapted creatures are more dangerous than their lowland counterparts, with tougher health pools and more aggressive behavior patterns.

Beyond wildlife, the Black Bear occupation means human enemies patrol the region in force. Travelers moving between settlements risk ambushes from both hostile patrols and the wild creatures that have grown bolder in the absence of Greymane protection.

Activities

Pailune's open grasslands and rivers support several life skills.

Notable Locations

Pailune contains several distinct sub-regions and landmarks spread across its varied terrain. From military encampments in the highlands to cave systems deep within the mountains, the region offers diverse exploration opportunities. The following locations are known points of interest within Pailune.

Bosses

Pailune is home to two major boss encounters that rank among the toughest fights in Crimson Desert. Both bosses inhabit the colder, more dangerous northern territory of the region.

The Staglord is an imposing warrior clad in Celtic-style armor with ornate weaponry. This sword-and-shield boss uses disciplined, measured attacks and punishes players who overcommit to aggressive combos. The fight requires patience and careful timing of blocks and counters.

The White Horn is a towering mountain spirit that emerges from Pailune's blizzards. Sharing traits of a giant reindeer and a yeti, White Horn controls the environment during the fight, summoning swirling winds to obscure vision and raining blocks of ice to interrupt the player's attacks. The fight has multiple phases; players can climb onto White Horn's back to deal damage while clinging to its fur. Its attacks are powerful but unrefined, relying on ground slams and massive paw swings.

Liberation of Pailune

Reclaiming Pailune from the Black Bears is a central story objective that unfolds during Chapter 7: Homecoming. The liberation campaign involves several main quests leading up to a decisive battle for control of the region.

Prior to the assault, Torstein and the Blue Fangs operate out of Beighen, quietly preparing forces for the liberation of their homeland. Torstein never gave up hope of retaking Pailune, and his preparations form the foundation of the liberation effort. During the "Bared Fang" quest, Kliff joins forces with Torstein and the Blue Fangs to coordinate the attack.

The liberation culminates in the "Resolution" quest, a large-scale battle for Pailune. Upon victory, the region transforms: the Abyss Nexus teleporter to the west becomes available, residents begin to return, structures are rebuilt, and new vendors set up shop. Players can also ring the bell in Pailune after liberation as part of the Toll of Pywel quest, which uncovers the region's map fog.

Relationship to Other Regions

Pailune connects directly to Hernand, the region rich with mountains and rivers where much of the early-to-mid game takes place. The transition between the two regions is seamless, with the green highlands of Pailune gradually giving way to Hernand's mountainous terrain. Each of the five regions of Pywel has its own distinct culture and technology level. Where Pailune relies on traditional weapons and pastoral living, regions like Delesyia have adopted steampunk technology with mechs and flying robots.