Revision 7

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.

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.