Root Hold

Overview

Root Hold (also written as "Roothold" in some sources) is a stronghold in the Hernand region of Pywel, centered around the Eldertree, described as a place "where ancient power awaits." It is one of many territories across the continent that can be liberated through the game's territory system. The stronghold appears as a node on the map screen alongside other Hernand locations such as Hernand Town Proper, Nas River, the Nas River Fishing Dock, Antumbra Ritual Grounds, and Bluemont Manor.

Location

Root Hold sits within the Hernand region, described as "a region rich with mountains and rivers, and the starting point of your adventure." Hernand is the first region players explore in Crimson Desert and serves as the home base for the Greymane Camp. The stronghold's position within this starting region means players encounter it relatively early in their journey.

The Eldertree

Root Hold is built around the Eldertree, a landmark described as a source of ancient power. The Eldertree is listed as a distinct location within the Hernand region in its own right, suggesting it may serve as a separate area of interest beyond the stronghold walls. The stronghold's name derives from this massive tree at its center. The exact nature of the Eldertree's "ancient power" and its gameplay significance has not been fully detailed, but its description suggests it may hold narrative or progression importance for players who explore the area thoroughly.

House Celeste

Root Hold was originally under the jurisdiction of House Celeste, one of the noble houses controlling territory within Hernand. House Celeste is one of the named factions in Pywel, and their control of Root Hold gives them authority over the Eldertree and the surrounding territory. Before the events of the game, hostile forces occupied the stronghold, displacing its residents and severing House Celeste's control.

Occupation and Liberation

Like many territories across Pywel, Root Hold has been seized by hostile forces. The political instability following the King of Demeniss's disappearance created a power vacuum that left territories vulnerable to hostile takeover. Forces led by Gwen Kraber occupied Root Hold, displacing its inhabitants and taking control of the stronghold and its resources.

Players can liberate Root Hold by defeating the occupying soldiers and their leader. Liberation can happen before receiving a formal quest to do so. Players who explore freely can stumble upon the occupied stronghold and clear it on their own initiative, with the game recognizing the liberation regardless of quest status. Successfully clearing Gwen Kraber's forces returns Root Hold to House Celeste's control.

Dispatch System

Players do not need to handle every liberation personally. The Greymane Camp dispatch system allows players to send Greymane comrades (called Freeswords) to blockaded locations like Root Hold to weaken enemy positions before engaging directly. This reduces the number of occupants the player needs to fight when they arrive.

Post-Liberation Changes

After Root Hold is liberated, the stronghold undergoes significant changes consistent with how the liberation system works across Pywel.

This pattern of liberation and recovery is a core part of Crimson Desert's open world. The PlayStation Blog hands-on report described a similar sequence at another location: "When I drove the bandits out of a fish market, fishermen moved back in, and I was able to observe them and learn to fish myself." Root Hold follows this same design philosophy on a larger scale.

Faction Connections

Root Hold's liberation ties into the broader faction and Contribution systems. Liberating territories in the Hernand region contributes to the player's Hernandian Contribution, which tracks standing with regional factions. Positive actions increase Contribution, unlocking additional vendors, quests, and resource nodes throughout the region. Aligning with House Celeste through Root Hold's liberation may provide reputation benefits specific to their holdings.

Key Details