Revision 3

Overview

Root Hold (also written as "Roothold" in some sources) is a stronghold in Pywel centered around the Eldertree, described as a place "where ancient power awaits." The stronghold falls under the jurisdiction of House Celeste but has been blockaded and placed under siege by the invading forces of Gwen Kra. It serves as one example of the territory liberation mechanic found throughout the game.

The Eldertree

Root Hold is built around the Eldertree, a landmark described as a source of ancient power. The stronghold's name likely derives from this massive tree at its center. The exact nature of the Eldertree's "ancient power" and what it means for gameplay has not been fully detailed, but its description as a place where power awaits suggests it may hold narrative or progression significance for players who liberate the area.

The Siege

Gwen Kra's forces blockaded Root Hold, cutting it off from House Celeste's control and displacing its residents. The occupation made the area dangerous for travelers and prevented the rightful inhabitants from returning to their homes. Kliff can liberate Root Hold by defeating Gwen Kra's soldiers throughout the stronghold.

Liberation can happen before receiving a quest to do so. Players who explore freely can stumble upon occupied territories like Root Hold and clear them on their own initiative, with the game recognizing the liberation regardless of quest status.

Post-Liberation

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

• Residents return: Displaced inhabitants come back to their homes and the stronghold becomes populated again.

• Structures rebuilt: Buildings and infrastructure are restored as the area recovers from occupation.

• New vendors appear: Merchants set up shop, offering goods and services to the player.

• Pailune materials: Players receive materials that contribute to rebuilding Pailune, the Greymanes' homeland.

• Fast travel: Root Hold appears as a node on the map that players can fast-travel to once unlocked.

The Liberation System

Root Hold is one of many territories across Pywel where hostile factions have seized control. Crimson Desert features "dozens and dozens" of factions, and some locations are blockaded by groups like Gwen Kra and the Wolf Trackers. The political instability following the King of Demeniss's coma has left territories vulnerable to hostile takeover, and liberating them is one way players can push back against the chaos spreading across the continent.

Aligning with specific regional houses and factions through liberation unlocks reputation, which provides vendor access and additional resource nodes. See Faction Quests for more details on the faction system.

Key Details