Overview
The Black Bear forces are a powerful hostile faction operating on the continent of Pywell. Led by the fearsome Myurdin, they serve as the primary antagonistic faction in Crimson Desert and the sworn enemies of Kliff's Greymanes. Following Gian's death, a bloody battle unfolded between the Greymanes who fight to uphold his will and the Black Bear forces that seek to set it to flame.
The continent is beset by war between the warmongering Black Bears and the peace-seeking Greymanes. The Black Bears represent chaos and destruction, standing in direct opposition to everything the Greymanes fought to protect under Gian's leadership.
The Assault on the Greymanes
The fragile peace on Pywell was shattered with the sudden assault of the Black Bear forces. In a devastating attack, the Greymanes fell one by one in their clash against the rival faction. This surprise attack killed many members of Kliff's company and scattered the survivors across the continent.
The gameplay opens with this fierce skirmish, showing Kliff's Greymane Companions, Oongka, Yann, and Naira, fighting desperately against the Black Bear assault. Players witness cutscenes of Oongka fighting multiple Black Bears, Yann getting kicked off a cliff after yelling Kliff's name, and Kliff helping Naira during the chaos.
The Calphade Rebellion
The Black Bears' influence extends beyond attacking the Greymanes. In the region of Calphade, they have allied with Cassius Morten, a former subordinate of Marquis Stefan Lanford who betrayed his lord. Together, they instigated a violent rebellion to overthrow Lanford.
This alliance demonstrates the Black Bears' strategic approach to destabilizing Pywell. By supporting local traitors and rebellions, they extend their power without direct conquest.
Organization
The Black Bear forces operate as a hierarchical organization with Myurdin at its head. Their members are seasoned warriors capable of coordinated military operations, as evidenced by their successful assault on the Greymanes.
The faction's size and resources suggest they hold significant influence on Pywell, making them a formidable obstacle for Kliff's quest to rebuild the Greymanes and claim vengeance.
Role in the Story
The rivalry between the Black Bears and the Greymanes maintained a tense coexistence as part of Paleoon's factional balance before the surprise attack shattered that equilibrium. With Gian dead, the Black Bears seek to destroy his legacy entirely and reshape Paleoon according to their violent vision.
Throughout Crimson Desert, Kliff will encounter Black Bear forces as he works to reunite his scattered Companions. These encounters provide both combat challenges and opportunities to uncover the motivations behind the Black Bears' devastating assault.