Prototype Leaper

Prototype Leaper is an epic ground mount added in patch 9.2 of the Shadowlands expansion. It is a bufonid (a toad-like creature) created through the protoform synthesis system in Zereth Mortis. According to the mount journal description: "An ancient pattern allows you to create an early but functional model of a bufonid."

The Prototype Leaper is a mechanical toad in the bronze-and-black tones characteristic of Progenitor technology. The character rides on the back of the bufonid, which moves with powerful leaps. The mount has a unique movement animation common to all bufonids of Zereth Mortis.

• Guaranteed acquisition — the Prototype Leaper is created through protoform synthesis. There is no random drop chance: gather the materials, find the pattern, and the mount is yours.
• Unique model — bufonids are available exclusively through protoform synthesis in Zereth Mortis. They are among the few mounts with a leaping animation instead of an ordinary run.
• Available to all characters — once created, the mount is bound to your account and becomes available on all of your characters.
• Relatively easy to obtain — compared with other protoform synthesis mounts, the Prototype Leaper requires a standard set of materials with no rare or expensive components.
• Collection value — the mount counts toward mount-collecting achievements.

The Prototype Leaper is created at the protoform synthesis forge in Zereth Mortis. To do so, you need to find the pattern, gather the materials, and unlock access to the forge.

1. Arrive in Zereth Mortis and complete the first three chapters of the Secrets Unraveled campaign. This will unlock access to world quests and the cypher system
2. Research the "Dealic Understanding" branch in the Cypher of the First Ones system (cost 200 cyphers, research time 3 days 18 hours)
3. Then research the Metric Understanding branch (cost 220 cyphers, research time 5 days 18 hours)
4. After completing the research, complete the quest chain beginning with Searching for Tally. This will unlock the protoform mount synthesis forge
5. Find the Pattern: Prototype Leaper (details below)
6. Gather the required materials
7. Head to the protoform mount synthesis forge at coordinates /way 70.18 28.60 and create the mount

The Pattern: Prototype Leaper is located atop a mountain in the Untamed Verdure area of Zereth Mortis at these coordinates:

The pattern is located high on the mountain, and you can reach it in several ways:

• Flying — if you have already unlocked flying in Zereth Mortis, simply fly to the point. This is the easiest method
• The "A Bunch of Bunny Hops" world quest — during this quest you are given a bufonid with the ability to make powerful leaps. Use them to jump up to the mountain peak
• The Venthyr ability "Door of Shadows" — if your character belongs to the Venthyr covenant, use Door of Shadows to teleport to the summit

After discovering the pattern, the quest Recreating the Pattern: Prototype Leaper will begin, upon completion of which you will learn the recipe.

Material	Quantity	Source
Genesis Mote	350	Drops from most mobs in Zereth Mortis
Unstudied Research Tools	1	Drops from rare enemies and treasures in Zereth Mortis
Bufonid Matrix	1	Drops from bufonids in Zereth Mortis or purchased at the auction house

Where to Gather the Materials

Genesis Motes are the main consumable material. They drop from practically any mob in Zereth Mortis. The most efficient way to gather them is farming mob clusters in the southern part of the zone. Motes can also be obtained from treasures and world quests.

Unstudied Research Tools — this reagent drops from rare enemies (marked with a star on the map) and from treasures in Zereth Mortis. The drop chance is moderate; usually one or two are collected over several days of active play.

Bufonid Matrix is the specific component that determines the type of mount created. It drops from bufonids (toad-like creatures) in Zereth Mortis with a low chance. If you do not want to spend time farming, the matrix can be bought at the auction house.