As the blue hues of dawn approached, Tucks disturbed Roh's slumber, eager for him to set forth on the mission to secure a coveted Wyvern Core. Undeterred by the possibility of danger lurking in the shadows, Tucks believed that an early start would provide a greater chance of catching the Wyvern unawares.
Despite his reservations about the Nagas that may be lurking, Roh trusted Tucks' optimism.
As Roh prepared to set out into the frigid mountains, Tucks approached with a bundle in hand. "I have brought you something to keep you warm, lad," the dwarf said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Roh unwrapped the bundle to find a heavy fur cloak, thick insulated trousers, and warm leather gloves. "These will protect you from the bitter winds and cold," Tucks explained. "And I have also included these boots, lined with the softest fur, to keep your feet warm and provide a sure footing on the slippery ice."
Roh was touched by the dwarf's thoughtfulness and thanked him, feeling a sense of gratitude for the protection the armor would provide. "But what of my head and neck?" the hunter asked.
Tucks reached into his pocket and pulled out a hat and scarf, both made from the same heavy fur as the cloak. "Here, lad," he said, "these will keep you warm and protected, even in the harshest of storms. It's not what it once was, but it’s all I’ve got and at least it's free hey."
Worn Frost Fury Armor Set - Uncommon:
The Frost Fury Armor Set is a must-have for any hunter braving the icy tundras.
Keeps you warm and protected from the harshest elements.
When new, the attire is a pale white color, blending in seamlessly with the surrounding snow and ice. However, due to its worn state it is now more yellow in appearance and has therefore reduced its stealth bonus. Its durability has also degraded due to years of use.
Heavy Fur Cloak: Defense +5, Warmth +10,
Durability: 10/50
Thick Insulated Trousers: Defense +3, Warmth +7
Durability: 6/30
Warm Leather Gloves: Defense +2, Warmth +5
Durability: 4/20
Fur-Lined Boots: Defense +3, Warmth +6, Traction +4
Durability: 6/30
Heavy Fur Hat: Defense +2, Warmth +5
Durability: 4/20
Warm Scarf: Defense +1, Warmth +4
Durability: 2/10
Set Bonus: +12 Stealth (80% reduction)
Note: Defense refers to the protection provided against physical damage, and Warmth refers to the protection provided against cold. Traction refers to the stability provided on slippery surfaces.
Roh donned the armor, feeling the warmth seep into his body. Due to his hot-blooded racial trait, he felt his fiery-natured blood course through his veins, causing him to feel an overwhelming warmth that verged on the brink of discomfort. He cast a grateful gaze upon Tucks, who returned the gesture with a pat on the shoulder. The dwarf then reached for the door, speaking in his gruff voice, “You’ll be needing this here torch to help light yer way.”
Roh took the torch.
On his way out the hut, Tucks grabbed his arm. “Oh and you’ll be needing this too.”
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Roh turned to look and noticed that he held out a medium-sized, frost coloured satchel composed from Leviathan hide interwoven with Cockatrice bristle. Gryphon down feathers lined the inside. Extremely rare materials to come by and the workmanship is magnificent. This item alone could fetch a tidy fortune if sold to a trader.
“I noticed ye didn’t have any appropriate inventory to hold the loot,” Tucks gleamed. “It's made to withstand the core's heat. The Chief Tailor and I go way back.”
“Ah… good thinking!” Roh responded as he reached out to grab the satchel. “Again, many thanks.”
Heat-Infused Satchel - Legendary
Legendary satchel made with expert craftsmanship and the finest materials. Used not only to hold and carry its content, but also to heat and protect its precious entity.
Legendary?! Whoa…he must either be crazy or desperate to hand this over to a complete noob. I wonder how much I could get for it. Tucks interrupted Roh’s thoughts, “Now set forth down the mountain pass until you reach the valley, from there follow the river southeast all the way to Wyvern Heights. It will take you three full days to reach your destination. Most of it is trying to get down this steep mountain with all its treacherous slopes.”
Roh’s eyes widened.
“But don’t worry lad, I have just what ye need, if ye have the gold that is,” Tucks ushered Roh to the outside of the hovel. To the back, beneath a wooden shelter, stood an auroch. A large, sturdy animal with a strong, muscular build. Its long, shaggy fur a rich, dark chestnut color, and its large, expressive eyes a deep, soulful brown. The auroch’s long, thick mane ran along its neck and down its back, and it hardly paid much notice of them as it continued to graze from a trough. “She’s all yours for 100 gold pieces.” Tucks patted the auroch’s right flank. “Her name’s Noona. She will get ye to Wyvern Height within a day tops. An auroch’s powerful, agile legs are well-suited for carrying riders over rough terrain and despite their size and strength, they are known for their gentle disposition, and are often considered to be one of the most affectionate and loyal of all mounts. You won’t find a more dependable beast in the entire region.”
Awesome a mount right from the beginning of the game! Although, 100 gold pieces is most of my gold. Let me try to haggle the price. Roh took out only half of what was asked. “How about we say 50 gold pieces since I’m doing this quest for you?” asked Roh.
Unsuccessful Bartering Due to low charisma and reputation
You have earned the flaw: [Stingy] -10% success rate when bartering from now on
Noona lifted her head to look at Roh, snorted her disapproval and then returned to her grazing. “I still need to make a living, you understand, being a recluse and all,” responded Tucks. “And I don’t think Noona appreciates her worth being undervalued. Not a good way to start bonding if you ask me.”
I can’t believe how badly that went down. Guess I have to pay closer attention to my stats. Roh’s cheeks flushed as he handed 100 gold pieces over to Tucks. “Erm, sounds good to me. I’ll take her.”
“Jolly good lad! Great doing business with ye,” said Tucks. “Ye will also need this enchanted whistle. Ye can use it whenever ye need to dismiss or summon Noona back to ye. A word of warning to ye, don’t let her run away before dismissing her otherwise she could be lost to you for good. But I trust you won’t let that happen.”
The small, silver whistle was tied onto black string. Roh took the whistle and tied it around his neck.
[Mount] Obtained
Auroch - Rare
An intelligent, domesticated beast local to the area that will make traversing the mountains much faster and easier.
Achievement unlocked!
[First Mount] Obtained a new form of transport.
A less lonely journey with added comfort and speed.
Reward: +50 Bond with Noona (just enough for her to tolerate you riding her)
With wary steps, Roh approached his new mount. The auroch had been purchased at a low price and Roh knew she was unhappy about it. He reached out to touch her flank, but she moved away from him, her head held high in defiance. Her anger was palpable, and it made Roh uneasy.
Despite her rebuffs, Roh persisted, trying to calm the beast with gentle words and strokes. But the auroch would have none of it, snorting and stamping her feet in clear refusal. Roh's frustration grew, for he had looked forward to riding such a majestic creature.
With determination, Roh tugged at her reins, attempting to force submission. But the auroch was not so easily tamed, rearing up with flailing hooves, narrowly missing Roh with a kick.
Tucks, watching from the sidelines, looked at Roh with a mixture of amusement and pity. "She's not happy with you," he said with a chuckle. Roh felt his face flush with embarrassment. He had paid a good amount for this mount and couldn't even ride her. He knew he had to gain Noona's trust to ride her, but it was clear it would not be easy. He decided to give her space and think of a different approach.
Walking away from the auroch, Roh's mind was filled with thoughts of how to gain her trust. He knew she was proud and strong, and would not be ridden until she was ready. He couldn't help but feel a sense of respect for the beast, even if it made his task more difficult. He was determined to find a way to tame the auroch and prove to himself and others that he was a capable rider.
Tucks walked over to a nearby bucket, "Here, try this. This is her favorite treat, it might make her more willing to accept ye as her rider." He handed Roh the bucket of apples and watched as he offered one to the auroch.
Roh watched, hopeful, as Noona sniffed the apple, and then began to eat. He used this moment to mount her and despite the rough ride, he managed to control her.
With farewells said, Roh set forth on his arduous journey down the sharp inclines of the mountain.