The Prototype Leaper is a fascinating and slightly unhinged-looking toad-like automaton, a clear product of the First Ones' early experiments with life and locomotion. With its mechanical, stilt-like legs and wide, observant eyes, it captures the quirky yet awe-inspiring essence of Zereth Mortis. The flavour text humorously hints at its origins: "Early experiments with leaping resulted in the invention of the modern-day mount. Oh, and the bufonid." For collectors who appreciate the eccentric side of the First Ones' designs and enjoy the structured progression of the Protoform Synthesis system, the Prototype Leaper is a highly entertaining and rewarding craft.
Introduced in patch 9.2.0 "Eternity's End", the Prototype Leaper is created at the Protoform Repository. Like its golden cousin, this mount requires you to unlock the crafting system, hunt down a schematic (this time via a treasure and some clever platforming), and gather materials that include a boss drop from the Sepulcher of the First Ones raid. It is a multi-layered journey that mixes open-world exploration with raid progression, making it a perfect goal for players who enjoy a bit of everything.
The Prototype Leaper is crafted at the Protoform Repository in Zereth Mortis. To craft it, you will need the following materials:
Before you can craft the mount, you must unlock the Protoform Synthesis system and acquire the schematic. This is a 100% guaranteed acquisition once you have all the materials—the only real hurdles are the Cypher research wait times and the raid drop.
Access to Zereth Mortis requires you to have completed Chapter 2 of the 9.1 (Korthia) campaign, ending with the quest Charge of the Covenants. Once done, you will receive a popup to begin the Zereth Mortis campaign. A portal to the zone appears on the top floor of Oribos after completing This Old Waystone. If you need to return before finishing that quest, speak to Tal-Inara in Oribos.
To unlock the crafting system, you must progress through the 9.2 campaign up to the end of Chapter 3. This grants you the quest Cyphers of the First Ones, which introduces the Cypher Console. This console is powered by Cyphers of the First Ones, a currency you will need to research the necessary nodes.
Earning Cyphers of the First Ones:
To reach the Protoform Repository, you must advance through the Cypher Console research tree. Note the lengthy research timers:
The Protoform Repository is located at:
Protoform Repository
Protoform Repository
To start off, you will need to collect the Schematic: Prototype Leaper. This item is located inside the Forgotten Proto-Vault, atop a mountain overlooking the Untamed Verdure.
Reaching this treasure requires either flying or utilizing the special frog from the World Quest Frog'it. If you do not have flying unlocked, simply use the frog to climb to the required coordinates.
Next, you will need the Tools of Incomprehensible Experimentation. This item has a low drop chance off of Lihuvim, the 7th boss of the Sepulcher of the First Ones raid. It can be looted on any difficulty.
As of patch 10.1.5, you can easily solo queue for all Shadowlands LFR wings. To do so, travel to Oribos and speak to the NPC Ta'elfar to queue up. Ta'elfar is located in the Enclave section of Oribos, very close to the Necrolord recruiters. Lihuvim is in the "Cornerstone of Creation" section of LFR, but you must first defeat Dausegne and the Prototype Pantheon before you can reach him.
You need 1 Bufonid Lattice. These can be purchased on the Auction House or farmed from various Bufonid mobs in Zereth Mortis. The Accelerated Bufonids you might have killed for other schematics also have a chance to drop it.
You need 350 Genesis Motes. These are Bind-on-Pickup and drop from almost every mob in Zereth Mortis. A highly efficient farming spot is the blue portal area where Devourers spawn continuously, aided by nearby automa NPCs.
Once you have gathered all the required materials — 350 Genesis Motes, 1 Tools of Incomprehensible Experimentation, and 1 Bufonid Lattice — head to the Protoform Repository at /way 68.5 30.1. Interact with the Servitor Interface, select the Prototype Leaper, and complete the craft.
The Prototype Leaper farm involves a mix of open-world treasure hunting, raid queues, and mob grinding. These addons will help you navigate and track your progress.
Pro tip: Use HandyNotes to mark the Forgotten Proto-Vault on your map. Even if you have flying, having the exact location pinned saves time and ensures you don't miss the schematic if the treasure was previously looted.
