I would like to add to our arsenal, a grapple hook. A wind up and swing hook that clips to ledges and structure edges or the edges of wall or rock. Could be used while mounted, could be used while falling. Requires more or less stamina based on the scenario and quality of the grapple.
The same points that force the player to trigger a mantle animation could also be used to freeze and isolate the hook for x amount of time. The player then burns additional stamina using the rope but less if on a cliff face or flat wall or slope. Player could also use it to descend or ascend from a ceiling, provided the upgraded hook and rope have the range. Hook has weight and grip factor expressed in weight and time of holding in place. Rope has weight proportional to length, reduced fractionally by rope quality (silk weighs different than twine) but non-zero without magic…
Upgrades. Obviously stone and black ice won’t mic. so using a stone claws on black ice would inflict more durability damage and likely break based on weight. However, a hardened steel one, could be used to scale t3 structures or even the ice covered cliffs. Obsidian for the hot stuff obviously. and Elder for overall “best in slot” on the Sip servers.
rope per quality could be made of twine, rawhide, chain, silk, advanced silk, “special stuff”.
Scenario: Veris the Cunning in too deep, she’s gotten in fight and her thrall is down. She needs time to recover… Vel makes a break for a nearby cliff, conserving her stamina. As she looks behind, many threats bear down on her. She takes a long leap off the edge, turns around and with two swings throws the crafted hook, uncertain of what’s below. After a what feels like an eternity, the hook catches! The snow covered rock provide her with excellent grip because she’s gotten a rare Khari Steel version with special silk, She scrambles up the line, against the side of the cliff face. She’s beginning to realize something as she ascends. She’s fallen too far. Her stamina will not be enough to reach the edge. Thankfully, she’s recently looted some climbing boots, and and equip them. Drinks a quick potion and then proceeds to climb back up the rope. Upon reaching the edge, she mantles over, and crouches. No enemies. Time to heal and take her revenge.