Count Geonor is the first real resistance check in Act 1. Without reliable access to basic cold resistance, the fight can feel like a sharp difficulty spike rather than a teachable moment. It is odd that Una does not consistently sell a Sapphire Ring when this is the intended lesson.
Player impact:
- I spent over 30k gold on Finn gambling for rings just to finish the Geonor fight.
- Vendor RNG means some players/characters get a cheap Sapphire Ring, while others are stuck fishing or gambling for one.
- Early crafting and charm options are limited, so a vendor safety net fits the pacing.
Proposal:
- Guarantee that Una sells at least one Sapphire Ring once the Geonor quest is active.
- Make it a low-tier version at a sensible vendor price. One per character is fine.
- Add a short in game hint like: "Cold bites hard where you are headed. This ring should help."
Why this helps:
- Teaches the core ARPG lesson to gear for the encounter.
- Reduces early RNG swings without removing mechanics or difficulty.
- Leaves veteran routes untouched while smoothing the new player experience.
Alternative implementations:
- Guarantee a modest cold-resistance charm in Una’s stock when Geonor is revealed.
- Add a small side task that rewards a basic Sapphire Ring before the boss.
- Offer a one-time purchase from Una that lets the player choose a resistance ring when the Geonor quest is active.
