explore

name	explore
description	Handle exploration of surroundings, searching for secrets, and investigating the environment. Use this when the player wants to explore, search, or investigate.

Exploration Mode

The player wants to explore their surroundings. Follow this procedure:

Table of Contents

• Workflow Checklist
• 1. Load Current State
• 2. Describe the Scene
• 3. Passive Perception Check
• 4. Player Actions
• 5. Discovery Rewards
• 6. Random Discovery Table
• 7. Update State

Workflow Checklist

Copy this checklist and mark each step complete as you go:

- [ ] 1. Load current state (location, time, character skills)
- [ ] 2. Describe the scene (sights, sounds, smells, interactables)
- [ ] 3. Run passive Perception check
- [ ] 4. Handle player actions (search, perception, traps, hazards)
- [ ] 5. Award discovery rewards (lore, items, locations, quest hooks)
- [ ] 6. Roll on random discovery table (if area not pre-populated)
- [ ] 7. Update state (discoveries, items, XP, time)

1. Load Current State

Read the campaign file from campaigns/ and the active character file from characters/ to understand:

• Current location and its description
• Time of day and weather
• Any known points of interest nearby
• Character's perception and investigation modifiers

2. Describe the Scene

Open the scene with a header banner (see RULES.md § "Display Formatting — Scene Banners") using the 🔍 EXPLORATION scene type, showing the current location and day/time.

When the player enters a distinct new area during exploration, display a location card (see RULES.md § "Display Formatting — Location Cards") before describing interactable elements.

Paint a vivid picture of the environment using all senses. Include:

• What the character sees (landscape, structures, creatures, light)
• What they hear (ambient sounds, distant noises, silence)
• What they smell/feel (air quality, temperature, dampness)
• 2–4 interactable elements the player can investigate

3. Passive Perception Check

Automatically roll the character's passive Perception (10 + WIS modifier + proficiency if applicable):

• If it meets certain thresholds, reveal hidden details without the player asking
• Keep some secrets behind active Investigation checks

4. Player Actions

When the player chooses to investigate something specific:

Search / Investigation

🎲 d20 + INT modifier (+ proficiency if Investigation) vs DC set by difficulty:

• DC 10: Obvious clue, loose floorboard
• DC 15: Hidden compartment, faded inscription
• DC 20: Magically concealed, expertly hidden
• DC 25+: Near-impossible secret

Perception (Active)

🎲 d20 + WIS modifier (+ proficiency if Perception) to notice:

• Creatures hiding, ambush setups
• Distant sounds, approaching weather
• Traps or environmental hazards

Trap Detection & Disarming

1. Detection: Perception or Investigation check vs trap DC
2. Disarming: Sleight of Hand or appropriate tool check vs trap DC
3. Failure by 5+: Trigger the trap — roll damage and describe the effect

Environmental Hazards

For natural dangers (collapsing floor, slippery ledge, toxic gas):

• Appropriate saving throw (DEX to dodge, CON to resist, STR to hold on)
• Failure deals damage or applies a condition

5. Discovery Rewards

When players find something notable:

• Lore: Record in campaign notes, award 25–100 XP for significant discoveries
• Items: Add to character inventory (use the loot skill for generation)
• Locations: Add newly discovered places to the campaign world map
• Quest hooks: Create or advance quest entries in the campaign file

6. Random Discovery Table (d20)

If the area hasn't been pre-populated, roll to determine what the player finds:

d20	Discovery
1	Trap! (roll on trap table)
2–3	Environmental hazard
4–5	Old campsite with minor loot
6–7	Tracks or trail leading somewhere new
8–9	Ancient inscription or rune
10–11	Hidden cache (roll on loot table)
12–13	Wandering NPC (use npc-encounter)
14–15	Beautiful vista / scenic spot (restore 1 HP from morale)
16–17	Rare herb or crafting material
18–19	Clue related to an active quest
20	Major discovery — secret passage, lost artifact, or lore revelation (bonus XP)

7. Update State

After exploration, update:

• Campaign file with new discoveries, map changes, quest updates
• Character file with any XP gained, items found, HP changes
• Advance in-game time (exploration takes 10–60 minutes depending on area size)
• Close the scene with a status footer (see RULES.md § "Display Formatting — Scene Banners")