Exploration
Exploration is the lifeblood of Skittermaws ARPG, representing the core adventurous spirit of these mischievous creatures. As a Skittermaw, your character thrives on discovering the unknown, scavenging for treasures, and expanding their territory in a vast, mysterious world.
Exploration Mechanics
When your Skittermaw sets out to explore, they venture into uncharted territories with no predetermined path or outcome. The exploration system uses a combination of strategic choices and random generation to create unique experiences.
Exploration Phases
- Preparation: Choose exploration focus and equipment
- Departure: Set out from your current territory
- Journey: Navigate through unknown areas
- Discovery: Encounter points of interest or challenges
- Return: Make your way back with findings
Exploration Types
You can focus your exploration on different aspects:
- General Exploration
- Broad search for any opportunities or discoveries
- Resource Hunting
- Specifically seeking valuable materials or food sources
- Territory Expansion
- Focusing on claiming new areas for your domain
- Point of Interest Seeking
- Looking for ruins, settlements, or notable landmarks
Discovery System
Each exploration generates a series of random discoveries based on your Skittermaw's traits, level, and luck. Discoveries can include:
Territory Discoveries
- Fertile Hunting Grounds: Areas rich in food and small game
- Strategic Overlooks: High vantage points for surveillance
- Hidden Caches: Natural storage areas or abandoned stashes
- Defensible Positions: Naturally protected areas for shelter
- Trading Routes: Paths connecting different settlements
Resource Discoveries
- Shiny Objects: Valuables for trading or collection
- Rare Herbs: Medicinal or alchemical ingredients
- Building Materials: Resources for constructing shelters
- Ancient Artifacts: Mysterious items with unknown properties
- Food Sources: Sustainable hunting or foraging areas
Social Discoveries
- Friendly Settlements: Potential allies or trading partners
- Neutral Wanderers: Other creatures that may become contacts
- Ancient Ruins: Sites with historical significance
- Mysterious Structures: Unexplained buildings or monuments
Risk Assessment
Exploration carries calculated risks that increase with distance and ambition:
Environmental Risks
- Weather Events: Storms, fog, or extreme temperatures
- Terrain Hazards: Cliffs, rivers, or unstable ground
- Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, or wildfires
- Time Pressure: Getting caught out after dark
Creature Risks
- Predators: Large creatures that hunt Skittermaws
- Territorial Animals: Creatures defending their territory
- Swarm Threats: Large groups of smaller aggressive creatures
- Intelligent Threats: Other sapient beings with agendas
Internal Risks
- Exhaustion: Physical fatigue from long journeys
- Hunger: Running out of food during exploration
- Equipment Failure: Tools breaking at critical moments
- Moral Dilemmas: Decisions that affect reputation or alliances
Success Factors
Several factors influence exploration success:
Character Attributes
- Level: Higher levels improve success rates and discovery quality
- Traits: Exploration-focused traits provide bonuses
- Equipment: Quality tools and protective gear
- Status: Health and energy levels affect performance
Strategic Choices
- Timing: Best exploration times (dawn/dusk reduce visibility risks)
- Preparation: Carrying appropriate supplies and tools
- Routes: Choosing safer vs. more rewarding paths
- Pacing: Balancing speed with thoroughness
Exploration Rewards
Successful exploration provides multiple types of rewards:
Immediate Rewards
- Experience Points: For leveling up your Skittermaw
- Items: Resources, valuables, or equipment
- Knowledge: Information about the world and its inhabitants
- Reputation: Increased standing with certain factions
Long-term Benefits
- Territory Expansion: New areas to control and develop
- Trade Routes: Connections for economic opportunities
- Alliances: Relationships with other creatures
- Story Hooks: Leads for future quests and adventures
Advanced Exploration
As your Skittermaw grows more experienced, new exploration options become available:
Specialized Exploration
- Deep Wilderness: Venturing into truly dangerous frontier areas
- Underground Networks: Exploring cave systems and tunnels
- Urban Infiltration: Sneaking into settlements for intelligence
- Mystical Sites: Investigating areas of magical or supernatural significance
Exploration Tools
- Maps: Gradually filled maps of the world
- Scouting Reports: Information from allied creatures
- Ancient Knowledge: Lore that reveals hidden locations
- Magical Aids: Items that enhance exploration capabilities
Exploration Philosophy
Exploration embodies the core Skittermaw philosophy: curiosity drives discovery, discovery brings opportunity, and opportunity creates legend. Every Skittermaw starts as a small, vulnerable creature in a vast world, but through relentless exploration, they can become masters of their domain.