Pathfinder 2E Exploration Mode, a few years later

[payn]

Greetings,

So, I did a bit of play testing PF2, and then a year or two later I was in a campaign that got to level 8. Neither really leaned into exploration mode. It was pretty common for folks to pass right by it and not use it.

PF2 players and GMs, now that its been out for some additional years, has explo mode picked up any steam? Are folks using it regularly? Has PFS and/or the APs done anything interesting with it?

Im outta the loop, but some discussions reminded me of it, and was hoping to get an update from you good PF folk!

 

[SpellObjectEnthusiast]

I use exploration mode in every single game session. It really streamlines the dungeon exploration process and keeps the pace up.

I miss it when I'm playing trad RPGs that don't have it.

 

[payn]

I use exploration mode in every single game session. It really streamlines the dungeon exploration process and keeps the pace up.

I miss it when I'm playing trad RPGs that don't have it.

Would you be willing to sum up a round of explo-mo in action from one of your sessions?

 

[SpellObjectEnthusiast]

Party is entering into an power plant which has gone dark. They know a Necromancer is behind the situation. Gunslinger, Rogue, Gunslinger #2, and Kineticist.

Gunslinger opts to Scout
Rogue opts to Search
Gunslinger #2 opts to avoid notice
Kineticist opts to Investigate (Religion), since he knows there are undead afoot

I record the party's modifiers. These are the party's default exploration action until they tell me otherwise.

Party moves to front entrance, but ultimately decide they want to look for an alternate entrance. Party decides to move to a backdoor, the rogue spends some time lockpicking and they enter into the back. After the lockpicking is done, the rogue returns to their default exploration action.

Party says they move through the hallways. Area contains 3 encounters - two groups of undead behind closed doors, and a spider creature Avoiding Notice along the ceiling of a side room. Rogue passes the doors - I roll Perception secretly for them at each. They fail, and don't notice any foes.

Kineticist looks around, but there's nothing relevant to what they are investigating. Party decides to open first door. Gunslinger #2 moves to side room first to get far away from a possible fight. Since both they and the spider creature are avoiding notice and have reasonable concealment, neither notices the other.

Party opens door, and are jumped by the group of Undead. Since Gunslinger #2 was avoiding notice, he can roll initiative with Stealth. Since Gunslinger was Scouting, everyone gets a bonus to their initiative roll. Since Kineticist was Investigating undead, upon encountering them he gets to Recall Knowledge about them. I also rule he can use his Religion instead of perception for initiative if he likes. We move to combat.

Once the combat begins and Gunslinger #2 leaves cover to start fighting, they are no longer undetected to the spider monster, who joins the fight.

After the combat, the group rests to heal up and loot their foes. The Rogue tries to Identify Magic on a rune they pick up. The Kineticist Treats Wounds. Both actions take 10 minutes - time passes, and the party returns to their original exploration actions.