Exploration - SPELUNKING

Exploration - Spelunking

Exploring Caves in Old School Runescape has been a part of the game from the beginning.  When a young player enters a cave for the first time, there is such a sense of wonder and excitement and they discover the secrets that lie beneath the surface of Gielinor.  The addition of Dungeoneering in Pre-EoC was one of the best additions to the game, but it wouldn't fit into OSRS.  The addition of Exploration would give the ability to have Spelunking in the game in a meaningful way.  Dungeon Crawling in instanced, randomly generated caves and dungeons would bring a new air of discovery to the game, even for veteran players.

How it works - 

When the player receives a Spelunking Contract, they are charged with discovering the entrance to the cave. In certain cases, it may be an instanced addition to an existing cave system, and in others it might be a cave that must be uncovered with a spade.  In any case, the entrance to the cave would be an instanced location, available only while the player has the active Spelunking Contract.  Once inside the randomly generated cave, the player must find their way to their goal, completing skill challenges, or defeating monsters.  

Skill Challenges - 

In order to pass into the next section of the cave, the player will be required to complete challenges. Often times the entrance to the next section of the cave will be blocked, or an object will need to be moved, or there will be an obstacle in the path. The Challenge will be based on the current level of skill the player has. There will always be multiple paths, however the most direct path will always be the most challenging. 

Layout - 

Cave Layouts can vary from linear layouts to grid layouts. Linear layouts will have side paths that can be taken to avoid challenging paths, and for the opportunity to obtain more loot.  Grid layouts will often require resources or items from one section of the cave in order to progress the main path.  Every cave will have a destination room in which the treasure, boss, resource, or objective lies.  Once this room has been completed, the contract will be completed, and the player can leave the cave and fulfill the Exploration contract at the Explorer NPC.



Functionality - 

The player will not be able to bring any items into the cave, other than hand-tools. (hammer, chisel, etc.) The player will be able to purchase small, inefficient tools, such as a Spelunker's Pick, from the Explorer NPC's shop. These tools will remain in the player's inventory during the cave contract. While inside the cave, the player can use these tools to gather resources to help them progress throughout the cave.  

(Sketch of player using an agility bypass)

Upgrades - 

The player can use Reward Points to upgrade their tool kit, as well as purchase equipable items that the tools can be stored on. For example, a Spelunker's Tool-belt can be purchased and worn in the leg slot that would be able to store a hammer or a Spelunker's Pick, that would be usable inside the caves (note; none of the Spelunker's tools would be usable for existing skilling methods, such as Mining or Woodcutting)

  • Spelunker's Tool-belt - Can store a Hammer, Pick, or Hatchet
  • Spelunker's harness - Can store a Knife, or Chisel.
  • Spelunker's Hard Hat - Acts as a light source, gives invisible stat boost while in caves to speed up Cave Exploration Contracts.
  • Spelunker's Gloves - Gives 5% agility boost (increases success rate of agility obstacles)
  • Spelunker's boots - Gives 5% agility boost
  • Spelunker's knapsack - Can store 2 Spelunker's Tools
Encounters - 

While inside the caves, the player can encounter monsters, traps, and Spelunker NPCs in need of assistance. Completing these encounters with increase the chance of getting better loot at the end of the cave system.

How it fits - 

Exploring the caves of Gielinor is part of the charm of how Old School Runescape is played.  The only problem with the current caves is that experienced players no longer experience the excitement of exploring new caves.  With the addition of Spelunking, even veteran players will be able to enjoy the same thrill of exploring new caves in the game that they have been enjoying for years.

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