One field, two players, both with their own composition of heroes (or "toons"). A maximum of 4, and a minimum of 1. Each hero has its own abilities/gear.

Turn based actions are controlled by the player.

I want RPG elements added to a players progression.

How would I implement an "exploring/finding concept"

In other words, if you were developing Diablo 2

how would you do it?

sounds like you want to make a hybrid game. part turn based hero combat, and part rpg. IE a rpg with turn based hero combat.

such a game can be done in 2d or 3d or both, and can be web based or not, assuming the web based performance is acceptable.

Collecting materials and treasures that can be put to good use between battles is a good idea, but it doesn't depend on explicit RPG-style exploration.
The player's army can search the battlefield and its vicinity for useful stuff after winning a battle, implicitly, instantaneously and offscreen (you can list what has been found in end of battle summary panels).

If you want exploration for its own sake, it can be integrated within the turn-based battles: an obstacle-rich large environment can require a lot of movement before contact with the enemy. The "battle" could be finding something in a dungeon without dying or grabbing as much as possible before a flood drives the heroes away.

Technologically, the only requirements for exploring in battle are scrolling a partial view of the battlefield (rather than showing a fixed full view of a small battlefield) and fog of war.

Hello,

In web game development, we see browser, Windows, dedicated server, and cloud based as the major issues. Given the movement toward mobile games (including laptops in my opinion), then I would recommend cloud based and primarily vector graphics game development with Java as the core of the game source code. Browser games are very challenging across mobiles in the debugging area. Vector graphics prevent many of the snags, either Windows or browser. Java allows excellent flexibility at the source code level with support for the major webpage languages and art asset file formats. If this is a hobby then, go where you feel, but if you have professional goals in "web" games, then I recommend a game engine, which will streamline the lower level coding issues for you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_game_engines

Clinton

Have non-player opponent minor battles where the loot is the mats (and/or $$$ to buy 'Mats')

Let these opponents use many of the same battle methods a player opponent could use so that the player can exercise their toons abilities (explore them to see how the many options work) and get proficient for the VS Player battles.

Skill may or may not also be generated by these solo battles....

Hello,

In web game development, we see browser, Windows, dedicated server, and cloud based as the major issues. Given the movement toward mobile games (including laptops in my opinion), then I would recommend cloud based and primarily vector graphics game development with Java as the core of the game source code. Browser games are very challenging across mobiles in the debugging area. Vector graphics prevent many of the snags, either Windows or browser. Java allows excellent flexibility at the source code level with support for the major webpage languages and art asset file formats. If this is a hobby then, go where you feel, but if you have professional goals in "web" games, then I recommend a game engine, which will streamline the lower level coding issues for you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_game_engines

Clinton

Im still exploring whether any near real time games on mobiles (tablets and smartphones) are yet viable with the current limitations of typical infrastructure (away from your dedicated home AP installation - for both players)