I noticed there are items you can only get exploring, if they're not on broker, like timeworn and archmage things. But I have gotten... exactly one item this way. What is the drop rate, and are there conditions that need to be met? Are there certain items that drop in specific areas at different times? What is the secret???

Some things, like myconid staffs and Robes of the Oracle, have rare chances of dropping from specific enemy types.

But most of the exploration items now are from The Lost Grove. A few helds (ent saplings, Malfy squirrels, crystalline drakes, etc.) can extremely rarely drop from their related named. But most (including timeworn and archmage, among many other things)... patterns can drop from nameds, elites, and some enemies (e.g. bandits can drop their own respective outfit patterns), but then you have to craft them from the Blacksmith in the barracks to actually get the items.

Ah, okay, thank you! That makes sense