I completely agree how military events can leave new players excluded, But the event you have created also leaves new players excluded. Any new player who has the 3 tavern bought explorers who hasn't had the time to upgrade them explorers with tombs etc. Has no chance of gaining one lucky explorer via the quest chain/event matches.
This event was not tested enough on tsotesting, While I understand things happen beyond anyone's control, On the test server I personally asked for the explorer returns to be looked at regarding the shorter search returns. This wasn't done.
How can any new player expect to get enough helmets, shoulder pads etc when the returns are 0-4-8, they don't have a population large enough to gain them from adventures nor are they rich enough to gain them from trade.
This event does nothing but highlight the gulf between rich - poor... vet - new. Because I have an account at each end of that spectrum I get to see if it from both angles.