Brainstorming.

[xigbar]

Okay, new question here about my campaign; The actually story, arenas aside, involves and organization trying to reactivate a machine of water, a machine of the earth, and a machine of the sky. Everytime the PCs enter one of these, and the machine is turned on by the group they aren't yet familiar with, and therefore don't try to stop, and "awakens" a corresponding arena. The water machine just activated, and I'm thinking of cool ideas for a water based arena. Not all of it should be underwater, but I was thinking like moving currents, or something like that. Ideas for that, and an "earth" themed and "sky" themed arena?

 

[Greenfield]

IRL the Colloseum in ancient Rome could be flooded so they could stage sea battles. Don't know if that helps, but it gives you a place to start looking at comparable real world facilities and events.

 

[xigbar]

IRL the Colloseum in ancient Rome could be flooded so they could stage sea battles. Don't know if that helps, but it gives you a place to start looking at comparable real world facilities and events.

I hadn't thought of that. Having moving platforms over a flooded arena is on idea.

 

[HoboGod]

If fighting in an area partially submerged in water, your players could roll a DC 15 swim check to move at normal speed. Failing this check could have penalties like only being able to move at half speed and become automatically flatfooted until the beginning of their next turn.

An Earth arena could be prone to earthquakes, requiring variable DC Balance checks or fall prone on their turn.

A Sky arena could be a floating island where Harpies attack your PCs from above or attempt to bullrush your PC and push them off the edge.

 

[Dandu]

 

[xigbar]

The link doesn't show up?

 

[Dandu]

It is hardly my fault that your computer is not capable of displaying the awesomeness that is DROWNBALL!!!

 

[xigbar]

Haha, are there more of those?

 

[cjosephs1s]

For your "elemental" fights you could incorporate themes from the planes that correspond to these elements. You could also make players go out and find magic items to even function on them. For example: the air combat arena...most PCs probably won't have wings so send them on a quest to get Boots of Flying. Have invisible barriers of dense air they can't pass through but must go around.

For the Earth one you could have earthen spikes randomly spring from the ground that both sides must avoid or do damage to them. If it rains it rains 25 pound rocks that deal damage. Random earth elementals arise and attack anyone and everyone.

For the water: The water contains all kinds of nasty critters such as sharks so that if they get pushed off a platform they might get eaten or have to fight to stay alive.

Also for general gambling and games information I have a book called Tournaments, Fairs, and Taverns. Its got some decent information in there and new rules. Also several different types of games to play as well. It may not directly effect the PCs but it could help with backdrop story or filling out pieces of your world.

Hope this was useful and good luck!

 

[Dandu]

Haha, are there more of those?