Anybody interested in running PvP, arena-style fighting matches? I was thinking of the following options:

1. Royal Rumble. Every player for themself. Levels voted on prior to match.
2. Teams. Multiple players against other players. Teams decided by "captains" picking from a roster.
3. One player multiple PCs. Two players battle it out with a group of characters of their choosing.

The "DM" could design the terrain -- or, rather, I'd design multiple terrains and randomly pick one per match, kind of like a Call of Duty online match.

Waddya say? Let's fight!

This seems interesting.

Could have PvP match variants like those you described.

Free for Alls, Team Combat, DM vs. DM. Maybe other variants as well? Throw in some elements like pre-game trap placements? Monsters as a neutral element? Maybe even battlefield elements that allow for certain skill checks as well, for example pillars that give players a chance to climb to a vantage point for archers and such?

Oh yeah, I would even argue that part of your participation involves creating an arena that suits your character's combat style, almosr like Mortal Kombat.

I like the idea of external elements, like having a dragon show up in the middle of a medium-level brawl, and if the players don't kill it they all die and everyone loses. I'm open for anything. I used to run a Hunger Games style campaign where the playgroup was competing against player-character-equivalent PCs, and it was very, very fun

I'm interested - sounds like fun!

We could actually start with the three of us. Say, level 5 4e characters? I'll create a map along with you two but otherwise "DM" the match. I feel like we should create some house rules, like:

1. No Action Points - do or die!

2. Choice of one +1 magic item (examples +1 magic sword, +1 hide armor. No +1 Barkskin Armor.)

In thread dice rolls, point buy, or standard array?

Definitely array, there's no way it'd be fair if we left it to rolls. I'd say we should limit the books to PHB 1-3 too.

Got it.

So, you guys wanna start this? Shockwave vs. Neosilk? House rules:

1. Each player submits one level 5 character
2. Each player submits a battle map (make a spreadsheet in google docs; see my signature for an example)
3. Use the standard array to create your character (16, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10)
4. Choose one +1 magic item that does not include an additional bonus (+1 Armor is good, +1 Barkskin Armor is not good)
5. An additional 10,000 gp to buy supplies of your choosing
6. No Action Points allowed
7. Must use PHB 1-3 and that's it

Sound good?

Sure - however, I need a few days...I'm stuck in Texas right now, and *should* be flying home tomorrow, depending on the snow...

So - that's 1 magic item, and the 10K, which, I assume, can be used to buy other magic items, right?

sure! but it's for all your other gear

maybe it shouldnt be 10gs... what do you guys think? How much gear should a level 5 char have?

I like the idea of doing an awards system too, where characters get additional gear or gp as they level up their characters.

Not sure about this, but if it is just a game without any progression why not use a 30th level character?

The battle will be epic, that is guaranteed.

That would be way too much work for a casual game, especially when there are new players and no specific DM running each battle. (I wanna play too, obvi.) If you wanna DM a 30th-level match I'd be in, though.

You are probably right. Start with something basic and then move up.

You wanna join this one? 1 on 1 on 1?

Yeah - being pretty new to D&D, I'd rather keep the levels low

Still adjusting my character. I currently have a Longtooth Shifter Paladin in the works. Just need to pick the abilities that would fit this kind of fighting. Just for confirmation, this is PC's only under our control?