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Probably not the right place for this, but we'll see.
The idea is a group of 4-6 1st level characters thrown into a mega-dungeon that they must fight their way to the end of in order to graduate from their academy. The Dungeon consists of 20 tiers and will take them to 5th level.
I've designed dungeons before, but this is a scale I haven't dreamed of until I got the Idea that it would be awesome to have this Academy that selects the most promising academs for a rigorous final training where no holds are barred, and they have to fight for their lives to succeed. Those who don't, die. Those who emerge victorious are heralded as elite agents of the crown or some other thing.
Part of the reason I wanted to do this is by simply looking at D&D 3.5 and Pathfinder stuff it is easy to say that 5th level Characters, especially PC's, are near legendary in stature. Once in a generation, that kind of power level. Most people the Character's meet will be 1st-2nd level, just like in our world, most people you meet will be only at most a 3rd level character (and that's pushing it).
I want the campaign to be about what they do after they emerge, totally changed from their experiences in the dungeon, and I have a few ideas they can run with, but the main trouble I'm having is in even thinking of how to design a dungeon with 20 floors that has the necessary challenges for the players, without totally killing them. In game this dungeon is supposed to take about seven to twenty days, so how do I design a dungeon where the players can rest? Do I design "safe zones" or do I just force them to be vigilant in the night? Do I roll up random encounters for the floor they're on, or do I design the encounters? Same question with loot.
First, I would look at all the CR monster from the lowest up to CR 5. That’s what they are there for. Essentially, a CR is, as I’m sure you know, the level required of 4 PC’s to make that monster a challenge. Thus, a CR 4 monster would be an average challenge for 4 level 4 PCs. Decide what you want to use, then, start divvying up the monsters into 20 tiers, starting with the lower level CRs at the beginning then gradually increasing their CR until the 20th tier is reached. Of course, I would use a CR 6 or 7 monster at the end, since I think the point is to prove the PC’s are the best. Easier monsters such as kobolds, can always be buffed, instead of hurling 20 of them at the PC. For example, I did 5th level 2nd Ed. adventure 17+ years ago where one PC was a lesser minotaur (big, strong, and tough, but not nearly as the one in the Bestiary). The party infiltrated a Kobold warren, and the minotaur went face to face with the Warren Champion, a level 5 kobold fighter with TWF (short swords) and had buffed up using a growth potion, and a giant strength potion. Let’s just say the minotaur lost, which freaked out the entire party, since he was their heavy hitter. My point is, don’t just throw monsters at them, you need to adjust them, make the encounters interesting, make the PC’s have to think, and mix things up. Don’t be afraid to actually have the “bad guys” USE the magic items they are carrying. Also, combine some of the monsters, have melee fights, spell fights, ranged attacks, etc.
Now, as for how to actually design the dungeon, remember, resting is necessary evil for spellcasters. However, don’t make it easy. I’d have a safe zone every 5 levels where they can rest and recoup for 8 hours max, then, they move on. As for the tiers, have them magically teleported to the next tier once they finish the previous tier. That way, they’re thrown right into the battle, no choice, and they’ll have to pool and manage their resources between the safe zones. I would design each encounter and the loot as well. Make some tougher than the required CR, and maybe a few easier ones to give them breathers along the way. And don’t forget to include traps (with CRs) and even use tough puzzles as a possible encounter, to make them really think. You might want to include environmental issues too, such as a desert or arctic tier, or the underdark, or one that’s underwater, with a SMALL island just big enough for the PCs. Just don’t expect them to do things they obviously are not equipped or able to do, no matter what. I’d also use a mix of monster and NPC encounters, use the monsters as is, some with and others without treasure, as well as customizing a tier of, let say, tiefling rogues with sorcerer, or assimar paladins, or half-fiend barbarians, etc. Remember, to fight is not the only choice for an encounter. Perhaps diplomatic means will also get them through the tier. OK, that’s all I have to say. Just remember, above all, make it fun for you and the PCs. Have fun!
I think if you combine mine and Goo-for-Hire's info, you should be good, Adun.
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I had a GM run us through his Tower of Glory which in some ways is similar to your idea.
It was a competition for Adventurers.
After each dungeon there was a break. Spell slots renewed, items used became available again. We were limited to the items we brought into the fight but could use potions we found but only in the dungeon they were found in.
We continued to advanced each round to harder monsters (that is higher CRs) until we lost. I hate Balors btw! Lost to a Balor!
Anyway, since it is an "academic" sort of thing, I think some rest areas should be included. I would simply assign a rest area as GM when they need it. I wouldn't plan it to be at a specific point or anything. After all the point is to have fun. It's not fun if the PCs die to the last monster standing in the last dungeon before a rest area. That just sucks.
I would develop the dungeons around themes, such as aquatic, desert, fire, Hell, Heaven. I'd also design a few dungeons that are all roleplay- negotiate a contract between two celestials who are LG and CG, for example (unless the goal is for them to be assassins or something they should work on social skills as well).
Honestly I like the idea and think it could be a lot of fun.