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I intend for a new campaign I'm writing to have a pit fight encounter for the introduction (Level 3 start) and almost definitely as a recurring encounter style (though voluntary on subsequent occasions to the first.) and I wondered what sort of enemies would be appropriate (Be that non-sentient creatures or NPCs). I was considering pack style creatures like the shocker lizard, wolves, etc in hope that this would give the group a challenge. However, I was unsure what sort of creatures could be feasibly kept for such pit fights.
Alternatively, I was also considering creating NPCs. These seem a bit more complex to manage multiple of in one encounter and it seems like a bit of a waste to dedicate time to designing these people just for them to die.
So I guess what I wanted to ask is if any of you have tried something like this before, and if so what worked/didn't seem like a hit. If anyone is willing to go more detailed with their suggestions then that would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers!
Memorable pit fighters should have a signature style or schtick, which will usually take the form of a handful of related feats (such as one or more combat maneuver trees, the requirements for an actual style feat, or some other logical grouping). I see threads here on the boards all the time about "How can I optimize my build focused on X?" or "How do I make Y not suck?" Sift through those for ideas that grab you as fun to run as an NPC, and let your fellow forum members do most of the heavy lifting to design them. ;)
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You can also try to make it more theatrical- what are gladiatorial games but the precursors to WWE matches?
Thus, you can go with story lines. Re-enactments of battles, and crude plays.
You could have fun, and make the party the 'heels'. For example, you could have them be 'the evil tyrants' holding the princess hostage in their castle. The gladiators are the 'valiant heroes' trying to save her. (in game effect- the gladiators are trying to get to a person held in a cage. Make it a full round action to open the cage, and then they have to drag the person out to the gate of the arena;).
Obviously, the arena organizer should have archers that 'discipline people that break character'. Encourage your players to do their best evil laugh. Also, maybe make the 'heroes' into a hilarious mockery of the party- the ember island players from Avatar might be a good example.
Edit- And who says you can't reuse character after they die? This is an entertainment industry involving people in armor and helmets- the 'character' might just be a mask and a stage name that gets passed around gladiators because the act was popular. The announcer just has to say "tis but a scratch, he'll be back by next week" after the gladiator gets their head crit'd off. You can just make jokes about how the new gladiator is obviously someone else when viewed up close. "This particular 'Baccus the Butcher' seems to have put on a few pounds from last match. odd, considering how you helped him lose a bunch of weight by cutting in half..."
Edit 2- particular fun- a 'revenge match' where every single 'Baccus the Butcher' that the party defeated is brought back as undead.