Hi Folks,
In a long running campaign (25+ years) there is a special event that occurs every 20 years. It is simply called 'The Challenge'. Players are given the chance to have a second character in the game if they complete the challenge. Now this challenge is simply a death arena. As GM you throw a ton of random creatures in, make a maze, some puzzles, and finally an arena. Those who survive to the arena section face off there. Only One May Live is the only real rule.
Now, I have six players in the final arena. They are all doing their best to hide from each other and wait until several have died or been badly wounded before they step up to fight one another. Thing is, I can only take so many turns of sit and hide in the corner before I go crazy, (GM Here). To promote players fighting each other what would you do to get things moving?
I have considered the following:
1. Drop items into the middle of the arena to get them to come out and fight.
2. Release monsters (low level ones) into the darkness.
3. Have the arena slowly contract forcing them in to the middle area.
4. Have sponsors who pay to drop items to players based on their performance making it worth putting yourself at risk to get an item.
Thoughts? Comments?