Example Arena

In the following example, we’ll combine creatures, elements, props, and terrain to make up the zones of a combat arena. The arena’s total challenge rating is a combination of each zone’s CR, which is itself the total CR of its assets, including creatures.

Note that generic assets, those marked with ^G, have no additional mechanics. They are still affected by movement types, such as a burrow speed for dirt floors, or spells that affect the material they are made of, such as flaming sphere igniting flammable objects. Any other assets that are mentioned in this arena can be found in this article.

Burning Barn Rescue

Total Challenge 14 (3,720 XP)

Fire-worshiping cultists have attacked a nearby farm, setting a barn alight with innocents trapped inside. One of the farmhands managed to escape and is desperately searching for help. Will the adventures be able to save the day?

Zone 1: Outside the Barn

The cultists will only warn trespassers once before attacking, unless they are visibly armed, in which case they attack immediately. If the cult fanatic dies, the remaining cultists will flee. The cultists and cult fanatic are all immune to the extreme heat element.

Challenge 4 (850 XP)

Size Large (60 feet)

Direction West of zone 2 and 3

Elements Extreme heat, heavy rain, spacious

Terrain  Grass^G, wooden wall^G, door (between zone 1 and 2)

Props Bucket, hay mound, well (20 feet deep)

Creatures 4 cultists, 1 cult fanatic

Zone 2: Aisle and Stalls

The rampaging elemental soon attacks any non-cultist who enters the barn. An adventurer that notices the weak wooden ceiling knows that destroying it will disperse the dense smoke element and introduce heavy rain. The ladder that connects zone 2 and 3 is broken, leaving only an opening in the floor.

Challenge 9 (2,650 XP)

Size Large (60 feet)

Direction East of zone 1, below zone 3

Elements Dense smoke, extreme heat, inferno

Terrain Dirt floor^G, weak wooden ceiling, 4 wooden walls^G

Props  Barrel (empty) ×2

Creatures  Fire elemental

Zone 3: The Loft

Two farmhands cower in the corner. They will cooperate with rescuers, but quickly panic if put in more danger. The loft door leads to zone 1, but is a 20 foot drop.

Challenge 1 (220 XP)

Size Medium (30 feet)

Direction East of zone 1, above zone 1 and 2

Elements  Extreme heat

Terrain Door (between zone 3 to 1), wooden ceiling^G, wooden floor^G, 4 wooden walls^G

Creatures 2 commoners