As you know, because I've already mentioned it (and I understand it is being worked on but I just wanna include it on this thread as well), the arena is looking a little under developed. I dont know if work on one has already started or not, but I would like to provide some of my personal opinions on what makes a "good arena."
So for starters, a Bending arena should be able to acclimate to all of all of the Bending arts. Such as:
- Water - Water will need sources if bottles aren't provided. On land, plant sources are preferable (grass, flowers, trees, others?). But keep in mind it's possible to have too much vegetation. If the arena ends of being a sort of natural-earthy theme then it can be easy to have too much sources. I suggest making it to where a source is always close by, but also make the waterbenders utilize their resourcefulness. If a source is ALWAYS available, then the arena can quickly become over powered by waterbenders (by creating ice and being able to effortlessly deal damage).
- Earth - Similar to water sources will need to be readily available to the benders. Of course there's gonna be dirt and stone in most areas of the arena, that's expected (if not a given). But also, have structures, platforms, or other obstacles that could cause a bit of issues for an earthbender. Not too much where they are easily bested, but enough to where they are challenged. For instance, if an earthbender isn't careful when catapulting they could accidentally land on a roof of a building and potentially kill or harm themselves. Also, I would suggest having underground "mines" of some sort, to appeal to the earthbenders that are going to mine to get iron for their metalbending abilities. You'll likely have iron ore already down there, but pockets within the Earth (like a mine shaft) could act as a sanctuary for earthbenders. Similarly to waterbenders who will have the upper hand in a lake, the earthbender will have an upper hand under ground or around a flat area. And speaking of flat areas, be sure there are some of those too. Earthbending is extremely difficult with a bunch of "lumps" in the ground that continuously block or mess up a lot of their moves. Without a flat space, earthbenders could parish; but with too many they could overwhelm the arena.
- Fire - This element (and air) will be easy to adapt to just like air and Chi, which is why I put water and Earth first. For a Firebender to have a chance, regardless of skill, there will need to be obstacles; such as trees, houses, hills, boulders, or even hedges. This will give the arena character as well as offer any bender the chance to hide away and flee. As far as attacks go, a Firebender can thrive in open spaces similar to an earthbender.
- Air - This element is probably the easiest to adapt to. You really don't need anything special for this element (that I happen to main in) because they are able to adapt to most, if not all, circumstances. As long as they have space, they'll be fine. If they're in an open, plains then they can AirBlast away or just simply run around. If they're in a forest they have AirBlast and airshield. Maybe offer them a few mountains so they can use their mobility as an advantage when escaping enemies.
- Chi - This is the class of agility. Air may master in mobility but Chi masters in abilities such as acrobatics. Chi is almost certain to perish (and be unused by players) if there's too much open space. A chi blockers will take advantage of the shadows, stalk their prey, use the trunks of trees as obstacles to dodge their enemies, and use a house or cave and quickly turn it into a murderous death trap. So as you can tell, if you give the arena TOO much space then chi may not ever come out. But give them too much and they'll dominate. Offer some caves that can hide them away or some secret escape hatches in a building somewhere. If you make a forest I suggest adding some hills in it rather than keeping it mostly flat. I typically see chi thrive where there's a more mountainous, hill-y area. They can use it to their advantage.
Keep in mind, these are just my personal opinions. Feel free to conjure your own in your reply.
Next, an arena should be appealing. I typically enjoy an ancient theme when it comes to Bending arenas. For one, it's easier to include nature (AKA the 4 elements) into your build because they frequently weren't too overwhelming like New York City or a Spanish Villa. Some interesting medieval architecture would be awesome in my opinion. Add a couple structures, you could place signs that make it feel like an RPG map, have some flying balloons of some sort (possible Fire Navy War Balloon?????). This is the kind of architecture I enjoy but everyone's different. It'll be easier to design an arena fit for the 4 elements that way.
