GM Arkrim:
So some matches drag on for a ridiculously long time. Can we put in a default "extra" that says beyond 10 rounds the combatants may re-negotiate extras as long as everyone agrees. For example: "Everyone gets +10 to attack/damage/DCs for the rest of the match" or "everyone's HP drops to half it's current amount" and whatnot to help speed up a battle?
What do you all think? Are there other solutions you'd prefer?
I like your first option. It is the least likely favorable to one or the other comabatant. HP is favorable one way or the other, so is shrinking arena. There are better up close and personal fighters and better ranged fighters. Fighters is a loosely used term in this instance. Not referring to class.
However, the +10 attack/damage/DC etc, favors everyone in a closer to equal balance(even I know there probably isn't a legit equal boon to both parties). Spell casters can throw a spell with increased effect(ability to land the attack/effect), fighters can launch a physical attack with increased effect(damage and ability to land it).