It's my player character. I control it even if it's mindless, unless there's a magical effect saying otherwise.
Roleplaying has no place in an arena game
that's not true. not true at all.
roleplaying has a very important place in an arena game: mocking your opponent. letting you say "not only did I kick your ass, I did it in style!".
Qft
Last two arenas i played in i had fun doing this...
One i had my gnome shadowcraft mage only talk in irritating rhymes and constantly mocked my opponent throughout
Second one i had my dread necro animate her fallen enemies and use them as cheerleaders (couldn't bring them into the fight)