[Herode]

The idea sounds interesting, and more interesting again with Jim's suggestion if llama or GP can handle the hostings. Obviously, replaying battles shall be strictly forbidden, or they wo'nt be a lot of challenge at all...

I would give my preference on a #2.5 variant : the nation is fixed, maybe the pretender's physical form is fixed, but his magic and scales are left at the option of the player.

Anyway, the other options will also be fun in a challenge serie. Of course, AARs will be encouraged ^^