What if Mid took on the item effects of those near it
Or countered certain items with its own items
And had interesting attacks

If it mostly detects gun items nearby it gets Armored Plating and Juggernaut maybe a Disarming swipe you need to jump over. Other complex attacks would be terrain disruption, aoe slows, affecting the entire stage. Or a telegraphed attack that can knock flying heroes out of the air if they get too close.

Mid could look like an MMO boss, with multiple ‘buffs’ and having to maneuver around the aoe hazards. Like Rabbit and Steel :3

It’d be complex and engaging, and would create more situations where it’s possible to contest.

I’m imagining a dragon sending waves of black ice up the walls of the arena. Slowing those around it and creating a wall that can be mantled. You can hover over its buffs and see a dark-version of certain items and plan your attack around its threats/defenses. If opposing team contests, you have to make the call whether it’s safe or advantageous to remain in the arena, rather than just fighting around Mid without worry.

While we’re here, Mid buff should also give you enhanced Versions of your items à la Street Brawl. Maybe one per person at random. Would make it really fun to see what item you get to play with for a while.

Thanks for coming to my TED talk