I am the EQ Tactics 'Turned Based EQ' server guy... It is my little side project.
http://www.eqemulator.org/forums/sho...hlight=tactics
Since I see my name being tossed around in this thread thought I would share some thoughts since I am always happy to see new excited developers.
Your project is ambitious, as a MOBA fan I had considered something similar a while back but my ultimate conclusion was it would be too difficult under the restraints of the Everquest game engine. MOBA's are all built in modified RTS engines which are a much better platform for that type of game play. There are numerous other significant challenges beyond that as well.
However, that in no way implies it can not or should not be done.
Creating a large scale complex server from scratch is very overwhelming and why most don't get off the ground.
Here is your free consultation.
My recommendation would be before you do anything else is to create a single demo zone to simulate a basic PvP MOBA environment.
Have two opposing factions of NPC units that are trying to reach the other side. Set up a system for towers/inhibitors.
Heroes/Champions do not need to be really fleshed out at this point just have a few basic builds set up to test the game play.
Extensively play test the zone till you feel satisfied that the concept will work.
That way you can see if the basic frame work is viable to scale up.
Anyways that is how I would approach this.
Kayen
GM Storm Haven
GM EQ Tactics