Battle was well and truly joined last night on the EU Training Room, as two colossal supergroups - formed under the mighty leadership of Content and Community Manager Rockjaw, and Community Coordinator Bridger - clashed over two Supergroup Rumble matches. The battles were long and hard, but in the end, there could only be one winner.

In case you’re wondering, it’s the guy with his arms raised on the left.

Yes, thanks to sterling help from a throng of players from across our European servers, Rockjaw’s Roughnecks triumphed not once, but twice during two matches. And that’s why it’s me, Rockjaw, bringing you this update, while Bridger remains in the corner, sobbing quietly.

Alright, he’s not sobbing, but he does keep muttering something under his breath about “a reckoning”. I think he’s talking about a rematch, but frankly, why would he want to get thrashed and publicly humiliated again? Full match commentary, and some in-game screens, inside.

With admittedly very little in the way of preparation or organisation apart from “I reckon I can ‘ave you in the Arena”, “Oh yeah? You and whose army?”, it was impressive to see such a huge turnout from you, our heroic players.

The EU Training Room was bursting with helpful heroes by the time our designated start time rolled around, with over 300 heroes online at peak. Unfortunately between our two supergroups (75 member limit in each), we only had space for half that number, so apologies to those of you who weren’t able to get into a group.

Before too long both groups were full, with a huge range of Security Levels being represented - all the way from 10 to 50. Rockjaw’s Roughnecks were resplendent in a fetching mix of blue and white; while naturally, the not-so-good forces of Bridger’s Brawlers were to be found in red and black. Evil always knows fashion.

Our first face-off ended in an ignominious Lost Connection to Mapserver, but then we expected that in the Training Room environment, where Issue #4 bugs are still being squashed. Undaunted, we pressed on, bringing the heroes-per-side number down to 70, and setting the level limit to be unlimited. In other words, any hero, any level, any power - bring on the destruction!

The virtual setting of Atlas Park was our playground, and massive, group combat was the name of the game. Rockjaw’s Roughnecks pressed the attack, and where Paragon City civilians would have once taken a calming stroll in the park, now hero fought hero in a no-holds barred battle. What does such a cosmic clash feel like?

In truth, it was chaos. Electricity, fire, earth and ice rained down; katanas sliced through the air while assault rifles chattered, bullets ricocheting off invulnerable skin. No holds were barred and no quarters were given: but in the middle of it all, Rockjaw and Bridger stood proud… until we were mercilessly beaten by over-enthusiastic heroes.

After twenty minutes of intense fighting, the match ended with a victory for the Roughnecks. But would the Brawlers return to form in our second match? Setting the Supergroup Rumble for 50-a-side, with a Security Level limit of 20, we prepared for the second rumble....

There was all to play for. Well, assuming you work with my ‘best two out of two’ rule. And as the Roughnecks assembled in the Arena (see left), this time a virtual recreation of Steel Canyon, we knew that Bridger’s rowdy mob would be out for revenge.

The Roughnecks wasted no time in getting stuck in, with the Brawlers meeting us in a vicious back-alley rumble. (Click for a picture.) My valiant heroes stood firm, eventually banishing all of the red-clad opponents around us. (Another picture.)

Meanwhile, over at the feet of one of Paragon City’s greatest landmarks the Brawlers were fighting back with full force.  Energy bolts were flying, Phantom Armies were being deployed - and in the middle of it all, your correspondent stood firm, unmoving. Well, you would too if you were being perma-held....

As night fell and the battle continued to rage, questions arose in my mind. Could my brave fellow heroes sustain their winning ways? Would the Brawlers manage to get their tactics sorted out and actually take me down? And more importantly, who was that guy smacking me fruitlessly in the back of the head… ah, that would be Bridger.

Eventually the clock ticked down, the heroes tired, and the match was over. The winner? The Roughnecks. Stomping off from the Arena in a fit of pique, the last I saw of Bridger was a red-clad foot as he stormed away, tossing insults and rematch promises over his shoulder. Will we meet again? Probably, I work with the guy. Will he triumph? Ah, well - I’ll leave that to the helpful heroes who made up Rockjaw’s Roughnecks last night.

Keep your eyes peeled for the return of the grudge match - and look out for more events coming soon to the EU Training Room, and the live servers upon debut of Issue #4: Colosseum!