The HoVG Battle Arena welcomed eighteen Adventurers and two Adventuring Parties from across the Multiverse™ to the second Battle Royale of the Fall season. Notwithstanding a few unexpected twists and turns, the struggle of wits and will was fiercely contested as three Contestants battled neck and neck (and neck) through three-and-a-half quarters of action before two of them lost their focus…

The Battle got off to a fast and furious start as WOPR – the defending champs from BR-1 – along with apool and nicebenji each earned perfect scores (and “High Five” Achievements) in the opening round! Rounds 2 & 3 saw the defending champs edge their way into the front of the pack with a second perfect score (and High Five) but despite the Party’s impressive display, WOPR couldn’t quite break free. As the First Quarter of action came to close the champs held on to a narrow lead with apool and nicebenji both one correct answer off the pace followed by importantsilliness, and rinzler with the rest of the field further behind.

The Battle continued to run hot through the first round of the Second Quarter before confusion and bedlam befell the gathering as Marley, the Multiverse’s wayward Ganja Lizard, made a surprise entrance into the Arena! The Wacky Weed Worm disgorged a dank cloud of Purple Haze that temporarily immobilized more than half the field as Contestant after Contestant failed their saving throws and lost their composure. Seduced by the Sticky Sweet Serpent’s Smoky Goodness, WOPR, brandonw2, emilyinpink, and romeo chilled for Round Five while nicebenji, joshualambert0852, and damian enjoyed their buzz through the end of Round 6. kendalpeacock, parkerallen, and aj0hnson took the hardest hits, each remaining thoroughly baked for three full Rounds.

Once the fog lifted, the fight resumed in full force with most combatants regaining their senses and racking up better point totals during the latter Rounds. While the front runners continued to set the pace for the field, importantsilliness, rinzler, steezyrider, emilyinpink, and the new Adventuring Party CNTRL-ALT-COMPLETE (formed at the very last second) scoring particularly well in the last Quarter.

In the end, however, apool’s ability to resist Marley’s temptations (and an impressive four perfect Rounds) proved the difference as he edged out the defending champs and nicebenji to claim the title as Winner of Battle Royale – 2!

1st Place:  apool 335 [“Eye of the Tiger” Achievement]

2nd Place:  WOPR 300 [“Last Loser” Achievement]

3rd Place:  nicebenji 230 [“Third Wheel” Achievement]