(IC) Festival of Heroes - Jousting Arena

[paladin_artea]

Markas once again endured the blistering winds from Aurora's attack, not expecting it to persist so long. He wasn't knocked down at all (Fort save 31 in Dice thread), but he was feeling parched and it was slowing him down significantly. Thankfully the power of Haste was still in effect and he managed to move out of the area relatively quickly to J16. "Okay...I'll admit, that was pretty annoying. I'm parched, a little woozy, but I am in no way ready to give up!" he announced. He certainly wasn't expecting Aurora to have the ability to fly. His only hope was to continue to endure until she exhausted her spellcasting abilities. Now that he was closer to her, he could still attempt to ping her with an arrow if nothing else.

(1d20+23)[42] Miss on a 1 (1d2)[2] damage if hits: (1d8+3)[11]

Haste round 3/5

[Wolfykins]

"Good," Aurora said, smiling brightly. "I'd be crushingly disappointed if you gave up already!"

Aurora grunted softly as Markas' arrow found its mark.

The centaur smiled again, feeling bolstered by the cheering crowd.
"You like arrows, huh? Me too!"

Spoiler: DM

Show

Blessing of Fervor boon this round: Make one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus. 12 rounds remaining.

Aurora took aim with her bow and loosed a volley of arrows.

Attack 1: (1d20+28)[29] The bowstring twanged back and cut Aurora's hand a little bit. (3 damage.)
Damage: (1d10+8)[16] + (1d6)[1] electric damage
Attack 2: (1d20+28)[37]
Damage: (1d10+8)[12] + (1d6)[3] electric damage
Attack 3: (1d20+23)[24] Something went wrong with the bow's enchantment, and the arrows temporarily faded out of existance. (5 rounds without ammo.)
Damage: (1d10+8)[9] + (1d6)[3] electric damage
Attack 4: (1d20+18)[29]
Damage: (1d10+8)[15] + (1d6)[3] electric damage
Attack 5: (1d20+13)[31]
Damage: (1d10+8)[15] + (1d6)[4] electric damage

"Surprise!" Aurora said with a broad grin, knowing Markas wouldn't be expecting the electricity in her attacks.

[paladin_artea]

"More like I wasn't expecting you to be part Pegasus," Markas joked back, but when the volley of arrows reached him, most of them bounced harmlessly off his armor, however one hit its mark, and surprised him with a jolt, "And since I can't fly, well, do the best I can with what I have. And what I have is infinite ammo, and the stubborness of a Dwarven Stonelord!" he boasted before releasing another volley at his opponent...

(1d20+23)[24] Miss on a 1 (1d2)[1] Damage if hits: (1d8+3)[4]
(1d20+23)[26] Miss on a 1 (1d2)[2] Damage if hits: (1d8+3)[7]
(1d20+18)[32] Miss on a 1 (1d2)[1] Damage if hits: (1d8+3)[7]
(1d20+13)[25] Miss on a 1 (1d2)[1] Damage if hits: (1d8+3)[11]
(1d20+8)[14] Miss on a 1 (1d2)[1] Damage if hits: (1d8+3)[9]

Haste 4/5

End Round 4

[Wolfykins]

All but one of Markas' arrows were deflected by the invisible barrier. The one that got through bounced harmlessly across her horsey rump.

"This bow is supposed to have infinite ammo, too," she said, giving the bow an aggravated shake. (4 rounds without ammo.) Aurora felt the crowd's disappointment in her screw-ups and felt a bit deflated.

Spoiler: DM

Show

Blessing of Fervor boon this round: Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. 11 rounds remaining.

Aurora descended to the ground and made a pushing gesture with a snap of her wrist.

Spoiler: Sylvan

Show

"By the power of the tempest, I summon a great wind!"

A 5' diameter stream of wind blasted for 120' west of Aurora, striking Markas for (4d6)[11] damage and enough force to knock him off his feet. (DC 20 for save for half damage and negate being knocked prone. A creature starting their turn within the effect of this spell must make a DC 20 fort save or be pushed 20' in the direction the wind is blowing, take 2d6 damage, and be knocked prone. A successful fort save means the creature only takes 1d6 damage.)
AoE duration 13 rounds.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 19

Show

River of Wind

Spoiler: Knowledge arcana DC 29

Show

River of Wind's page.

(Other AoE duration 10 rounds.)

[paladin_artea]

As the arrows missed their mark, Markas suddenly shouted an unspeakable curse in Giant (learned from Umbear of course) and dropped his bow as Aurora descended. The bowstring had cut into his thumb deeply, the pain making it feel useless for a moment, but before he could react further, Aurora's blast of wind pummeled into him, but his perserverance prevailed and he was barely touched by the strong gale. Now that his opponent was on the ground, it was time to go on the offensive Still under the power of Haste, Markas moved 45' to I 25, drawing his Halberd as he did so, and struck at the Centaur, playing close attention to her strong legs...

(1d20+24)[33] Damage if hits: (1d10+3)[8]
If hits, trip attempt

Spoiler: stacking effects:

Show

(Feat: Tripping Strike, Feat Improved Trip [+2 CMB for Trip], Feat Greater Trip [Another +2 CMB for Trip, plus if successful, target triggers AoO, +2 CMB to tripfrom Boots of Trip +2)

(1d20+30)[36]

If Trip successful, AoO (1d20+24)[43] Damage if hits: (1d10+3)[13]

End Haste

End Round 5

[Wolfykins]

The halberd thwacked Aurora and tried to tangle in her legs, but she nimbly lifted her feet to let the halberd pass under her without dragging her down.

Spoiler: DM

Show

Blessing of Fervor this round: Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. 10 rounds remaining.

(Cylinder AoE duration: 9 rounds. Line AoE duration: 12 rounds.)
3 rounds without ammo.

Aurora reached out and touched Markas, sending a jolt of electricity into him.
Melee touch attack: (1d20+19)[37]
Electric damage: (1d6+6)[11]

Swift combat performance check: (1d20+9)[23]

Then Aurora flapped her wings to ascend at a 45 degree angle while moving east (5' step).

[paladin_artea]

Markas was jolted a little from Aurora's attack, but thankfully she was still close enough for him to reach, he took a five foot step east, though she was floating above him, he knew he could press his attack, "I'll admit Aurora, you're full of surprises. I had no idea what to expect when fighting against you, but no matter who comes out on top, I want to make sure I gave it my all!" he announced as he pressed his attack...

(1d20+23)[25] Damage if hits: (1d10+3)[9]
(1d20+18)[32] Damage if hits: (1d10+3)[13]
(1d20+13)[29] Damage if hits: (1d10+3)[12]
(1d20+8)[26] Damage if hits: (1d10+3)[6]

After he swung his halberd, Markas noticed the bleeding in his thumb stopped...it still pained him severely and it would be harder to use a bow for a while, had he not dropped his bow earlier, "probably taken by that gust of wind and pushed into that cyclone anyway," he thought.

He finished with a flourish of his weapon.

Combat performance check (+2 bonus) (1d20+9)[22]

End Round 6

[Wolfykins]

Spoiler: DM

Show

Blessing of Fervor this round: Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. 9 rounds remaining.

(Cylinder AoE duration: 8 rounds. Line AoE duration: 11 rounds.)
2 rounds without ammo.

The first swing was a glancing blow that didn't have any effect. The second found its mark and Aurora flinched. The other two blows couldn't penetrate the centaur's defenses.
"Aha, so what you're saying is, you were shocked!" Aurora joked, eyes sparkling. "Wanna know something else shocking?"

Aurora kicked down at him with her pale, shining hooves.
Attack 1: (1d20+21)[28]
Damage: (herpderp) 6 plus (1d6)[2] electric damage

Attack 2: (1d20+21)[33]
Damage: (herpderp) 7 plus (1d6)[6] electric damage

Then the centaur ascended east at a 45 degree angle again (5' step) so that she was at a 10' elevation.

[paladin_artea]

Aurora's first attack glanced harmlessly off of his armor, but the second one knocked him in the head and sent another jolt through his body, "I think you'll earn a new nickname after this bout with all the wind and lightning you're using..." he muttered, "Oh no, you can still fly and I can't reach you and lost my bow...what ever shall I do?..SURPRISE!" he shouted as he picked a tanglefoot bag from his belt and tossed it at the Centaur!

Ranged touch attack: (1d20+21)[26] If hits, target becomes Entangled (-2 on atk rolls, -4 to Dex, must make concentration check DC 15+Spell lvl to cast magic) for (2d4)[7] rounds and make a DC 15 REF save or wings become unable to function, causing her to fall to the ground, even on successful save, can only move at half speed.

End Round 7

[EdgeGrinder]

Markas' discarded bow tumbled over the dirt, pushed by an unusually strong blast of air, all the way to J12.

[Wolfykins]

"Ugh!" Aurora said as the bag of goo exploded open on her. She laughed. "Alright, I'll admit it, I wasn't expecting that! I knew you picked them up, but I admit to being surprised that you used one now," she said, shaking her head and smiling. She remained aloft without difficulty.

Spoiler: DM

Show

Blessing of Fervor this round: Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. 8 rounds remaining.

(Cylinder AoE duration: 7 rounds. Line AoE duration: 10 rounds.)
1 rounds without ammo.

Aurora flew easily 40' east while ascending at a 45-degree angle, to a total elevation of 50'.

Spoiler: DM

Show

Chameleon step: move up to twice your speed as a move action.

"Sorry to disappoint you, Markas, but even with this gunk slowing me down, I'm still faster than you!" she called out with a wink.
Aurora attempted to break out of the tanglefoot goop. DC 17 strength check: (1d20+4)[21]
The tar and goop crumbled and flaked off the centaur.

"You should retrieve your bow, Markas," Aurora said. "I can 'dispel' the line of wind..." she offered, shrugging.

[paladin_artea]

Markas bowed in respect, "I shall take you up on that offer Aurora. Thank you. Otherwise this match would have had a boring ending." he quipped as he ran alongside the strong wind to attempt to retrieve his weapon (double move to I19)

End Round 8

[Wolfykins]

Spoiler: DM

Show

Blessing of Fervor this round: Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. 7 rounds remaining.

(Cylinder AoE duration: 6 rounds.)
Aurora lifted her hand and snapped her wrist forward. "Dispel!" she said, and the 120' line of wind disappeared. The blunt ammo in the tourney-issue bow flickered back into existence. Aurora flew 20' west.

[paladin_artea]

Markas continued to move as fast as he could, though he thinks he looks ridiculous as slow as he's moving and makes it to I13, barely in arms reach of the bow...

End Round 9

[Wolfykins]

Spoiler: DM

Show

Blessing of Fervor this round: Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. 6 rounds remaining.

(Cylinder AoE duration: 5 rounds.)

Aurora flourished her wrist and touched her bow.

Spoiler: Sylvan

Show

"Let that which is drab be awe-inspiring like a thunderstorm!"

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 17

Show

Weapon of Awe

The centaur flapped her translucent wings to maintain her altitude. Fly check: (1d20+23)[26]

[paladin_artea]

Trying to get back some dignity, Markas attempted to show off a tumble while moving to retrieve his weapon...

Acrobatics: (1d20+11)[18] to move to J12 and pick up his bow

End Round 10

[Wolfykins]

Aurora smiled. "Alright then Markas, here we go!"

Spoiler: DM

Show

Blessing of Fervor: Make one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus. 5 rounds remaining.

(Cylinder AoE duration: 4 rounds.)

Aurora took aim with her bow, and fired! (Distance accounting for elevation: ~108'.)

Attack 1: (1d20+25)[35]
Damage: (1d10+10)[20] plus (1d6)[5] electric damage

Attack 2: (1d20+25)[26] The bowstring twanged alarmingly, and in concern that the ammunition was going to disappear again, Aurora stopped paying attention to Markas. (FF for 1 round.)
Damage: (1d10+10)[12] plus (1d6)[1] electric damage

Attack 3: (1d20+20)[39]
Damage: (1d10+10)[20] plus (1d6)[3] electric damage

Attack 4: (1d20+15)[35] <-- Crit. 25 to confirm, 25 additional damage if confirmed.
Damage: (1d10+10)[20] plus (1d6)[2] electric damage

Attack 5: (1d20+10)[19]
Damage: (1d10+10)[12] plus (1d6)[6] electric damage

Aurora had trouble hovering, and lost 10' of altitude, putting her at 40' (~103' from Markas, accounting for altitude).

Swift action performance combat check (energy damage, multihit, max dmg): 30 (in dice roller).

[paladin_artea]

Right when Markas retrieved his bow, he heard Aurora shout at him almost cheerfully as she unleashed her attack. Although two of her arrows missed, the others hit him with near-perfect precision and they HURT! "Guess...that's why she sounded...so cheerful," he grumbled to himself, "well BACK AT YOU!" he shouted as he returned fire.

(1d20+21)[25] Miss on a 1: (1d2)[2] damage if hits: (1d8+3)[10]
(1d20+16)[22] Miss on a 1: (1d2)[2] damage if hits: (1d8+3)[11]
(1d20+11)[19] Miss on a 1: (1d2)[1] damage if hits: (1d8+3)[5]
(1d20+6)[18] Miss on a 1: (1d2)[2] damage if hits: (1d8+3)[11]

End Round 11

[Wolfykins]

Three of Markas' arrows made it through Aurora's invisible barrier, and two of them managed to hit Aurora while she was distracted with her bow.
"That stings," she said wryly, shaking her head and sending her mane-like platinum hair bouncing.

Spoiler: DM

Show

Blessing of Fervor: Make one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus. 4 rounds remaining.

(Cylinder AoE duration: 3 rounds.)

Aurora took aim with her bow and fired back at Markas.

Attack 1: (1d20+26)[37]
Damage: (1d10+10)[17] plus (1d6)[6] electric damage

Attack 2: (1d20+26)[31]
Damage: (1d10+10)[16] plus (1d6)[4] electric damage

Attack 3: (1d20+21)[35]
Damage: (1d10+10)[11] plus (1d6)[4] electric damage

Attack 4: (1d20+16)[27]
Damage: (1d10+10)[19] plus (1d6)[4] electric damage

Attack 5: (1d20+11)[26]
Damage: (1d10+10)[19] plus (1d6)[6] electric damage

The cremello centaur flapped her translucent wings to try and maintain her altitude. Fly check: (1d20+24)[25] She faltered slightly, and lost 10' of altitude, dropping down to 30'.

[paladin_artea]

Once again Markas was pelted by Aurora's arrows. Fortunately not as bad as the previous attack, however the long battle was starting to show its toll on him. Not willing to give up he also returned fire...

(1d20+21)[26] Miss on a 1 (1d2)[1] Damage if hits (1d8+3)[4]
(1d20+16)[20] Miss on a 1 (1d2)[1] Damage if hits (1d8+3)[11]
(1d20+11)[31] Miss on a 1 (1d2)[2] Damage if hits (1d8+3)[4]
(1d20+6)[9] Miss on a 1 (1d2)[1] Damage if hits (1d8+3)[9]

End Round 12

[Wolfykins]

Most of Markas' shots bounced off Aurora's barrier. One pelted through and struck her squarely in the chest. Despite the flawless aim, it didn't hurt very much.
Aurora shook her head. "Time to try something different," she said.

Spoiler: DM

Show

Blessing of Fervor: Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. 3 rounds remaining.

(Cylinder AoE duration: 2 rounds.)

Aurora flew 10' forward while ascending at a 45-degree angle, regaining the 10' of altitude she lost a moment ago. (Total altitude 40' again, and ~94' from Markas.)
She flapped her wings and lashed out at the air with her hooves.
A 25' radius blast of wind roared down on Markas with a loud clap of thunder accompanying it. The blast did (13d6)[47] bludgeoning damage, and the thunder was deafeningly loud. (DC 22 fortitude save for half damage and avoid being deafened for 1 hour.)

Spoiler: DM

Show

Thunderburst (Ex), Oracle revelation

[paladin_artea]

Markas shuddered for a moment when that loud thunderclap hit him. Fortunately it sounded worse than it felt (Fort Save 35 in dice roller) and he was still standing. "You made my ears ring! That wasn't very nice," he grinned at his opponent. He wished he had more up his sleeve but with her still in the air he was down to the one option. His stubbornness and pride wouldn't allow him to let up even if the audience may find this boring at this point...

(1d20+21)[40] Miss on a 1 (1d2)[1] Damage if hits: (1d8+7)[12]
(1d20+16)[24] Miss on a 1 (1d2)[2] Damage if hits: (1d8+7)[10]
(1d20+11)[14] Miss on a 1 (1d2)[1] Damage if hits: (1d8+7)[15]
(1d20+6)[26] Miss on a 1 (1d2)[2] Damage if hits: (1d8+7)[8]

End Round 13

[Wolfykins]

Aurora winced as one of Markas' shots left a new bruise. The accumulation of bruises was beginning to take a toll.
"Sorry about the thunder," she said sheepishly, "it's just a side-effect of that ability. It is useful against spellcasters though, sometimes!"

Spoiler: DM

Show

Blessing of Fervor: Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. 2 rounds remaining.

Cylinder AoE duration: 1 rounds.)

Aurora flapped her wings and descended to the ground again. She knew the desert winds she'd called forth would be fading soon, and decided to take one last shot at making it useful before it went. She made a pushing gesture with a snap of her wrist.

Spoiler: Sylvan

Show

"By the power of the tempest, I summon a great wind!"

A 5' diameter stream of wind blasted for 120' west of Aurora, striking Markas for (4d6)[19] damage and enough force to knock him off his feet. (DC 20 for save for half damage and negate being knocked prone. A creature starting their turn within the effect of this spell must make a DC 20 fort save or be pushed 20' in the direction the wind is blowing, take 2d6 damage, and be knocked prone. A successful fort save means the creature only takes 1d6 damage.)
AoE duration 13 rounds.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 19

Show

River of wind.

Spoiler: Knowledge Arcana DC 29

Show

River of wind's page.

[paladin_artea]

"Not again!" Markas shouted as he braced himself against another blast of wind. Like before, it barely harmed him (fort save 32) and he stepped out of it's line of effect (5' step north). "The wind must LOVE you," he bantered as he returned fire.

(1d20+21)[29] miss on a 1 (1d2)[1]
Damage if hits: (1d8+7)[11]
(1d20+16)[20] miss on a 1 (1d2)[1] damage if hits: (1d8+7)[9]
(1d20+11)[28] miss on a 1 (1d2)[1] damage if hits: (1d8+7)[10]
(1d20+6)[26] miss on a 1 (1d2)[2] damage if hits: (1d8+7)[10]

End Round 14

[Wolfykins]

Aurora winced again as the Markas' last shot made it through her barrier and landed a direct hit. That shot had more power behind it than the previous one! The cylinder of hot air over the western starting block dissipated.

Spoiler: DM

Show

Blessing of Fervor: Make one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus. 1 round remaining.

Line AoE duration: 12 rounds.

Aurora lifted into the air as she moved 5' west, to an altitude of 5'. (5' step.)
"Yes, the wind and I have come to an understanding," she said with a wink. "It blew me out of my homeland to chase demons! What called you from your home, Markas?"

She took aim with her own bow and fired at Markas again.

Attack 1: (1d20+26)[46] <-- Crit, 40 to confirm, 28 additional damage.
Damage: (1d10+10)[17] plus (1d6)[3] electric damage.

Attack 2: (1d20+26)[38]
Damage: (1d10+10)[14] plus (1d6)[6] electric damage.

Attack 3: (1d20+21)[35]
Damage: (1d10+10)[12] plus (1d6)[2] electric damage.

Attack 4: (1d20+16)[28]
Damage: (1d10+10)[12] plus (1d6)[6] electric damage.

Attack 5: (1d20+11)[31] <--Crit, but botched the confirmation roll.
Damage: (1d10+10)[16] plus (1d6)[6] electric damage.

Swift performance combat check (multihit): 20 (DC 24, no victory point.)

[paladin_artea]

Markas actually grunted in pain as he took severe impact from Aurora's arrows. He looked at the one that missed him with wide eyes, sure that if it had hit, this battle would have been over. Breathing hard he replied to his opponent, "What drives me...To battle? Nothing...So mystical...Like the wind...Just...The simple...Desire...to protect... Protect the ones....Who can't protect themselves!" With that he unleashed one last volley at the Centaur!

(1d20+21)[41] miss on a 1 (1d2)[1] damage if hits: (1d8+7)[8]
(1d20+16)[35] miss on a 1 (1d2)[1] damage if hits: (1d8+7)[9]
(1d20+11)[31] miss on a 1 (1d2)[1] damage if hits (1d8+7)[10]
(1d20+6)[11] miss on a 1 (1d2)[2] damage if hits: (1d8+7)[8]

"However...Even...The tallest mountain... Eventually... Must succumb...To the wind...Claim your victory Aurora!"

End Round 15

[Wolfykins]

Blunted arrows bounced off Aurora's barrier, except one, which simply tangled in the borrowed robe she wore.
"Ah, nobility. Nobility may be less mystical, but I would say it is far more voluntary. Not that I regret things or would choose anything else in hindsight, but even so!"

Spoiler: DM

Show

Blessing of Fervor: Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. 0 rounds remaining.

Line AoE duration: 11 rounds.

"If you are so close to defeat, I am concerned about continuing to use the bow, so I will instead do this," she said, lifting her hand to fling a small amount of fine sand into the air again.

Spoiler: Sylvan

Show

"Fire and wind of my desert home, descend and wear down my opponent!"

A fresh blast of hot air descended on Markas in a 20' radius, in a cylinder that extended 60' in the air. The blast did (4d6+13)[28] fire damage and was strong enough to knock Markas right off his feet! (DC 22 fortitude save to halve damage and negate being knocked prone.) The heat and pressure of the desert wind was every bit as exhausting as the first time (but Markas is already exhausted, so it doesn't matter).
AoE duration: 13 rounds.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 21

Show

Sirocco

Spoiler: Knowledge Arcana DC 31

Show

Sirocco's page

[paladin_artea]

Markas tried to withstand the heat and wind of Aurora's attack, but even after successfully bracing against the wind, it was the heat that finally got him and he fell to the ground in the center of Aurora's maelstrom...

End Round 16

[Wolfykins]

Aurora quickly made a flicking motion, dismissing the cylinder of hot air.

Warrick flew down into the arena and nodded at Aurora, who cast 'Dispel' on the line of wind.
"Good job," he said as acolytes rushed into the arena to gather up Markas and take him down to the pit.
"Ladies and gentlemen, your winner!" he boomed.

The audience applauded and cheered while Aurora bent one foreleg and stretched the other forward so she could bow. Performance combat check (vanquish opponent): (1d20+9)[28] Warrick patted her rump and pointed towards the pit, ignoring her disgruntled expression.

Down in the pit, the aides were bustling about, and a handful of acolytes surrounded Markas as they peppered him with healing spells. A few more came forward to bombard Aurora too, despite her protests that she could heal herself just fine.

"Alright you two," Warrick said, "it's time to go back out and take your bows and speak if you want."

The Master at Arms led them both back out into the arena and to the center where they'd stood for the start of the match.

"Ladies and gentlemen! I hope our dazzling heroes impressed you with their show of strength today! It was quite an interesting match-up, I'd say! I hope you all enjoyed the bout and the display of skill and tenacity both of these fine heroes showed. It was quite impressive how Aurora was able to gain control of her opponent's movement from the start, but it was equally impressive how Markas persisted in the face of that initial disadvantage! Truly, he is a hero we are blessed to have fighting to protect us!" Perform oratory: (1d20+36)[47] Warrick paused to allow the audience to applaud and cheer some more, and after a moment when they'd quieted down, he lifted his arm on Aurora's side.
"And now, I present to you, your victor for this bout: AURORA CENTAUROI!" Warrick waggled his fingers slightly to indicate Aurora should fly up to be seen better, and clapped his other hand on Markas' shoulder.
"We should talk technique later," the half-elf murmured to the human fighter. "I have some pointers for you."

Aurora manifested her wings again and spiraled up to about a 30' altitude.
"Thank you, all of you, for coming out to see the match today," the centaur said, spreading her arms. "I had a very worthy opponent and found it to be a very enjoyable match. I hope you enjoyed watching it as much as I enjoyed participating! I am honored to be returning to this tournament for the second time, and my only goal is to make it further this year than I did last year."
"It is truly a blessing to be able to come here and stand amongst and against heroes of equal and greater caliber and be given the opportunity to test my strength and skill with them. I learn so much from this event, both in and out of the arena! That is, to me, far more valuable than even the prizes offered. And that is why, win or lose, I am content merely to be present for this and able to engage! Thank you all so much! May the winds blow ever in your favor!" Aurora's humanoid torso bent forward low, arms spread wide, as she bowed. Diplomacy: (1d20+20)[21] Perform oratory: (1d20+5)[23] The centaur descended to the ground once more and turned to smile brightly at Markas.

"Thank you for the excellent match! I was quite pleased, and I hope you also enjoyed it," she said, holding out her hand to him.

[paladin_artea]

Markas woke up suddenly from the multiple healing spells that Warrick's aides provided, "That's better," he said softly before Warrick led them back out. He appreciated the MC's speech praising both of them, but still felt a little down, "Pointers?" he asked at his offer, "I guess..." "A 40-year-old veteran being offered pointers...am I getting too old for this?" he thought. He did smile at Aurora's speech as well, her reasons for participating similar to his own. He then realized that the audience was awaiting his own words after Aurora was finished.

"Good people of Juvelnord!" Markas began, "I felt the greatest honor in being invited to this tournament for the first time. I have battled many strong monsters, stood alone against small armies, but never have I faced an adversary as tenacious as Aurora Centauroi. Her victory was well deserved. I too have learned from this bout and for that I will be forever grateful to my most worthy opponent. Wish her victory in her future matches!" He then took his own bow

Diplmocay check: (1d20+3)[16]

He then took Aurora's hand and gave it a firm clasp, "Enjoy the rest of the tournament," he said before departing.