(IC) Festival of Heroes - Jousting Arena

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Gorrun looked around at the people in the crowd. In a minutes time he had gone from home town hero to being jeered from the stands. How fickle and superficial these city folk were. He began to grow disheartened his morale sank at the booing of the crowds. And then he saw her, Princess Geiravore, sitting in the stands. He looked up at the Juvelnord crest above the royal box and he remembered that he had a purpose. Regardless of the crowd's shifting fancy, he was here for this city and her people. He planted his feet as the flames washed over him, and stared right into Aurix's burning Green eyes.

Spoiler: DM

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swift action Lord of the pride lands +2 to Atk, Dmg, saves, and AC for 1 round
Full round action: Defensive Focus, 40' difficult terrain and threat range.

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix matches Gorrun's stare and thinks, Those are the eyes of a soldier who has been ordered to die, and still stands his ground."

Aurix's smile fades. He nods slightly to Gorrun. "You won't yield. Fine then." Aurix bellows in Draconic and leaps into the fray! As he makes contact with his melee attacks, another explosion of fire detonates!

Spoiler: Draconic

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"TO THE TEETH!!!"

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 18

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Quickened Fireball

Full Attack + Bite
(1d20+29)[37], (1d6+21)[23] nonlethal damage
(1d20+29)[37], (1d6+21)[24] nonlethal damage
(1d20+24)[36], (1d6+21)[26] nonlethal damage
(1d20+19)[37], (1d6+21)[23] nonlethal damage

(1d20+20)[23], (1d6+15)[20] nonlethal damage + (1d6)[4] nonlethal fire damage

(10d6)[40] nonlethal fire damage, DC 23 Reflex save for half
(2d4+4)[8] nonlethal fire damage from the wall
(10d4)[22] nonlethal damage from the daggers

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Gorrun Empowers his shield with a bit of his own stubborn will and blocks the incoming attacks with ease but the flames sweep past scorching the general a bit more. (1d20+16)[35] (Ref save.) His eyes widen (1d20+6)[26] (spellcraft)

Spoiler: Draconic

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I thought I was used to the heat, but this in intense. Your Reputation is well earned.

The General steps 5ft SE and attacks once more, hoping for better judgement in targeting this time.

(1d20+25)[32](3d6+13)[19](1d2)[2] 1 hits
(1d20+25)[34](1d10+11)[20](1d2)[1] 1 hits Shatters last mirror image
(1d20+24)[42](1d8+8)[9](1d2)[1] 1 hits
(1d20+20)[21](3d6+13)[25](1d2)[1] 1 hits 20 Performance Check Gorrun Shifts 10' North passing through the wall of fire and taking 30 flame damage.
(1d20+20)[37](1d10+11)[14](1d2)[2] 1 hits
(1d20+19)[25](1d8+8)[13](1d2)[2] 1 hits
(1d20+15)[26](3d6+13)[27](1d2)[1] 1 hits
(1d20+15)[20](1d10+11)[14](1d2)[1] 1 hits
(1d20+14)[18](1d8+8)[13](1d2)[2] 1 hits
(1d20+25)[36](3d6+13)[29](1d2)[2] 1 hits Misroll Actual Attack Roll 27

(1d2)[2] 1 hits (mirror roll)

Spoiler: DM

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Immediate Action: Extended defense 6/9 Adamantine Shell
(1d20+31)[48] Success nullifies the attack, failure grants DR 40/- vs this attack
(1d20+31)[48] Success nullifies the attack, failure grants DR 40/- vs this attack
(1d20+31)[43] Success nullifies the attack, failure grants DR 40/- vs this attack
(1d20+31)[49] Success nullifies the attack, failure grants DR 40/- vs this attack
(1d20+31)[43] Success nullifies the attack, failure grants DR 40/- vs this attack
Swift Action: Lord of the Pridelands (+2 to atk, Dmg, Saves, AC for a full round)

[Andrew Markham]

One of Gorrun's blows hits Aurix, but it bounces off of Aurix's stony skin.

Aurix slams the ground with his quarterstaff. A serpent of flame slides along the ground to singe Gorrun further, then turns and moves 50' east before dissipating.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 20

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Fire Snake

Aurix moves 5 feet northeast to C21, putting Gorrun's back against the wall.

(15d6+30)[91] nonlethal fire damage, DC 25 Reflex save for half
(2d6+22)[29] nonlethal fire damage from the wall
(10d4)[24] nonlethal damage from daggers
Swift Action, Performance Check (1d20+10)[20]

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With fire blazing all around him, Gorrun's options narrowed he swung his shield wide, clearing a split second gap in the flames and claps the hilt of his Shotel on his breastplate and barrels through the fire, moving east 55'. Then he turns to watch the Sorcerer.

Spoiler: DM

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Immediate action: Invulnerable Shell of the Iron Tortoise.
Free action: Activate haste 1/5
Double move

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix sighs and pants slightly. "I said I wouldn't run anymore...but apparently you're not done." Aurix casts, confident his motions can't be seen by Gorrun through the wall of flames. Aurix points, shooting out rays of fire, then spins his hand, creating another ring of fire around Gorrun! The heat crashes into the circle, bombarding Gorrun.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 19

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Wall of Fire

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 17

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Quickened Scorching Ray

Ray vs Touch AC
(1d20+23)[29], (4d6+8)[17] nonlethal fire damage
(1d20+23)[35], (4d6+8)[23] nonlethal fire damage
(1d20+23)[41], (4d6+8)[26] nonlethal fire damage

Takes (2d4+4)[9] nonlethal fire damage from the ring, no save

After the fire wall appears, Aurix moves 55 feet east, maintaining his elevation, passing through both walls of fire, and ending at C32.

Gorrun takes (10d4)[25] nonlethal damage from the daggers.

[Wolfykins]

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Can't get a moment to breathe Gorrun pants through the heat of yet more oncoming flame. He begins shouting at each hit... forcing himself to press on increasing his adrenaline output. Oddly some minor bruising begins to fade as the attacks land.

Spoiler: DM

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immediate action: Extended Defense 7/9 - Endurance of the Strong. All attacks will heal 40 HP.
(1d20+9)[10] mandatory performance check
(1d20+9)[17] mandatory performance check
(1d20+9)[24] mandatory performance check
(1d20+9)[19] mandatory performance check
(1d20+9)[25] mandatory performance check

Gorrun takes a 5ft step SE [C&D, 34&35]

Once more, he tries desperately to land and attack on the displaced Aurix.

(1d20+23)[36](3d6+11)[17](1d2)[1] 2 hits
(1d20+23)[40](1d10+9)[12](1d2)[1] 2 hits
(1d20+22)[37](1d8+6)[10](1d2)[2] 2 hits
(1d20+18)[30](3d6+11)[23](1d2)[1] 2 hits
(1d20+18)[20](1d10+9)[13](1d2)[2] 2 hits
(1d20+17)[37](1d8+6)[8](1d2)[1] 2 hits
(1d20+13)[33](3d6+11)[22](1d2)[1] 2 hits
(1d20+13)[15](1d10+9)[10](1d2)[2] 2 hits
(1d20+12)[29](1d8+6)[12](1d2)[1] 2 hits
(1d20+8)[11](3d6+11)[21](1d2)[1] 2 hits

[Andrew Markham]

Another of Gorrun's blows hits Aurix. It snaps against his stone skin. Small cracks begin to form, but Aurix is unharmed.

Aurix thinks, "Gotta keep pressing him..." He breathes in deeply and directs his dragon's breath to the southeast! Then he snaps out three more rays of fire and moves 5 feet east to C33, keeping Gorrun in reach of the spinning daggers.

Dragon's Breath!
(20d6)[79] nonlethal fire damage, DC 28 Reflex save for half

Ray vs Touch AC
(1d20+23)[43], 4d6+8 = 32 nonlethal fire damage
(1d20+23)[38], 4d6+8 = 32 nonlethal fire damage
(1d20+23)[34], 4d6+8 = 32 nonlethal fire damage

(2d4+4)[7] nonlethal fire damage from the wall
(10d4)[21] nonlethal damage from the daggers

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Gorrun's skin blackens once more at the Dragon's breath. He tries to duck out of the way (1d20+14)[19] (reflex save) but is unable to do so. He hoists his shield to block the rays while trying to survive at all costs, but the fire breaks through. He is defenseless against the daggers and the ambient heat of the ring of fire.

Spoiler: DM

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Immediate action: Extended Defense 8/9 - Unbreakable Panthera Guard
(1d20+26)[36] vs Ray 1 success negates damage and adds 20 temp hp
(1d20+26)[30] vs Ray 2 success negates damage and adds 20 temp hp
(1d20+26)[34] vs Ray 3 success negates damage and adds 20 temp hp Edited due to crit results.

Expend two charges of Armiger's Mark to activate Deathless Defense.
Defensive Focus 40' threat range, considered difficult terrain

Gorrun plants his feet, his mind focused, just trying to hold it together. His flesh begins to boil and crack, his skin chars, steam rises from within his armored shell. And yet he stands, unwilling to fall. Unable to surrender. He can no longer hear the jeers and sneers of the ungrateful crowd. He perseveres on pure steadfastness alone.

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix looks to Gorrun's deadening eyes and crackled skin and his eyes go wide. He immediately dispels his own Wall of Fire and flies up and back 10 feet. Even as he sees Warrick approaching, he shouts, "GORRUN!! Your Princess doesn't want you to die for this!! She wants you to LIVE, the same as you want your soldiers to live! Juvelnord is safe!! The PEOPLE are safe!! So PLEASE, by the gods of good...just STOP. Just...stop. She only wanted it to be a knockout match." Aurix trails off, staring at the steaming form of Gorrun.

[Wolfykins]

A hush fell over the crowd as the gravity of the situation became clear. A tension fell over the arena as people began whispering and murmuring.

Warrick gestured for Aurix to land as he approached, and touched down in front of Gorrun.
"Stand down, General," he said gruffly. "This isn't the war, and you're not being asked to die here. People didn't come to witness a hero's death, so let's not traumatize them while simultaneously breaking a hundred-year no-death streak, hey?"

When Aurix landed next to Warrick, the Master at Arms grabbed him by the wrist and yanked his hand up over their heads.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your winner!" he boomed. The audience started to applaud, slowly at first, but picking up speed and volume until the arena was practically shaking.
"You put on a good show," Warrick said quietly to Aurix, "and your sportsmanship at the end is to your credit. People will remember this moment for a long time."
Warrick let Aurix's hand dropped and grabbed his shoulder and gave him a light push towards the pit.
"Let's go, the aides are waiting," he said, flying up to put his arm across Gorrun's broad shoulders and guide him out of the arena.

Down in the pit, the aides were bustling about, and a gaggle of acolytes from various temples rushed forward and began bombarding the two heroes with cure spells until they were both restored to full health after a couple minutes of effort.

"Alright boys, let's go take your bows and say some words," Warrick said jovially.

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! I know not all of you were pleased with how they chose to conduct themselves today, but you must remember: they are warriors, not performers. They fought this match as they would fight in the field of battle in a war. So take heart, and remember! Remember how valiantly they fought and how resilient they were in the face of heavy damage! These are men you want fighting for you. These are men you want protecting you. These are men who will stand and fight to their last breath even when they aren't required to do so! Ladies and gentlemen, please applaud for our own Princess' Champion, General Gorrun, who stood in this arena today as he would stand for any one of you!" Perform oratory: (1d20+36)[54] Warrick paused to allow the audience to applaud, which they did. There was plenty of cheering as well, and Warrick smiled.
"And now, I present to you, your victor for this opening bout: AURIX KORNARI!" Warrick raised his hand, indicating Aurix should fly up to be better visible to the audience. "Say something gallant," Warrick told Aurix, smiling. He clapped the Gorrun amicably on the shoulder with his other hand.

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Spoiler: Draconic

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A warrior never yields. Even when bested. You have earned your victory Gold Heart.

[Wolfykins]

Spoiler: Draconic

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"Nonsense. You yield when it is to the benefit of your men, your nation or your sovereign to do so. Refusing to yield is pride, not valor."

Warrick chided the general lightly.

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix begins slowly ascending until he is 50' in the air. He glances down at Gorrun, healed and whole, and lets out a breath of tension he had been holding since the end of the match. Finally coming to terms with the reality of his victory, Aurix begins to spin slowly in place, making eye contact with members of the audience. "I...am Aurix Kornari! Some say that I am strong because I bear the blood of the golden dragons in my veins, and it is true! I have sorcery and strength from that lineage! But I say that my strength comes from what is in my heart!" Aurix thumps his right fist against the left side of his chest to emphasize the point. "A love of life! A desire to safeguard ALL mortal life! A willingness to put my life on the line to protect any one of yours!"

Aurix pauses briefly, deliberately. "What you have just witnessed...is the most intense duel I have ever fought! And do you know why? Because my opponent had that same heart! He stood- and never wavered- to show his devotion to you, to your dear Princess, to Juvelnord! He has not the blood of dragons, but still he stood, the same as me!!" Aurix begins making deliberate eye contact with members of the audience. "He proved that heart of strength can live in any mortal! He matched my draconic power blow for blow, by the power of his conviction! And now I stand here to tell you all...that this conviction can be yours as well. Within each of you is the righteous fury of the golden dragon, if only there is someone you want to protect! So I beseech you to look into yourself, and be that better person," Aurix says with conviction. "Let each hero that fights today inspire you further. Find your greatest selves, and claim them, and our work is a success. Thank you all." Aurix bows deeply, then descends back to Warrick's side.

Performance check: (1d20+10)[18]
Diplomacy: (1d20+40)[48]

[Wolfykins]

Warrick grinned at Aurix and motioned for him to head for the open end of the arena on the west side. "Time for the meet-and-greet," he said. "You boys get to shake hands with people and maybe sign things for people if you want to. Either way, smile pretty and wink friendly and don't make lingering conversations; you don't wanna be here all day," he said in a slightly joking tone. He ushered the two heroes to the end of the arena so people could shake their hands.
"You can shake several people's hands at once!" Warrick joked at Gorrun.

The crowd began filing out of the arena, many heading for the smaller arena to watch the second match that was due to start soon. As people passed Aurix and Gorrun, they reached out to shake hands, many offering kind words and encouragements, especially to Aurix.
After a while, Warrick led them back down to the pit to divest themselves of the tourney gear.

Gorrun and Aurix are free to spend the rest of the day as they wish. They leave the jousting arena at about 10:20 am.

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Gorrun wades through the crowd, he will stop and speak with anyone who earnestly wants his attention. He will shake hands with anyone friendly and will ignore any snide remarks.

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix smiles and greets the crowds for a few moments, then escapes into the pits. As he takes off his tournament gear, he looks at Gorrun, feeling awkward. Aurix nods and says simply, "General." He takes two steps to leave, then stops. Aurix turns around and takes a deep breath. "Gorrun. Would you like to go watch Umbear's match? It should be starting soon."

[STDM Grizzly Ad]

Two arena aides are helping Gorrun out of his armor that still smells of roasted meats. He rubs his muscles to ease some of the soreness out. The attendees' healing had greatly helped but something about suffering that much damage seems to linger. When Aurix spoke, he snapped to attention. Oh, of course. Wouldn't miss it. And once again, congratulations on a victory well earned.

[Wolfykins]

Aurora arrived early and trotted over to pay her respects to Warrick and take a look at what the tourney gear was like this year.
"Ha, still no horseshoes or barding, huh? It's almost like you're biased or something!" Aurora said teasingly.


Warrick rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Right, we're going to tailor-make items for centaurs. That's not 'biased' at all!" he teased back gruffly.


Aurora chuckled and moved to stand near the entrance to wait for Markas' arrival.

[paladin_artea]

After stopping by his room to drop off his winnings, Markas arrived at the arena where Aurora and Warrick were already was waiting for him, "Greetings friends. So how do we want to pick out our gear?" He asked, wanting to get down to business.

[Wolfykins]

Aurora smiled. "We take turns," she said. "We just have to decide who goes first. Do we want to flip a coin?"

[paladin_artea]

"Sounds fair to me," Markas nodded, "Warrick, would you do the honors?"

[Wolfykins]

Warrick smiled. "Not a problem. Heads is Markas, tails is Aurora... because she has a tail!" he said, tone and expression indicating he thought it a grand joke. He tossed a coin in the air. (1d2)[1] (1 is heads, 2 is tails).


Aurora rolled her eyes and shook her head at the joke, but still smiled.

[paladin_artea]

Markas was surprised at the quality of items available to them for this tournament. He found several good choices and geared up alternating with his opponent until they were both satisfied.

[Wolfykins]

Aurora tried to pick and choose the gear she thought would be most helpful, but felt very silly and mismatched when all was said and done. "I think we're ready," she said to Warrick. She reached out to clasp Markas' hand.
"I sincerely wish you well, and hope that no matter what happens, we can get to know each other better after this!" she said, smiling.

Warrick ushered Markas in front of him and walked out onto the field with Aurora following. He led them to the center of the now dry and cleaned arena while the crowd exploded into cheering.
Warrick raised his arms and the crowd gradually quieted.
"Welcome back, good people! For our next bout today, we have Markas Fletcher, Defender of the Land!" Warrick paused to allow the renewed cheering to subside again.
"And his opponent today is Aurora Centauroi, the Platinum Demonslayer!" Warrick waited for the cheering to die down again.
"They have come to participate in a knockout bout. The match will continue for as long as both are still standing. When one falls unconscious, the match ends, the winner the one still standing. The combatants are required to make nonlethal attacks during this match. Blows that violate this rule will net the perpetrator a penalty point. Three penalty points and the match is forfeit. Magic can be used freely, as our own court mage, Hervir, has renewed the coliseum's wardings to ensure all magic does nonlethal damage, no matter its source. Magic that kills outright without otherwise inflicting damage is negated entirely."
"The combatants were not allowed to bring their personal gear out onto the field today. As always, they have been permitted to select from a variety of tournament-issue equipment. So if they look mismatched, it's not their fashion sense that's the problem, I assure you," Warrick grinned at the crowd.
"The combatants will now step into the starting blocks," Warrick gestured for Markas and Aurora to go, "Sir Fletcher to the west, and Lady Aurora to the east. They will be given one a very brief chance to prepare themselves for battle, and then the match will begin! During this preparation, they may only do things that effect themselves, and cannot step out of the starting blocks. After that, they are free to engage each other in combat to the best and fullest extent of their abilities! As the audience here today, your job is to let these fine combatants know when you like them, when you love them, and when you don't! So without further ado, let's begin!" Perform oratory: (1d20+36)[50] Warrick flung his arms up and lifted into the air. He flew towards the pit and hovered between the two private boxes on either side of the doorway. He smiled and waved at Hervir and Geiravor before turning his attention back to the field, carefully watching the combat unfold.

[paladin_artea]

Markas returned Aurora's gesture of friendship, "I would like that as well. I feel you will be a most worthy opponent and let's make it a little more interesting, winnner buys loser dinner," he chuckled before entering the battlefield...

Once he was in his starting area, Markas moved to J6 while drawing his Comp. Longbow and assumed a Defensive Stance while activating his Full Plate's Haste ability!

Haste: round 1/5
Defensive Stance: Round 1/18

Initiatve: 6 (in dice roller)

[Wolfykins]

Aurora chuckled and gave Markas a sly look. "I'll take you up on that!" she said.

In the starting block, Aurora paused to wave at the crowd, and then looked straight at Markas, a broad smile on her tanned face.
Suddenly, a pair of enormous, translucent wings with wispy, cloud-like feathers sprouted from her withers. (Swift action, SU.)
With a few mighty flaps, she ascended at a 45 degree angle, 5' up and 5' west, while drawing her bow. (Move action.)
Then, the air seemed to gather around the centaur, but the effect was brief and there was no visible sign that anything had happened. (Standard action, EX. Incoming arrows, rays, and other ranged attacks requiring an attack roll against you to have a 50% miss chance.)
Initiative: (1d20+10)[30]

Spoiler: DM

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Wings of Air, Air Barrier, Wind Oracle revelations.

---

Moving fast, Aurora flapped her cloud-like wings and tried to ascend to an elevation of 20', but in her rush, she lost some momentum and was only able to ascend to 10'. (Fly check 24 [botch] in dice roller.)
Then she lifted her hand and flung a small amount of fine sand in the air.

Spoiler: Sylvan

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

A 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 exhausting. (If Markas takes damage from this spell, he becomes fatigued. A fatigued character can neither run nor charge and takes a –2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity.)
AoE duration: 13 rounds.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 21

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Sirocco

Spoiler: Knowledge Arcana DC 31

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Sirocco's page.

Performance combat check: (1d20+9)[27]

[paladin_artea]

Markas was definitely surprised to see Aurora take to the air instead of running along the ground, so he was even more surprised when she unleased a tornado of heat around him. Fortunately, despite the strong he stood his ground and was barely singed by it. (Fort Save 31 in dice roller, but exhaustion broke his defensive stance unfortunately). Not ready to throw in the towel so soon, he points his bow at Aurora and unleashes a hail of arrows, despite the distance, his confidence was increased from his earlier performance at the target shooting game

Spoiler: ranged attacks with penalties from range increments and the dex loss accounted for

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(1d20+18)[33] Miss on a 1(1d2)[1] Damage if hits: (1d8+8)[12]
(1d20+18)[24] Miss on a 1(1d2)[1] Damage if hits: (1d8+8)[12]
(1d20+13)[31] Miss on a 1(1d2)[2] Damage if hits: (1d8+8)[13]
(1d20+8)[14] Miss on a 1(1d2)[1] Damage if hits: (1d8+8)[13]
(1d20+3)[16] Miss on a 1(1d2)[2] Damage if hits: (1d8+8)[9]

Performance combat check: (1d20+3)[13]

[Wolfykins]

Most of Markas' arrows were deflected by an invisible barrier around Aurora. One got through, and nicked her slightly. Another got through, but bounced over her harmlessly.
Since Markas remained within the hot desert winds, they continued to blast down on him, doing (4d6+13)[28] fire damage and bearing down on him with the force to knock him off his feet. (DC 22 fortitude save to halve damage and negate being knocked prone.) The heat and force was just as exhausting to deal with as before. (If Markas takes damage from this spell, his fatigue becomes exhaustion. An exhausted character moves at half speed, cannot run or charge, and takes a –6 penalty to Strength and Dexterity.)
AoE duration: 12 rounds

Aurora lifted her arm and flourished her wrist.

Spoiler: Sylvan

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"May the passion of the wind bless me with divine boons!"

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 19

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Blessing of Fervor (13 rounds)

Spoiler: DM

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Choosing "Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves" for this round of Blessing of Fervor.

Aurora flew to J/K 26/27 while ascending at a 45 degree angle 40', so that she was at a total elevation of 40'. (~108' from Markas, accounting for elevation.)