On 115, I got distracted and accidentally jumped into a one-way portal instead of scouting with my entire army. I had to jump in after with all my heroes and actively search for a way back. Even though I found it, I still had to struggle for a very long time, losing a lot of tempo.
Then I gradually explored the territory, but by 131, none of my heroes had Earth magic, although Town Portal was already built. Adelaide saved the situation, and after that, things slowly started to pick up.
Objectively, I got very lucky with the Mage Guild. Gunnar was forcibly taught Earth magic already in Conflux. Gradually, I started pushing the opponent's territory without facing much resistance. The timer was burning for both of us, and mistakes were pouring out like from a cornucopia. Not least of which was leaving Gunnar right under the opponent's town with remaining movement points and mana for Town Portal :-)
However, overall, I had more relevant heroes, the territory was shifting to me, I gathered a stronger army, and my stats were higher. After I took the opponent's main town, built up and upgraded the Archangels, the result became obvious.
Thanks for the game!
P.S. I enjoyed my first onlyXL tournament (and actually my first non-Novice tournament as well :)). Interesting matches, punctual opponents, and useful experience. My skill is not yet enough to compete for anything, but I'll gladly play again.
P.P.S. Random template :smile48: