Quidditch Game Gryffindor v Ravenclaw

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Interacting With: @A Wizard
Mentioning: N/A
Hex Color: #0080FF
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For Moderation:

Position: First String Chaser
Action: Arrive/get ready, do as strategized
Health: 800/800
Broom: Silver Arrow (+3 to all stats)
Abilities: Lovely Creature | Fearless | Terrible Presence
Stats: Stamina 5 (8) | Evasion 10 (13) | Strength 5 (8) | Wisdom 9 (12) | Arcane Power 10 (13) | Accuracy 7 (10)

The chill made Ana shiver as she entered the pitch. She had opted to add as few layers as possible as not to slow herself down and was rather regretting that. It wouldn't be quite as bad once she got moving in the air, but for the moment, the bitter chill cut her to the bone. Normally, when it was this cold and she had to be outside, she'd have a steaming cup of coffee to warm her, but that wasn't entirely practical for a Quidditch game.

She stopped as she arrived, switching her silvery broom to the other hand and flexing her fingers. While they had won the last game, Ana would have been lying if she had said she felt entirely pleased by her own performance. If she had been faster and better, she and Evelynn wouldn't have taken multiple bludgers and been knocked to the ground. She wasn't one to dwell on the past or regret much, but she knew there was a lesson to be taken from it. God, she hated her resolve to think things through more. It was far less entertaining than just careening from one thing to another. Still, she had done fewer things that had hurt the people she cared about and was able to sleep better, so being a bit bored because of her new introspection was a sacrifice she was willing to make.

She shuffled around a bit as she waited in a rather ill-fated attempt to keep warm. Her pale cheeks were already so chapped by the cold that they were almost as red as her Quidditch uniform. Her long hair was in a pair of tight Dutch braids which shifted with her as she moved. As cold as it was, she was thrilled to be out there. She had gotten better since the last game and was not only determined to do better but also thrilled at the prospect of a chance to increase the Lions' win record.

A newfound feeling of nerves had crept up over the couple days working up to this match. River would be playing first string, meaning there would be no observing from the bench this time, straight into the action as the whistle blows. Usually the could would be effective in keeping the ravenclaw inside on a day like this, obviously that was not an option this time. She had made sure to properly dress for the frosty, cold air and her hair was kept out of her face by one thick messy braid clearly done in a hurry. One thing making her hopeful of not freezing to death was the fact she’d be active from the start of the match, therefore she was also careful not to dress too warmly.

Her anticipation peaked as they walked onto the field, but were quickly pushed away as she attempted to focus on the crisp sound of their footsteps walking across the frosty ground. The cold air hit her in the face and in no time her nose had reached a shade nicely matching her red hair. Shequickly sniffled and tightened her grip on her broom. Trying to keep her nerves in check and her focus on the game would be a bigger challenge this time, though she was determined to not let it lower her performance during the match.

FOR MODERATION
Action: Arrive / doing as strategized
Broom: Cleansweep 1

Reducio

+2 accuracy, +2 wisdom
Effect: In the role of Seeker, when using the search action if you critically fail on your search you get a re-roll in an attempt to find the snitch. In an attempt to grab the snitch, if you critically fail on your attempt to grab the snitch you get to re-roll your attempt to grab the snitch.

Race & Abilities: Dhampir (aura off), Perfectionist
Stats: Stamina 7 | Evasion 6 | Strength 4 | Wisdom 10(12) | ArcPower 6 | Accuracy 7(9)

Interacting with @Akari Kato & @Scarlett Aden
Mentioning @Erin Ryan

After a good recovery from the last game and some tough training. Griseldis was finally ready, both physically and mentally fit for this second match against the Ravenclaws. She remembered clearly how talented these Ravenclaw players were from the last game they had last time but she did hear from other student's gossips that a lot had changed with that bird team. Well, same with their own lion team, a few left and a few new/old ones joined so there was no reason to ever underestimate the reorganized Ravenclaw team. Speaking of new teammates, she turned around and looked at a certain young Asian girl. She once met her on the Hogwarts Express and oh boy, that was such an adventurous experience. It was a delightful surprise as well when she signed up for the team and became their second-string keeper. Before entering the Quidditch pitch with the first string players, she wanted to say something to their second "strong" Keeper, Akari Kato.

"Hey, Akari. How are you feeling right now? I know this is your first time joining the game, and even as a second string, you'll still get a good chance to enter the game very soon if our first-string keeper gets to knock off from the broom by an opponent. In the first game against the Slytherins, I got hit by one of their very strong beaters right off the bat hehe...", Griseldis wasn't ashamed to hide what happened to her during the last game, however, she couldn't help but shivered when she remembered how painful Erin's attack was. "Anyways, you should always be prepared, but in the meantime, cheer us on." Griseldis said and gave her a thumbs up with a confident smile on her face before turning around to catch up with her other Beater partner, Scarlett Aden. She went to give a gentle pat on the ginger's shoulder to give some sort of encouragement and said, "Scarlett! Are you ready, my fellow partner? Hopefully this time we get to enjoy a much longer time to show those Eagles our lion's strength!" Right now, Griseldis was excited but there was still that tiny uneasiness of the unknown because no one can really predict what will happen next. Things would go so fast before anyone could really react.

Walking towards the field, she could feel the chilly air stinging her warm cheeks like needles. It certainly helped her to stay focus. "Ok...Let's do this!", Griseldis sat on her Silver Arrow and flow up in the air. Got herself into position and get ready for the game to begin.

Action: Getting ready and do as strategized

Position: First String Beater
Health: 1300/1300
Broom: Silver Arrow (+3 to all stats)
Abilities: Fearless | Martial Artist | Evasive Maneuvers
Stats: Stamina: 13 | Evasion: 11 | Strength: 11 | Wisdom: 8 | Arcane Power: 10 | Accuracy: 12

@Griseldis Edelhardt & @Akari Kato

It was a chilly day, certainly, but the boy paid it no mind. This was his second debut on the Quidditch pitch as first-string Keeper. Luciana was loyally strapped on his back, and Piérre was running his fingers on the leather strap which ran across his chest. He had been reflecting upon his previous game, his successes and failures, and especially his largest failure in neglecting to catch the first-string Beater. Griseldis... Even thinking about it caused Piérre to clench his hand tighter as he joined up to the rest of the team. With a small, shy smile, he quietly listened to the speech, blowing in his hands and waiting for takeoff.

That was, until he heard Gris speaking to another smaller girl...

Gasp! Was this Piérre’s little mini Keeper?!

Eeeeeeeek!

”Oh my gosh, you’re so cuuutteee!” The Britalian squealed before realizing that he had pretty much introduced himself to the conversation without wanted desire. “I’m Piérre! Italian keeper, general mischief-maker, and eccentric all around! I’m so glad to meet you! Oh, oh!” He bounced back and forth. “One part of me wants to get grounded just so that I can see you in action, but, like, y’know... don’t want those broken bones and stuff...”

He clapped his hands, his energy completely replenished before he suddenly threw his arms around the second-string keeper in a hug and then swiftly pulling away, bouncing like a child. “Cheer loud, okay? And don’t be nervous! Have fun, and give em the Lion Treatment! RAWR!” A series of uncontrollable giggles later, and somehow the keeper found himself on his broom, ready for takeoff. A deep breath, realizing just how chilly he would get with the wind nipping at his ears (which while were tucked in a hat, would somehow end up turning into ice cubes), and then he was off, ready to make his team proud, and more than prepared to learn from his mistakes.

Doing as Strategized

Statistics, Abilities, & Broom ~ First-String Gryffindor Keeper

Reducio

Stamina 3 | Strength 3 | Evasion 13
Wisdom 10 | Accuracy 13 | ArcPower 5

Keen Eye
10% Chance to Spot Snitch or 25% Chance to Spot something important
Calming Presence
10% Auto-Hit rate Ally: Team GRYFFINDOR!

Broom-- Moontrimmer (Luciana); +3 to two stats (Evasion and Accuracy, 10% Auto-Dodge rate

• Position: Second String Seeker
  Health: 600/600
  Broom: School Broom
  Stats: Strength: 2, Accuracy: 9, Evasion: 9, Stamina: 6, Wisdom: 3, Arcane Power: 6
  Team: Team Gryffindor!
  Mentions: @Evelynn Decipio

[font=century gothic]INTERACTING WITH @Jackson Valentine and @Flash Holmwood
MENTIONING @Jorah Moussa[/font]

Somehow, this first game of the new year felt different. Perhaps the fact that it wasn't raining had something to do with it. The bitter bite of that freezing precipitation still gave Evelynn shivers whenever she thought about it. Today really wasn't that much better. There was a chill wind whipping through the stands that she knew would claw and bite the moment they all got airborne. She, and the rest, had dressed accordingly, layering on just a little extra to counteract it. A part of her worried that the extra bulk might impact her maneuverability once she was aboard her broom, but she couldn't deny the somewhat louder voice at the back of her mind that spoke its appreciation for the additional padding it was likely to provide.

Padding that she would very much need, she knew. Much of her morning had been spent in silence. Even now, as her teammates buzzed and chatted amongst themselves, Evelynn couldn't bring herself to speak unless spoken to. Not that she really needed to. D'Spacito had always been the primary one between the two of them to address the team and inspire their courage and spirit before the game. She, as he had so eloquently reminded her, was only there to provide tactics. Hers was the role of the mind, not of speech. And today, that suited her just fine. Every ounce of her concentration as she approached the pitch amidst the rest of her team was funneled towards two things.

Chief of the two: actually walking towards the pitch and not running away. The last game had not exactly been the most pleasant. It was only too common for the seekers to become the primo targets once the game began. She knew that. She had witnessed that trend time and again, devising her strategies and developing counter-measures against that truth. She'd even had a taste of it during her first year. But they had paled in comparison to the experience of the last match against Slytherin. The snakes were known to be vicious. They had struck and bit during last year's match; this time had been no different in that regard. Only this time, they'd struck true—multiple times—sending her careening from her broom to plummet to the pitch below at the mercy of her teammates to catch her. Catch her they had, the first two times, at least. But not the third. Each time, the bruises had piled up and the crushing pain had mounted. Even thinking about it now was enough to set her heart to racing.

Swallowing her mounting fear away, however, she distracted herself with the second point: focusing on the strategy. She'd managed a fluke catch during their last game, earning Gryffindor a clutch victory against all odds and the arguably superior play by Slytherin. That couldn't happen again. It had made her out to be a joke—at least in her eyes—being at the mercy of luck like that. The display was too weak, and her flying not a reflection of what she knew she was capable of. She needed to do better. To perform at a level to inspire confidence. Not just for herself, but for her team.

Plus, she had quite insidiously stepped into the role of mentor. Even as she mounted her broom at the edge of the pitch and soared an easy lap around the stadium before finding her starting position, she had spied Valentine. Flash was there as well. (And whoever she may know who have not yet posted their arrival in the spectator's thread). After a moment's hesitation, she raised in the direction of their stand. A motionless wave to acknowledge their presence and express her silent appreciation for their support. Then, with a steadying breath, she exhaled her nerves and focused her attention in on the impending match, drawing to the forefront of her mind the various strategies they had discussed.

Despite her attempts to focus, however, her gaze drifted relentlessly in the direction of one individual in particular. This would be the first time that she would face Ravenclaw, but she was quite familiar with one of their members in particular. She had challenged Moussa once before to different sort of battle—one of wit—and had reigned victorious. But here, it wouldn't be their minds pitted against each other. She had observed him in action several times before and knew all too well how capable he was when equipped with a bat. And this time, those bludgers would be aimed straight for her. Friendly acquaintances or not, she doubted he would be pulling his punches on this battlefield. And there was no amount of Sneakery that would help her here. She was going to have to keep one eye on him if she had any hopes of staying airborne.

[font=century gothic]ACTION: Getting into position | Doing as strategized
STATISTICS: ‎ ‏‏‎‎ ‎ STA 8(11) | EVA 10(13) | STR 2(5) | WIS 10(13) | ARC 2(5) | ACC 10(13)
ABILITIES: Keen Eye, Fearless | BROOM: Silver Arrow | POSITION: Seeker[/font]

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@Griseldis Edelhardt @Akari Kato @Piérre Marchonné

Okay then. Match number 2.

Scarlett had never really felt confident about being a Beater, but a win certainly had lifted her hopes for next time. She went through rigorous training in which she attempted to dodge heavy books her friends threw at her as to imitate Bludgers. She had bought a new broom. Hopefully that would help her more than the rickety school broom had last time.

She entered the pitch to see her fellow Beater giving an encouraging pep talk to Akari, the new second-string Keeper. She approached the two. "Yeah, basically what Gris said," Scarlett joked. "Good luck though - the first game is always scary though I can't say anything myself..." She trailed off thinking of how she was knocked from her broom, thankfully falling unconscious before hitting the ground. "Anyway good luck Akari! And Gris, you're right. We'll crush those birds!"

The imagery was a bit realistic, but at that moment, a familiar face arrived at the scene. Pierre! Scarlett hadn't seen him for a while, not since the field day. He still had the energy though, babbling on to Akari like she was...a boy?

"Pierre, Akari's a-" But he had already sped off. "-girl."

Ah well. With one last encouraging grin towards Gris and Akari, she and her Beater partner took to the air, steeling her nerves and hoping she wouldn't get knocked out.

Action Arriving
Broom Nimbus 1500

Reducio

In the role of Beater, if you hit an opponent with a bludger the bludger will then ricochet off that user and target a second opponent of choice (must be declared, if not declared the target will be random and can be an ally but not yourself).

Abilities Prodigal Charms Leaner, Fearless
Stats Stamina | 7 | Evasion | 6 | Strength | 6 | Wisdom | 6 | Arcane Power | 9 | Accuracy | 7

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Action: Benched
Position: Second-String Seeker
Broom: Comet 180 [+2 accuracy, +1 evasion, +1 stamina]
Abilities: Keen Eye
Stats: Sta.: 7 + 1 = 8 l Eva.: 7 + 1 = 8 l Str.: 3 l Wis.: 4 l ArcPow.: 8 l Acc.: 6 + 2 = 8

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Interacting With: @Zykeal Lane @Mathias Pride @Valencia Deathstout @Cade Darkbound @Akari Kato @Jacob Harman @Paisley Brown @Gryffindor Team
Mentioning: Anastasia Beckett • Alan Vanes • Kyle DeRook • Pierre Marchonne • Griseldis Edelhardt • Scarlett Aden • Evelynn Decipio • Dan Palmer • Jack Burnett • Lots of Spectators Individually • God Looking Back, Who Didn't I Mention
Hex Color: #800000

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February was a fickle creature, beautiful but chilly in nature – the morning frost, sharp and blinding to the Captain’s sensitive eyes, crunched beneath brand-new Columbia boots, the wind cold and unforgiving as it briskly whipped his loose long hair, only hindered by the sweatband pushing it back. It really wasn’t a good day to be playing Quidditch, the Gryffindor knew that full well, and yet, he couldn’t bring himself to care all that much. The gray skies would be unable to tamper with his cheery mood, the angry weather loathe from stirring his temper. Not today. Rather, there was a silver lining on the clouds, a sunny atmosphere radiating about the walls of the small stadium regardless of the nasty gray skies – today, after all, was a Saturday, and he had gotten up at ass-oclock to play the one sport he loved above all others… well maybe the second-most-loved sport, how could he forget football…

Agh, maybe the conditions and circumstances sucked, he would at least admit to that. But really, could he complain? It was difficult to put into words why he felt so cheery on such a day, when mother nature herself detested her existence and deigned to share her displeasure with the world. Perhaps it was the airy locker room environment, the cheering of supporters in the stands, or perhaps it was the euphoric whispers of opportunity, frantically tugging at the boy's ears and calling his attention to the possibilities sure to unfold in today’s events. After all, the possibilities were endless, and very much imminent – the defeat of Slytherin was invigorating, really, if not a massive shock to the young man even after all this time. Slytherin, with two juggernaut beaters. Slytherin, with three well-trained and experienced chasers. Slytherin, with a barefooted Captain prone to catch any piece of metal that so much as caught his eye. Slytherin, the draft favorite, Slytherin, the widely-proclaimed ‘impossible team’. Slytherin, the defeated, the Captain couldn’t help but think with a smile. And yes, it had been due to luck, yes, the success had little to do with his skill as a chaser and everything to do with the strategies he’d written up with Eve. But if luck could win games… what could raw skill do? What could three senior chasers, two impressive beaters, and a pretty fucking powerful half-decent seeker do with two bludgers, a Quaffle, and a snitch?

The possibilities seemed endless, especially now that the child had entered the familiar atmosphere of the live game. The pre-game laps were anything if not invigorating – and no matter the circumstances, the young Captain always took it upon himself to search for familiar faces. Upon this occasion, his gaze caught quite a few of such faces, among them the pleasant yet concerning acquaintance of Flash Holmwood, the much-appreciated and esteemed Chad Preoccupied why did Chad look like a girl? and… Valentine. The Captain couldn’t help but wince at the thought of the boy, a pang of regret threading his insides. The kid wasn’t half bad – if only Rafael hadn’t screwed around at the Ball. But before he could get caught up in that train of thought, his eye would catch the familiar visage of one of his dormmates – Zyk was watching the game? The Captain had come to grow rather fond of the redhead in a brotherly aspect, given they shared a dorm and a rather rough personality. The kid was easy to talk to, he supposed. And talk to him, Rafael would – the chaser would shortly bank on his broom, slowing himself in an arc and attempting to grasp at the others attention with a waving arm – “Oi, you!” he would shout bluntly at the other, a playful grin on his face as his voice carried through the air. “Helluva morning, don’cha think? The weather’s decided to shit on us all?” his words would be punctuated by a cheery chuckle, his gaze dancing with mischief as he raised his hands, blowing on his numb fingers. So damn cold. His eyes would soon catch upon the others surrounding him, however – ah, he’d been rude. He would offer the small group a pleasant wave, a genuine yet apologetic smile on his face. “Good morning to you all – thanks for coming!” It was, of course, a simple statement offered in good will to the small congregation. Why not greet strangers on a day such as today? He would spare Zyk one final glance, before pulling at the handle of his broom once more, encouraging it in the direction he wanted. It was time to make his rounds.

Approaching the Gryffindor area and quickly hopping off his broom, the Captain would make quick work in dropping a small knapsack on the ground, right beside the benches. “Listen up, all of you!” he would call shortly, not waiting to see if he had anyone’s attention before continuing. “We’ve done the exercises and put in the practice – you all know the drill. Let’s push hard for our house and for our teammates. This is a new team, so we don’t know how they play. Stay alert and ready for anything. Don’t let them get in your heads.” He would then turn to the newer members – Kyle, the experienced beast of a beater he was, needed no briefing. “Second stringers, watch your seniors and take notes. There’s a good chance some of you will be getting playing time, so it’s best you be prepared for when that time comes. Water and snacks are in here,” he pointed at the knapsack. “And they're all free game. If you haven’t eaten breakfast, then I suggest you grab a few quick bites. You guys excited?” He would offer them a cheery thumbs-up, as well as a purposefully-childish smile. Comedic relief. Then, sobering up once more, “First game’s always the hardest,” he told them with a grim nod. “But it’s really not that bad. You all play well. It’s nothing you can’t take. Just focus on your surroundings and your teammates will take care of the rest. Yeah?” He really hoped they were picking this up, there wasn’t much time for elaboration at this point. One final nod in their direction would shortly dismiss himself from the area, and grasping his broom, he would make quick work of preparing himself mentally. It was that time.

His feet leaving the crunchy, icy sludge that was the Quidditch Pitch for the second time that day, he was once again reminded of his endearing optimism. Gryffindor a shot at the win this year – his house, his team. The same team that worked their asses off hours a week to perfect impossible moves, the same team that pushed themselves to the breaking point every time they performed. They deserved this, Merlin knows they’d worked for it. Would his dad be proud? Smile, if they won? The image would keep the young Captain going, in the least, spurring on his spirit and encouraging nothing but greatness. His eyes, at the mere indication of success, would shortly dart around, searching for the individuals that would lead the Lions to victory. He would first catch in the corner of his eye the Lions’ star keeper and Rafael’s valued dormmate Pierre Marchonne, shortly followed by the lovely visages of his best friend Anastasia Beckett and close friend Alan Vanes. Turning his head, he would also catch Gryffindor’s defensive line – acquaintances Gris Edelhardt and... Scarlett Aden. The boy’s nose wrinkled at the mere memory of the redhead. Pettiness, especially from young women, was a bit revolting, but he would refrain from lowering himself to her level, especially in the midst of a game. Ah, he supposed he would deign trust her skill. He and Eve had drafted her, after all. Speaking of the co-captain –

Evelynn had really surprised him last game, what with her independence and sudden snitch-catching success. Ah, that girl. He really did hate her, there was no doubt about that – however, this hate was different than the raw anger he had felt the year prior. He knew better than to kick a snake. Especially one with a shiny prefect badge. Oh well, there were more ways to kill snakes. Perhaps one of those methods would be to use one of her kind against her? Wasn’t the Demon Brat always asking for favors? Perhaps a debt would serve him well in this instance. After all, what would bring him more satisfaction than being responsible for her downfall? However, there would be no room for feelings such as this in the game setting – not like last time. Should she succeed, his silence would be ignored. And should she fail, his silence would speak volumes. It didn’t matter at this point. It wasn’t his job to catch the snitch, only to defend his teammates. And defend he would.

Finally settling into position, he pushed himself up on his broom, his once swinging legs now tucked beneath him in a standard flying position. One year ago, he’d taken the role of Captain over this team. Now, three-hundred and sixty-five days later, it all boiled down to this next game. Win or lose, he would not give in – not without one hell of a fight. Rolling his neck, he settled down low, narrowing his eyes on the red leather of the Quaffle. One whistle, and the game would be underway.

Action • Doing As Strategized