2025/26 Stage 1 Hufflepuff vs Slytherin: Match 3

As Matt's spell fizzled from his wand he couldn't help but chide himself mentally. He knew it had been a risk but the glory of the reward was too tempting. After all, he had literally only managed to grasp the spell that very morning. As usual, the ever overthinker Matthew Campbell had gotten so caught up in his head and other duties that duelling had been all but forgotten. Still he couldn't let his team down, not again, not yet.

Feeling the apology slip between his lips he spluttered out a quick "sorry guys", with defeat already settled in each word. No, he thought valiantly to himself, I won't let myself get down every time something small goes wrong. Then in a hushed whisper only to himself he reinforced a mantra of self belief, "you don't fail by losing, you fail by giving up." It was a rhetoric he was gradually trying to believe and a hope that he could block his introspective ways. For now he just readied his wand, twirling the familiar cherry wood around his fingers with the showmanship of a drummer. Then when it rested firmly gripped in his hand he relinquished his prospect of glory and shifted his focus to what he knew best.

Calming presence is in affect for Ara and Draven | Banner by Prat

(Thanks to Alyssea Brown for the banner!)

Axyen was… confused, did he just… stand there? Even though he was JUST thinking about the importance of fast thinking and how important it was to dodge attacks, all he did was just look like an idiot doing absolutely nothing. He shouldn’t be surprised, he really shouldn’t, but he couldn’t help but be shocked as he was hit with a spell anyways–he became very conscious of the audience, what did he look like to them? Were they laughing at him now? Axyen shook his head, he couldn’t let these thoughts burden him.

I can’t believe I did that!? What am I doing? I need to clear my head now! Axyen internally scolded himself for losing his focus like that, he was very embarrassed and didn’t know what he was going to say to his teammates–he was so focused on his own failure that he didn’t know who they hit but the opposing team seemed to be fine, which sucked. One of the snakes made a comment as well, this was probably a good time for Axyen to exercise self-restraint and not lose his cool from that. He didn’t know what about it particularly irked him, he liked to imagine himself as a pretty patient person, was it the fact that it was said after getting hit for doing nothing? Ugh! Don’t let this distract you! Just do something! Anything that isn’t just standing still! Axyen thought to himself.

”We got this guys, um…” This was directed towards his teammates, he felt sort of obligated to say something to them, but he wasn’t really good at this kind of thing to begin with, at least that’s probably what he would tell you if you asked him. ”I-it was just a bad round, we can still do this!” Axyen went on as he internally noted to never make another attempt at a motivational speech, he felt very embarrassed. The only thing that would be worse is if anybody got secondhand embarrassment from it–which, anybody that heard him probably did or maybe that was just him being too embarrassed.

It’s okay, everything is SOMEHOW going to be fine! We are SOMEHOW going to win this! Even if it takes a MIRACLE to do so. Axyen just needed to… move. He could move around, yeah! He did it before in other duels, there was no reason as to why he was unable to do it now. Axyen held onto his wand tightly, hopefully, he didn’t ever zone out like that again–he didn’t know what even happened there or what he was thinking about seconds prior to that.

Even though this usually would’ve been stressful trying to remember it, Axyen was not too concerned about it, especially after he tried to shake off the embarrassment of his mistake and the even bigger embarrassment from his… attempt at a motivational speech. Axyen really just wanted to disappear, but since he couldn’t do that–the next thing he was going to do was place his all into this. That Slytherin wanted them to fight back so badly…? Let’s see if you still wanted us to fight back by the end of this! Axyen thought to himself, feeling very competitive right now–now he couldn’t lose, he just couldn’t; he needed to win this, it was a challenge accepted.

Information

Reducio

Stats

Reducio

Stamina-7
Evasion-6
Strength-2
Wisdom-9
Arcane Power-15
Accuracy-8

Abilities

Reducio

Beast Master (Pygmy Puff) - Non-applicable in this duel.

Prodigal Defense Against the Dark Arts Learner - Able to learn Defense Against the Dark Arts 1 year ahead of their actual school year. You may only choose a spell taught in DADA classes. At end game they learn 1 restricted spell. This can also serve as an alternative means to learning spells besides earning them through DADA class.

Wand Maker (Phoenix Feather Core):
• 10% chance that a random spell known by the caster will be cast in addition to the spell that they have already cast. The spell will target the same target the caster had attacked/aided with a spell that round. If the spell cast had no target, then a target is assigned randomly with no consideration of friend or foe. The second spell still has to go through the normal targeting mechanics, it would not be an automatic hit or anything.This effect will not take place if the wand is not drawn.
• In duels the wand only chooses from the list of official duelling spells.
• +2 accuracy to spells cast.

Dueling Stage 3; Match 3

Reducio

RP Date --- Speech Reducio "Ara's Speech" 'Thoughts'

Outfit/s Reducio Clothes: dueling attire Hair: down height for rp purposes: 5'5.4 (166 cm) Post date (GMT +8) 1 Nov 2025 (9:58 pm)

It sounded better in her head.

The spell cracked from her wand -- a neat little streak of irritation disguised as magic -- and zipped toward Wynn.

Seeing as only she and Mirador had cast successfully in the group of 6, Ara was confused when she saw Campbell's spell fizzle out. She took two steps back, patted Matthew on the shoulder with the casual confidence of someone who had absolutely no plan beyond "vibes" and murmured, “It's fine, just don’t die. Or do. If you do, haunt Mirador, not me. He promised drinks.”

Her bangs fell onto her face, poking her delicate eyeballs. She blew them away while watching the Hufflepuffs… do nothing. Nothing dramatic, nothing flashy -- just dodging?

Ara blinked. Then blinked again. A third time, slower, because that felt dramatic. “… Is- is this a warm-up? A breathing exercise?” All three Badgers dodged and sidestepped like they were avoiding rain, not spells. She narrowed her eyes. “Did they come here to duel” she muttered, “...or to practice interpretive dance titled ‘We Dodge Therefore We Are’? Didn't even work.” She glanced at the other two boys as if seeking confirmation that she was not, in fact, hallucinating. Nope. Still Hufflepuffs. Still dodging like their lives depended on not participating.

She tapped her wand against her thigh -- impatient. Her presence kept the air tight, heavy, but she wasn’t sure if the Badgers even noticed; they were too busy making the floor their lifelong enemy. “Honestly,”

'All that yellow, so bright, so hopeful -- and yet you stand there like lemons waiting for someone to squeeze purpose into you.'

Terrible Presence in effect

RP Word Count: 270/50
Stats and Abilities: Sta: 10 | Eva: 9 | Str: 7 | Wis: 9 | Arc: 9 | Acc: 10
— Perfectionist I and II, Sixth Sense, Terrible Presence
Teammates: @Draven Mirador and @Matthew Campbell
Action; as strategized
OOC: enjoy sass

Round 2:

Axyen vs Vipers

Reducio

Axyen Dragonclaw cast Metelojinx above the Vipers
Wisdom DC: 12
Wisdom Check: [d20: 6] + 9 = 15 > 12 → Success
Effect:
A rain cloud is created above the opposing team. No initial damage is taken, but for each member of the affected team, there is a 10% chance every round lightning will strike the target for (50 + 15 ARC × 15)*.9 = 247.5 Damage
Extra Spell Checl: [d20: 15] < 19 → No extra spell

Emma vs Draven

Reducio

Emma Wynn cast Confringo at Draven Mirador
Wisdom DC: 17
Wisdom Check: [d20: 8] + 12 + 1 [CL] = 21 > 17 → Success
Accuracy Check: [d20: 8] + 11 - 5 = 14
Evasion Check: [d20: 4] + 8 = 12
14 > 12 → Hit
Damage: (150 + 10 AP × 15)*.9 = 270

EmmaLee vs Matthew

Reducio

EmmaLee LeDames cast Flipendo at Matthew Campbell
Wisdom DC: 9
Wisdom Check: [d20: 11] + 8 = 19 > 9 → Success
Accuracy Check: [d20: 16] + 11 = 27
Evasion Check: [d20: 15] + 10 = 25
27 > 25 → Hit
Damage: 100 + 9 ARC × 15 = 235

Ara vs Axyen

Reducio

Ara Villa cast Flipendo at Axyen Dragonclaw
Wisdom DC: 9
Wisdom Check: [d20: 8] + 9 = 17 > 9 → Success
Accuracy Check: [d20: 13] + 10 = 23
Evasion Check: [d20: 16] + 6 - 4 = 18
23 > 18 → Hit
Damage: 100 + 9 ARC * 15 = 235

Draven vs Axyen

Reducio

Draven Mirador casts Nec Divinos Crepitus at Axyen Dragonclaw
Wisdom DC: 12
Wisdom Check: [d20: 15] + 15 = 30 > 12 → Success
Blowback Check: [d20: 14] < 19 → No blowback
Accuracy Check: [d20: 12] + 8 = 20
Evasion Check: [d20: 16] + 6 -4 = 18
20 > 18 → Hit
Damage: (50 + 7 ARC × 15) * .9 = 139.5
Auto-dodge Check: [d20: 1] < 19 → No auto-dodge
Emma's Evasion Check: [d20: 19] + 11 = 30
20 < 30 → Miss
EmmaLee Evasion Check: [d20: 15] + 9 = 24
20 < 24 → Miss
Duration: [d3: 1] → 1 round (1-2: 1 round; 3: 2 rounds)
Effects:
- –3 WIS for the duration

Matthew vs Axyen

Reducio

Matthew Campbell cast Flipendo at Axyen Dragonclaw
Wisdom DC: 9
Wisdom Check: [d20: 20] + 9 = 29 > 9 → Success
Auto-miss Check: [d20: 10] < 19 → No auto-miss
Accuracy Check: [d20: 11] + 10 = 21
Evasion Check: [d20: 1] +6 - 4 = 3
21 > 3 → Hit
Damage: (100 + 9 ARC× 15 + 50)*.9 = 256.5
Effect: knocks the target on the ground requiring to spend a full action to stand up and re-join the duel

Emma's Impedimenta

Reducio

Effect target: [d2: 2] → ACC (1: EVA, 2: ACC)

Storm Cloud

Reducio

Ara: [d20: 17] < 19 → No strike
Draven: [d20: 11] < 19 → No strike
Matthew: [d20: 15] < 19 → No strike

10:30 on Sunday the 19th, October 2025

Gyle had watched the older years during practice. The flashy spells they knew, the teamwork they exhibited. And now he knew why they practiced so much.

Explosive force was about to be unleashed upon the piste. Both sides would take part in starting the fireworks. The Badgers would snap out of whatever daze they had been in with lethality. Axyen would lead the charge by summoning a set of storm clouds above the snakes, while his other two teammates went for damage. Emmalee with a Flipendo and Emma with a confringo. If Gyle was a tad wiser he would have known to plug his ears here.

The Vipers would not be outdone though. They had their prey, now they would strike. Draven would attempt to match Emma's explosives with one of his own - a Cracker Jinx. Ara and Matthew would then both begin summoning Flipendos to send across the piste. Matthew's however would be a thing of true beauty. Gyle had not see magic so pure atop the piste yet (though he hah hardly seen any).

As incantations overlapped and hung in the air the noise would begin. The crackers were first across, starting the symphony of destruction. The ventus-dazed Axyen would take the jinx squarely, as its' radials exploded out and missed his teammates. Draven would not get off scot-free though. Emma's confringo would envelop the boy in a fiery explosion as a deafening boom resounded through the dueling club. The flipendo's were behind shortly, all hitting their mark. Emmalee's into Matthew, and the Vipers' into Axyen. Ara's would hit first, then the textbook perfection that was Matthew's.

A flipendo like that was known to hit hard, but Axyen hit the piste hard. Whatever daze he had been in, he'd been returned to. "PAUSE! Wands Down a moment." Gyle would scream out, this time much less worried about sounding like a squeaky 11 year old. He would allow for Axyen's removal before calling out "Okay, RESUME!"

An explosive round that would have the duelists (and fans) reeling. Would the Badgers be able to bite back in their outnumbered state? Or would the Vipers continue to tighten their coils?!

Information

1. You have 96 hours from now to write your posts. A minimum word count of 50 is needed per post.
2. In the same time period, send me (Gyle Lamont) your team's actions per owl. Do not hint at your actions in your post.
3. Unless asked not to, if all actions have been submitted and posts made, I will (hopefully) be moderating before the deadline
4. If you don't post in the allotted time frame, your action is void.
5. Your Stats, Abilities, and Spells have been locked to what they are now for the duration of this duel.
6. Please owl or message me if you have any questions or concerns!
7. Best of luck, let's have some fun!

The spectator thread for this duel will be added soon.
Come cheer for your House and friends (later)!

Holy crap. As the surge of magic rushed through his body electrifying the tips of his fingers as it practically tore through his wand he couldn't help but feel his heart leap. After such a demoralising first round, this was exactly the motivation he required. As it turned out, there could be glory even in the simplest of moves. Matthew's magic had always been powerful but as the older badger slammed to the ground across the piste his eyes shot open in alarm.

Duelling was one of those so called "sports" Hogwarts offered that seemingly led to most of the players knocked at minimum unconscious and at worse seriously injured. It was a marvel that the school was even legally allowed to, maybe Matthew and his parents should be more closely reading the consent forms. Alas, they all signed up for this, they all knew what was coming and while Ayxen would wake undoubtedly sore in the hospital wing, he would surely understand.

After all, there was no time for real emotion in duelling; or at least he was sure that was the viper mentality. Still smiling towards Draven and Ara he felt the edge of his mouth tug into a smirk and despite the flipendo he had taken himself that round winked and said, "well at least I'm not dead yet." Before he knew it the medics had recovered Ayxen and the game was set to begin again. As the youngest he was quite positive he had a target on his back, but having evened the odds and proven himself, he couldn't quite find a care less to give.

Calming presence is in affect for Ara and Draven | Banner by Prat

Draven's vision blurred as the cracker jinx left his wand. His breath, normally an effortless thing, was beginning to come in gulps. Each pulse of his chest was a battle, head spinning.

He should have known better than to pause.

Standing motionless on his side of the piste, Draven was a prime target. Emma pressed her advantage, power exploding from her and hitting him square in the chest. He lost his balance, stumbling backwards once, twice. His clothes were singed, noxious smoke rising from his shirt.

"Ow," he mumbled, wishing for something to brace against and finding nothing.

Above them, dark clouds gathered, an unpleasant trickling of rain peppering the snakes. Right. The weather-modifying charm. If anyone had used it in a duel before, he couldn't remember. Gazing skyward, Draven took in the ominous ceiling just in time to witness a stray lightning bolt streak down and slam into the ground by his foot.

"Oh for f-" Freaking Axyen.

Dueling Stage 3; Match 3

Reducio

RP Date --- Speech Reducio "Ara's Speech" 'Thoughts'

Outfit/s Reducio Clothes: dueling attire Hair: down height for rp purposes: 5'5.4 (166 cm) Post date (GMT +8) 6 Nov 2025 (9:31 pm)

She gave an absent “Nice,” half-praise, half-snort -- both at her teammates landed hits and got walloped in return. Balance, she supposed.

Emma had cast that spell -- one that made Ara freeze mid-eye-roll -- oh, she knew that incantation. She remembered that dinosaur bone, bless his wrinkled persistence, (@Hanako Tone Also gonna mention @Mahlioz Evethisawe for the nickname lol) had failed that same spell three times last season. Ara still remembered the smell of burnt parchment.

Ara pitied Draven.
Poor dude looked like a burnt quill left too close to the fireplace -- smoke, singe, and filled with mild regret. Then her gaze went to Axyen. He'd barely finished summoning that storm before getting hit. Not once. Not twice. Thrice. And then -- poof -- down he went. Ara’s lips curved into a smirk, holding back a chuckle. This was peak. “Guess the forecast was pain,” she murmured.

The clouds rumbled over her and her team. She squinted up, unimpressed. Great. Rain. The droplets misted her hair and she sighed. 'I spent all that time doing my freaking hair dammit ... they're gonna pay.'

The storm crackled louder. Ara closed her eyes. “You gotta be kidding me.”

Terrible Presence in effect

RP Word Count: 187/50
Stats and Abilities: Sta: 10 | Eva: 9 | Str: 7 | Wis: 9 | Arc: 9 | Acc: 10
— Perfectionist I and II, Sixth Sense, Terrible Presence
Teammates: @Draven Mirador and @Matthew Campbell
Action; as strategized
OOC:

Credit to Verity Engels for the amazing banner!

It was clear that everyone was out for victory. It seemed like chaos on the piste was to be the lesson. Explosions and flying spells took up a lot of Emma's attention, enough that she really wasn't sure if her spell had landed or not considering what had been flying around. But at least that meant she and her teammates had not frozen. There was something to be said for chaos as long as it meant action was happening.

Word Count: 79/50