The Red Queen's Labyrinth Group 7

Successfully passing to Obstacle 3 with laughter and jokes, Group 7 was confronted with the harrowing task of evading the swinging axe and crossing to the other side of the pool. However, the sight of this obstacle must have seemed quite frightening to the usually energetic and daring group of students, because it seemed that none of them would attempt to run across! After all, even if the axe was a soft plush, it was quite large...

As the senior student in the group, after pondering the idea of detonating an explosion on the axe, Zach Zaphiere would fish out his wand in an ambitious attempt to remove the obstacle in their way– Literally. The boy would cast Reducto successfully onto the axe. The soft axe made a pathetic deflating sound as it slowly shrunk, with it entirely dissipating into a cloud of mist!

However, it would be silly to assume that the axe was the only precaution by the Queen. It seems that the path got anxious that its guardian (the axe) had vanished, because its surface started hitching up in awkward motions in some portions. It would need some skill to dodge the sudden hitches and make it across, but at least the axe is gone...?

Moderator's Notes:
Zach Zaphiere casts Reducto (WDC 17)
[d20 : 10] + 12 = 22 > 17 [SUCCESS]

NEW Evasion DC: 20 10

OOC Instructions

Reducio

Rules

Congratulations, a spell lowered the EDC! Please note the following rules for this obstacle:

1. Moderation will happen if at least HALF of the members in the group have posted an action.
   • Due to moderators’ schedules, moderation may take 1-1.5 weeks.
   • If one or no members post an action that round, moderation will happen only the next week to give more time for members to post. This is for the sake of game progression.
   • If there are any special circumstances (eg, members are ill), please owl us. We will consider making exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
2. Each participant is allowed one moderated action per round. Please include your abilities and stats in your post.
3. Please specify your character's action(s) in your post (as an OOC note).
   • This includes moderated actions, which are actions that require dice rolls to determine their outcome, like casting a spell.
4. Please follow all usual HIO rules.
   • This includes 200 IC word requirements.
   OBSTACLE 3 SPECIAL INSTRUCTION:
   For this obstacle, your character will have to use the action of “run forward”. Spells are allowed, but at the expense of the "run forward" action.
   1. The moderator will roll an evasion difficulty check (Evasion DC 20).
   2. The moderator will moderate the actions by order of whoever posted first. Moderation notes will be left for each player.
   3. For this obstacle, ALL members need to pass this difficulty check to succeed.
      
      NOTE: Spells that hinder the axe's movement/lower its speed, such as Arresto Momentum, would help to LOWER the EDC down to 10 (with 1 successful casting). However, that would take up ONE action, meaning the character wouldn't be able to run across for that round.
   
   Group 7
   1. @Zach Zaphiere
   2. @Landon Matthews
   3. @Veda Lunar
   4. @Natasha Jones
   5. @Sabrina Lyons

DEADLINE: 1.5 week from time of posting

Moderated even though it's only 1 post because I was late to moderate. I'm so sorry I keep posting late, it's been rough ;;

Red Queen's Labyrinth Group #7

Location/Time Reducio Red Queen's Labyrinth's Entrance

Current Outfit Reducio Black silk short dress

Mentions Reducio @Zach Zaphiere | @Landon Matthews | @Natasha Jones | @Sabrina Lyons

Veda was utterly embarrassed. Of course her spell failed! "Jeez, get it together. You don't know these people and you are already making a fool out of yourself." she thought. She didn't even stop to think about the affect the others might have had on her spellcasting, with literal fire beside her, as she was too busy blaming herself mentally. Only when the group started to file in the door thanks to Landon's spell did Veda stop berating herself.

However, when they walked into the new challenge, her mood didn't get any better. A fricking AXE was swinging over a path to get to the other side. Could this get any more difficult? She felt a pat on her shoulder and looked up to see Zach. Only then did his words kick in. Before Veda could do anything, he yelled out "REDUCTO!" and the axe literally deflated. Loudly. As Veda was prone to jumpscares, she covered her ears and ducked, thinking the thing would explode.

Of course, it didn't, but the second year didn't know that as she hadn't learned the spell. She opened her eyes, and realized the axe was just.... gone. No explosion. She immediately stood up, growling at herself. "I'm such a drama queen," she thought miserably. That thought didn't last long as she saw the path beginning to change.

Veda sighed, and murmured to the group, "I'm just going to run, I think." She examined the path, and saw that it was much easier than avoiding an axe. At least, she thought. Veda hiked up her dress slightly, as it was already bothering her, and started running. Hopefully no one would cast another spell to shrivel her!

Word Count: 281/200

Action: Booking it across the path
TRUNK
STA 5 | EVA 7 | STR 5 | WIS 6 | ARC 5 | ACC 7
Metamorphmagus
Inventory: Wand | Potions

This cool banner was made by Novalie Moon

Zach's grin was never this big as he looked at the swinging axe, shattered into dust. His random spell finding came out to be beneficial. "See?" Zach turned his back to the group, looking for recognition.

However, it seems the maze has other things in its sleeve. Not long after the axe vanished, the path, the only path that they could use to be on the other side, suddenly wiggled. Zach was surprised and couldn't believe what he saw before him. "Come on!" he whined. Deep down, he really wanted to explode everything. The maze started to irritate him more. But he must hold himself, make himself calm. Too much explodion could mean bad, Zach talked to himself silently. Then he walked back to the group. "The maze is being mean," he pouted. His gaze fell on Landon, waiting for his response.

He looked at Veda as she started to speak. "Run. Boring, but sounds good. I will also run," he responded to her. "What about you guys?" Zach asked Landon, Natasha, and Brie. Zach could only think that running was the answer, but perhaps they had another idea. Something that is really interesting and exciting. Something more explosive.

"Anyway, be careful." An ironic word coming from the boy who exploded cast the spell he just found randomly. With that, Zach prepared himself to run.

Action: Run forward (boooo!)
@Landon Matthews; @Sabrina Lyons; @Natasha Jones; @Veda Lunar
TRUNK
STA 8 | EVA 11 | STR 3 | WIS 12 | ARC 10 | ACC 12
Rapid Reviver | Blindvision | Healing Sage | Paragon of Health (Landon Matthews and Veda Lunar)
Inventory: Wand | Enchanted Satchel (containing potions)

Reducio

Outfit

From two wands the green fire roared, unleashing its chaotic power on the hedges blocking their way. Soon, the vivid green turned red and shriveled black, before even that color faded, revealing the cold disappointment of gray stones. 'Ah fiddle. My sentiments exactly,' Sabrina couldn't help but agree with the older raven's words of choice. This definitely was lame. Despite the undeniable fun she was having, her thoughts turned bitter once more. What good was a labyrinth when it had flashing arrow signs screaming 'exit' and invisible, everpresent barriers making sure they reached it in a straight line?

But then again, she thought, whilst dropping her wand back into her over-packed bag, maybe that was where her joy originated from. Testing the limits and steping over them in creative ways, together as a team. At this little, private resolution, her rebellious heart fluttered pleasantly, prompting her smile to widen as they made their way through the now open doors. To her delight and perhaps its premature demise, more greenery showed itself to the. Beautiful and flammable. However, her eyes didn't linger on the green for too long, quickly catching on the unnaturally clear blue, 'Merlin's beard - a pool!,' dropping down to her knees, she ran her fingers through the sparkling liquid, almost as if caressing a beloved pet. Her mind took a small detour daydreaming about hopping in, or perhaps even pulling out the gillyweed hidden away in her satchal. Even though tempting, she quickly discarded those ideas. The swim wasn't long enough to make either one worth it. Meanwhile, her teammates were coming up with ideas of their own, her fellow chaotic bird using a smart spell on the swinging axe. Her own smile grew as the toy shrunk.

'Impressive use of creative thinking, Zach,' she praised, raising to her full height again. The sudden movement of the previously solid ground earned an eye-roll from the young raven, who pressed her palms to the sides of her mouth to shout at the structure: 'Oh come on, you are no fun!', then, with an exasperated sigh, she turned to her chittering peers, 'Oi, no, we won't succumb to the lameness so easily, right?' But they will. They already did, both Zach and Veda already mid-stride. 'Oi! Don't conform to the dumb rules!' she yelled after them without any real threat behind those words. She herself chose to try and fill the role of supporting cast, grasping her wand once more, this time pointing it at the restless path, 'Immobulus!'

items on person. wand, the enchanted satchal, potions, chocolate bar, sticky caramel, generic pet treat, gillyweed, chamomile, aloe vera
stats. stamina. 7 | evasion. 5 | strength. 7 | wisdom. 9 | arcpower. 6 | accuracy. 6
ability. fearless
trunk. down the rabbit hole we go
ooc note. after like - what? - three posts, I finally finalised the coding! Huzzah!

Banner made by Veda Lunar! Thank you!

Landon had been stunned into silence by the actions of his group mates, especially Zach's actions. First fire, then blowing up the axe...? Landon was clearly one of the more level headed ones in this group. Landon had wanted to do something like make the axe stay still, not blow it up. But Zach had thought of his action first. "First fire... then explosions?" he said, his eyes wide in surprise, his voice a bit flat as he stared at Zach in shock.

He took a deep breath, not upset with Zach, just surprised. He looked out at the moving pathway, prepared to cast a spell that he had thought of, but then Sabrina cast the spell that he had been thinking of. "Beat me to it," he said, hoping that the spell would work. He wasn't about to be chaotic and start running when there was a chance they could get hurt.

Landon was in good shape, he had to be with Quidditch, but he didn't want to risk being thrown into the water if he didn't have to be. He figured the rest of the group thought he was pretty boring, but he was just trying to solve things the simple way instead of the complicated one.

Action: Watching the chaos
Outfit: Same as in banner.
@Zach Zaphiere; @Sabrina Lyons; @Natasha Jones; @Veda Lunar
TRUNK
STA 9 | EVA 10 | STR 6 | WIS 7 | ARC 6 | ACC 15
Wandmaker | Keeper's Catch | Impartial
Inventory: Wand

Natasha followed the rest of the group through the door, slightly disappointed that Zach and Sabrina's Incendio did not work. That would definitely have been one heck of an exit. Her mind briefly wandered to the 2022 Batman movie, when Robert Pattinson had walked through fire.

The next obstacle was... certainly something. Natasha couldn't help but stare at the giant axe swinging over a narrow path, on TOP of a glittering pool. It reminded her of Takeshi's Castle, a show she and Charlie used to watch when they were younger.
"Think these gems are real?" she wondered idly, contemplating whether she should get a closer look. She wondered what her mom would say if she gifted her a ruby on Mother's Day.
Choice taken out of her head as Zach's words registered in her brain, she stepped back gracefully as he cast his Reducto.

"First fire... then explosions?"
Natasha gave a (hopefully) reassuring smile to Landon and said, "Don't worry too much, it's a Ravenclaw thing."

Focusing back to the pathway, she noticed that as the axe disappeared, the path started awkwardly rising and falling in some places, creating a VERY crooked and bumpy path.
"Oh well"
Saying so, she ran forward, focusing on the path ahead.

Action: Running Forward
wc: 207
Note: Sorry for the delayy
Outfit (no headphones)
@Zach Zaphiere @Landon Matthews @Veda Lunar @Sabrina Lyons
TRUNK
STA 5 | EVA 8 | STR 4 | WIS 6 | ARC 7 | ACC 5
Abilities: Prodigal Potions Learner
Inventory: Wand | Potions

Innovative and unrelenting in their efforts to subdue the threat of Obstacle 3, Group 7's Sabrina Lyons deemed the anxious path dancing over the pool an unacceptable nuisance for her team! Fishing out her wand, she confidently casts the Freezing Charm (Immobulus) at the path. Her confidence must have shone through, because the spell was successful, making the path turn as stiff as stone. However, that shaking caused some splashing, leaving puddles on the path! Well, with the path subdued and the axe quite literally out of the picture, one just needed to mind their footing and make the stroll over!

Veda Lunar, after almost being traumatised by Zach Zaphiere's Reducto, decided to be the first one to run across the path! She succeeds without struggle, thanks to her teammates' effective spell-casting. Zach, who followed Veda's action, also easily sped across the path (that was now still satisfying under his feet). Landon Matthews, hesitant to follow his two teammates recklessly in their runs, stayed behind to observe his team. However, when Natasha Jones went to make a run for it, the bottom of her shoes must have forgotten to activate friction, because she slipped on the edge of the pool and fell in before she could even cross the path! Oh dear...

Not all hope is lost. After all, Natasha still had her two fellow Ravenclaws and a fluffy towel waiting for her on the emerald green grass before her next attempt. Now with the active spells, it will be a piece of cake for sure.

Moderator's Notes:
Sabrina Lyons casts Immobulus (WDC 12)
[d20 : 15] + 9 = 24 > 12 [Success!]
Veda Lunar runs forward (EDC 5)
[d20 : 7] + 7 = 14 > 5 [Success]
Zach Zaphiere runs forward (EDC 5)
[d20 : 5] + 11 = 16 > 5 [Success]
Natasha Jones runs forward (EDC 5)
[d20 : 1] + 8 = 9 [Critical Failure]

NEW Evasion DC: 10 5

OOC Instructions

Reducio

Rules

Congratulations, another spell lowered the EDC! However, the EDC is now at its lowest minimum value. Please note the following rules for this obstacle:

1. Moderation will happen if at least HALF of the members in the group have posted an action.
   • Due to moderators’ schedules, moderation may take 1-1.5 weeks.
   • If one or no members post an action that round, moderation will happen only the next week to give more time for members to post. This is for the sake of game progression.
   • If there are any special circumstances (eg, members are ill), please owl us. We will consider making exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
2. Each participant is allowed one moderated action per round. Please include your abilities and stats in your post.
3. Please specify your character's action(s) in your post (as an OOC note).
   • This includes moderated actions, which are actions that require dice rolls to determine their outcome, like casting a spell.
4. Please follow all usual HIO rules.
   • This includes 200 IC word requirements.
   OBSTACLE 3 SPECIAL INSTRUCTION:
   For this obstacle, your character will have to use the action of “run forward”. Spells are allowed, but at the expense of the "run forward" action.
   1. The moderator will roll an evasion difficulty check (Evasion DC 5).
   2. The moderator will moderate the actions by order of whoever posted first. Moderation notes will be left for each player.
   3. For this obstacle, ALL members need to pass this difficulty check to succeed.
   
   Group 7
   1. @Zach Zaphiere
   2. @Landon Matthews
   3. @Veda Lunar
   4. @Natasha Jones
   5. @Sabrina Lyons

DEADLINE: 1.5 week from time of posting

Banner made by Veda Lunar! Thank you!

Landon watched as the spell that Sabrina cast worked, smiling softly. He knew that his instinct was spot on, since he had been planning on casting the same spell. He could have cast the spell himself, but he felt like two people doing the same spell was overkill. He watched his teammates start to run across successfully before seeing that Natasha fell into the pool. Being the gentleman that he was, Landon went to the edge by where she fell in and reached down to help her up and out of the water. He tugged her up and out of the pool, rubbing her shoulders gently to warm her up. He pulled back and smiled.

"It looks like the path is clear for us now," he said and looked over at his teammates who had made it across. "Hopefully it stays calm long enough for us to join them." Landon figured that they would be safe, but this was Hogwarts, and things were always unpredictable.

"Let's try again, together?" he suggested and held out his hand. This wasn't a romantic gesture, just an attempt at being friendly and helpful. He prepared to run toward the other side of the pool, holding Natasha's hand if she allowed him to do so. He just wanted to be sure they both got across the pathway without falling in again. He waited for her answer before trying to run.

Action: Attempting to cross.
Outfit: Same as in banner.
@Zach Zaphiere; @Sabrina Lyons; @Natasha Jones; @Veda Lunar
TRUNK
STA 9 | EVA 10 | STR 6 | WIS 7 | ARC 6 | ACC 15
Wandmaker | Keeper's Catch | Impartial
Inventory: Wand

Eyeing the pooling drops of clear liquid on the now stable path, Sabrina turned to adress the only remaining teammember on her side of the garden (@Landon Matthews), 'It's like the maze itself is working against us, huh? Or the wicked ones behind it's creation,' she just finished her complaint when a splash sounded behind her. Whipping her head around, she saw Natasha (@Natasha Jones), once dry and running, floating in the pool, 'Oh, how did you manage to do that?' she chuckled, spotting and fetching the nearby towel, 'convenient, innit?' she passed it over to the dripping girl once their senior helped her out of the water, 'how was the water? Let me guess, wet?' she continued with the friendly jabs, 'To be honest, I am a little jealous. I am very tempted to plunge in for a swim myself'

Feeling just a little excluded after the other two shared a friendly moment, with the boy offering Nat his hand so they could conquer this unfair obsticle together, the small witch cleared her throat, adjusting the way the strap of her bag laid over her shoulder, 'Well if we have to do it the boring way- ' she attempted to push past the duo, shooting them a grin as she did so,' -let's spice it up a tad. Race you to the other side!' with a salute, she'd then take off.

items on person. wand, the enchanted satchal, potions, chocolate bar, sticky caramel, generic pet treat, gillyweed, chamomile, aloe vera
stats. stamina. 7 | evasion. 5 | strength. 7 | wisdom. 9 | arcpower. 6 | accuracy. 6
ability. fearless
trunk. down the rabbit hole we go
ooc note. please don't slip and fall, please don't slip and fall

With Zach Zaphiere and Veda Lunar successfully crossing to the other side of the path, Group 7's efforts to minimise the threat of the swinging axes and socially-anxious, semi-animate path seemed to be paying off finally!

As Natasha Jones re-surfaced from the glimmering pool, she was assisted by Landon Matthews and handed a sun-warmed towel by Sabrina Lyons. As the last three remaining, Landon offered a hand to the girls and encouraged the three to make a run for it together. With a taste for mischief and fun, Sabrina declared that it would be a race and ran forward with Landon!

Landon managed to breeze past the path without a hitch, swift as a whirl of wind. Sabrina, despite feeling her footing slightly unsteady from the water underneath, persevered and joined her teammates on the other side. What a rush!

Moderator's Notes:
Landon Matthews runs forward (EDC 5).
[d20 : 14] + 10 = 24 > 5 [Success!]
Sabrina Lyons runs forward (EDC 5)
[d20 : 4] + 5 = 9 > 5 [Success!]

(We will let Group 7 pass (like we have with other groups) since only 1 player did not manage to cross the path, and it would be unfair to hold everyone back another round )

OBSTACLE 4

It seemed as if the swinging axe had just been the start of many trials to infiltrate the Red Queen’s Palace. Past perfectly-trimmed hedges and grand, pointed trefoil arches made by marble, the challengers would find their polished pebble path leading to a huge gatehouse. SHKK. If they looked up at the walls, they would see a stack of human-sized cards dishing themselves apart in the blink of an eye. The card soldiers stared down from above, watching them with oddly-curved spears in their hands.

“Intruders!”
“Have they come to overthrow the Queen?”
“LOWER THE GATE!”

A heavy, wooden portcullis reinforced with heavy steel bounced up from the ground like a meerkat from its burrow before the challengers could attempt, wobbling before hardened into a formidable barrier blocking their path. 5 hearts glowed on the portcullis, shimmering with vitality.

Without a ladder or rope to scale the wall, there seemed to be only one way through: You’re gonna have to knock this gate DOWN!!

For those with strong magical power, fish out your wands and cast your strongest offensive spells to weaken the gate! For the fit and strong, a good throw could do more than a wand! At the foot of the gatehouse, pebbles and rocks of strange shapes laid in a pile from the Red Queen’s last path renovation. Convenient, huh?

OOC Instructions

Reducio

Rules
Congratulations, your group has made it to the fourth obstacle! Almost the end~ Please note the following rules for this obstacle:

1. Moderation will occur once a week, if at least HALF of the members in the group posted an action. Due to moderators’ schedules, moderation may take 1-1.5 weeks.
   • If one or no members post an action that round, moderation will happen only the next week to give more time for members to post. This is for the sake of game progression.
   • If there are any special circumstances (eg, members are ill), please owl us. We will consider making exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
2. Each participant is allowed one moderated action per round. Please include your abilities and stats in your post.
3. Please specify your character's action(s) in your post (as an OOC note).
   • This includes moderated actions, which are actions that require dice rolls to determine their outcome, like casting a spell.
4. Please follow all usual HIO rules.
   • This includes 200 IC word requirements.

OBSTACLE 4 SPECIAL INSTRUCTION:
For this obstacle, your characters will be able to use different means to break down the gate! You can use:

1. Spells from our Duelling System! We will be using the damage equations from here. This is good for players with high wisdom and/or arcane stats.
2. Small projectiles (the rocks and pebbles mentioned). We will be using the Broom Racing System’s damage equation for small projectiles. This is good for players with high strength stats.

YOU CAN ONLY CHOOSE TO CAST ONE SPELL, OR THROW ONE PROJECTILE.

Notes:

1. This gate has 500 HP. Each heart on the gate represents 100 HP! Bring the gate down to 0 HP to make it through
2. Moderation notes will be left for each player, with the rolls and damage equations shown.

Group 7

1. @Zach Zaphiere
2. @Landon Matthews
3. @Veda Lunar
4. @Natasha Jones
5. @Sabrina Lyons

DEADLINE: 1.5 week from time of posting