The Red Queen's Labyrinth Group 2

Banner by Skylar Astor

Interacting with:	@Zephyr Deakin, @Harumi Everdane,
—	@Skylar Astor & @Edward Bishop
Dialogue:	#770B08
Words:	372

How more frustrating could that stupid door get? His kick accomplished nothing worth a mention. Now, he hadn’t expected to get through it on the first try but in his opinion it could at least have given a groan or something. A bit disappointed, he moved out of the way. If the rest didn’t succeed either, he could always have another go. He held back a bit of a snort at Zeph failing to cast his spell. He thought he hid it remarkably well though, since his own attempt had been on the same level of success. Watching as Skylar set it aflame, he geared up for a new round of kicks. But it turned out not to be necessary. Harumi, such a smart biscuit, managed to figure it out.

He read over the riddle once more as the door swung open. It was incredibly obvious now, annoyingly so even. The riddle said it outright to deal with the key and not the door. «Good work!» He declared, knowing he would never have been able to think as quickly on his feet. Stepping up, he peeked through the door.

The area was fancy. Maybe too fancy. His attention bounced around, looking for the catch. Something to make this garden not so nice after all. And there, he saw it. A giant axe blocking the path. He stared at it, as though he could will it to go away only by looking hard enough. Maybe if he jumped up on it, if he managed not to hurt himself, it would weigh it down a bit… That was when he spotted it. It wasn’t even real! He laughed. He didn’t mind a swim, and as long as his life wasn’t in danger running past that thing, it could really be fun.

He turned back to the group as the girls offered Zeph up as a sacrifice. «Come on, I bet I can get to the other side first!» A challenge was always fun, and what better time than now? He lined up with the rest and set off at the same moment as Zeph. Arms and legs moving like drumsticks, he zeroed in on the swinging axe with a wide smile across his face.

Action:

Running forward

Stats:

Sta 6

Eva 5

Str 8

Wis 4

Arc 5

Acc 7

Bravery was not what was lacking in the challengers today. However, the intimidating sight of the glinting axe sweeping across the path might have shaken literally all of them or maybe they didn't run fast enough, or maybe it was even a mix of the two answers, but unfortunately our players didn't even have one single person make it across the giant axes. What a shame!

Harumi and Max tried to dodge the rapid sweeps of the axe, but with one misstep the plunger into the water below. Zephyr and Skylar found themselves sent flying by the axe’s soft yet heavy weight of it crashing into them! Next thing they two of them know they are rapidly spinning in the air before they plopped into the cooling, shimmering pool surrounding the obstacle. Next to the ladder out of the pool, players would find a stack of fluffy white towels prepared for them to dry off.

They would barely have time to dry off before they would have to try the axe again, because despite their now cold selves and their wet clothes, the axe didn't show any signs of stopping for them. Perhaps they could help each other across somehow?

Good luck!


Moderator's Notes

Reducio

Max runs forward [d20=4]+5= 9 Fail
Zephyr runs forward [d20=1]+5 = 6 Crit Fail!
Harumi runs forward[d20=13]+5=18 Fail!
Skylar runs forward [d20=1]+5 = 6 Crit Fail!

OOC Instructions

Reducio

Rules

1. Similar to before, moderation will occur once a week, if at least HALF of the members in the group posted an action.
1.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.
2. 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).
1.This includes moderated actions, which are actions that require dice rolls to determine their outcome, like casting a spell.

3. Please follow all usual HIO rules.
1.This includes 200 IC word requirements.

Wave those wands and good luck, challengers. Have fun!


Group 2:
@Zephyr Deakin
@Maximilianus Kenneally Vidler
@Harumi Everdane
@Edward Bishop
@Skylar Astor

Banner by Skylar Astor

Interacting with:	@Zephyr Deakin, @Harumi Everdane,
—	@Skylar Astor & @Edward Bishop
Dialogue:	#770B08
Words:	268

He was almost the last of the group to run up and try to squeeze by the axe. Was there any wonder he hesitated when he saw person after person be plunged into the water? Perhaps not. He started his run at full speed, determined to making it across. A bit of hesitation made him slow enough that he too was caught and plummeted into the water.

It was perhaps a bit cold, but at least it was refreshing! He laughed as he broke the surface and saw the others. «You all felt like a swim too, ey?» Spotting the ladder, he swam towards it and climbed out. He remained there, giving a helping hand to any that might want it. Then he grabbed a towel and dragged it over his hair and face.

«That thing is mighty fast though, do you all have any ideas how we could slow it down?» His gaze had moved back to the axe as he spoke. He didn’t really bother trying to dry his clothes. His woolen jumper would be heavy with water no matter what he did. He didn’t however take the time to dry off the bottom of his sneakers to hopefully avoid slipping.

He listened and nodded along as the group discussed. There were probably some good ideas flying around. Gearing up, he spoke up again. «I’m gonna take another stab at it, I was almost close last time…» He shifted his focus to the group with a playful grin. «I bet I can make it across before any of you!» And with that, he set off again.

Action:

Run forward after Skylar cast the spell

Stats:

Sta 6

Eva 5

Str 8

Wis 4

Arc 5

Acc 7

Made by Skylar Astor

Zephyr truly believed he timed it right. The moment the axe swung to one side, he bolted forward without the slightest doubt in his mind. Behind him, he vaguely heard Max charging in as well, his friend apparently wanted to turn this entire death trap into some sort of race. Not that he was surprised by that, he actually considered it, hence he sped up, but the axe shifted back faster than he anticipated. His eyes narrowed at that realization and then... THUD.

The impact was more humiliating than the pain. The thing, he had proven now, might have been made of soft material, but with the speed and force of the impact, was still enough to threw him off guard. He was just running, next his feet completely left the ground. Sweet heavens, he was spinning... The world blurred into a violent kaleidoscope of marble, water, statues, and sky as his body cartwheeled through the air, with no dignity left intact. How humiliating!

Somewhere in the middle of it all, he heard splashes into the pool, maybe someone fell too, though he could not even tell who anymore because his soul had temporarily vacated his body... In a few dreadful seconds...SPLASH. The freezing water swallowed him whole. All he could hear was muffled rushing and bubbles roaring past his ears. He kicked upward and broke into the surface with a loud gasp.

He coughed and wiped water from his face. His entire body ached with embarrassing soreness that came after being thrown around like laundry in a washing machine. He stayed in the water for a while and just stared...or more like glared...at the offending axe in disbelief. "That thing just hit me like a carriage." Finally, he checked the others and they're in the same predicament as he was. Should that make him feel better because he didn't suffer alone? Not in the slightest. Still sputtering, he swam toward the ladder and pushed himself out of the pool with all the grace, or humiliation, whatever you wanna call it, of a drowned cat.

The towel waiting beside the ladder was appreciated, but it was not enough to salvage his pride. "This entire maze is enjoying torturing us way too much..." he muttered bitterly while aggressively drying his hair. I know that thing sped up on purpose." Did it really? Skylar was obviously annoyed too and decided to cast the levitation charm. Something he had not thought in the beginning because he thought this was going to be an easy solution, just run. Seeing an opportunity, which Max gladly took before any of them could react, he left the towel on the side and followed him, running as fast as he can. "Wait for us!"

Action: Run fast forward after Skylar casted the spell.
Stat: Sta: 5, Eva: 5, Str: 7, Wis: 5, Arc: 8, Acc: 5
Special Ability: Calming Presence

Action: run forward after Skylar casts her spell
Stat: Sta: 5, Eva: 8, Str: 0, Wis: 11, Arc: 5, Acc: 8
Special Ability: Statistically Relevant (Wis)

☆Made by Skylar Astor☆

While falling into the water, Harumi had one thought, and it was that she deserved falling into the water for sacrificing her friends, she didn't feel too guilty about that for some reason, was it because she helped them pass the last obstacle? Or simply because falling into the water didn't seem like the worst thing they're going to encounter today? Either way, she fell into the water too, so no reason to be dramatic or guilty.

♠︎♥︎ Harumi was struggling through the water when Max made his comment about swimming, she felt like sacrificing him next, if he enjoyed the water very much, he might as well be the one to fall into it.

♣︎◆ Finally finding the ladder Harumi climbed it happily, she almost fill into the water again, but ended up saving herself last moment. When she saw the towels, it was as if she won the lottery, she wrapped herself in one of them. "Cold...." She groaned, she liked cold weather, but not being cold because she's wet, it gave her goosebumps.

♠︎♥︎ She looked at the others while trying to dry her hair that was now sticking to her face uncomfortably. "Are we just going to continue like this?! My clothes are ten times heavier now!" She complained like a 3 year old, completely letting go of her usual calm mannerisms.

♣︎◆ Harumi watched Skylar try to slow down the axe with her spell, and then Max enthusiastically running towards the axe again as if he didn't just fall, Zephyr followed suit, and even Edward who didn't try it the first time they did, Harumi still stood back reluctantly. "Do I have to come? Can you just win for me? " She asked hopefully, but it wasn't like she was waiting for an answer, she was just angry talking.

♠︎♥︎ Finally gathering every last bit of bravery she had, she threw the towel away. Well, it can't get any worse, she's already soaking, falling another time wouldn't be so bad. "Okay, here I come!" She announced as she ran as fast as she can.

Back and forth the axe swung over the grassy path across the pool. A brave soul our friend Skylar tried to temporarily stop the dulled blade with a simple Levitation Charm but unfortunately she was not successful. However, everyone else except for Harumi was finally successful running across. The axe glinted under the glow of sunshine, as if truly made of metal, and its weight made intimidating swishing noises in the air. Yet, such a frightening display did nothing to deter our brave challengers of Group XX!

One by one, the challengers charged forward with all their might, skillfully weaving past the axe that threatened to knock them into the pool like it was now tortuously taunting our players who had the previously brutally unsuccessful journey across the freezing water. But this time, keen senses predicted the axe’s movements, and before they knew it, all of them successfully made it to the other side! The only problem is that they know all have to wait for their friend Skylar to now make it across and Harumi who once again found herself flying into the water. Perhaps she simply needs to have some words of encouragement or maybe spells might help her. It would be for the team to decide since she so graciously stayed behind to let them all cross first.

Moderator's Notes

Reducio

Max runs forward [d20+5=24] Success!
Zephyr runs forward [d20+5=22] Success!
Harumi runs forward[d20+5=13] Fail
Edward runs forward [d20+8=23] Success!
Skylar casts Levitation Charm [d20+4=5] Fail

OOC Instructions

Reducio

Rules

1. Similar to before, moderation will occur once a week, if at least HALF of the members in the group posted an action.
1.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.
2. 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).
1.This includes moderated actions, which are actions that require dice rolls to determine their outcome, like casting a spell.

3. Please follow all usual HIO rules.
1.This includes 200 IC word requirements.

Wave those wands and good luck, challengers. Have fun!


Group 2:
@Zephyr Deakin
@Maximilianus Kenneally Vidler
@Harumi Everdane
@Edward Bishop
@Skylar Astor

Edward empathized with Skylar as her spell failed; at least she took the chance he thought to himself, and he had been glad he had let her try, he was proud of her for having the courage to do so, but now it was his turn - he realized that it's possible that he could fail himself as well, he was after all still also a first-year, but he felt confident in the results of his practiced wand movements and the precision of his incantation... he would hold the object by magic now so that his other friends could join them and they could call continue on to the finish line - surely they must be close now, he surmised; however, no matter what obstacles lay before them, they would surely accomplish them all together as a team - he knew that much at least... so far they had defeated whatever the labyrinth threw at them even if it took a bit of extra time and they didn't 'win' the race (was it even a race, he wondered if the other teams had already reached the finish line?) the point wasn't to win but to prove to themselves that they even as first-years could overcome the challenges and work together to do so and with that he confidently began to cast...

Action: Cast the levitation charm
Stat: Sta: 5, Eva: 8, Str: 0, Wis: 11, Arc: 5, Acc: 8
Special Ability: Statistically Relevant (Wis)

☆Made by Skylar Astor☆

Again! She fell into the water again! The axe really wanted to teach her a lesson apparently! The question is, what's the lesson? Not sacrificing one's friends or karma will get you? Or running fast enough and maybe you won't fall? Both seemed like valid lessons, but Harumi wasn't going to learn from an axe either way, there's plenty of professors in Hogwarts, she's sure they're better teachers than axes, at the very least they don't seem to actively try to throw you into the water.

♠︎♥︎ So once again, she found her way through the water, climbed the ladder, and wrapped herself in more towels than she can care to count. All she wanted was to stay dry, was that too much to ask? Apparently yes! The axe kept going back and forth mocking her as if it had a personal problem with her. Next time there's an axe involved, remind her to walk the other way.

♣︎◆ "If I fall one more time, I'm giving up!!" She shouted, looking very grumpy. "I swear this axe is taking your revenge, Zephyr! You might want to thank it!" She continued, still wrapped in towels.

♠︎♥︎ The girl walked to stand near Skylar. "Let's go together this time, maybe friendship will magically solve all our problems." She suggested to Skylar. Maybe there's some magic to friendship, well, they'll see if it's the magical solution to all their problems soon, cause forward they'll go and back they won't look.

♣︎◆ Harumi really wanted to give a human development lecture sort of thing about team work whatsoever, like one of those you would see on TV in the muggle world, but the water probably got to her brain through her ears, and all she can think of is drinking warm tea or hot chocolate after all of this is done.

♠︎♥︎ "On the count of 3!" Harumi called to anyone willing to listen, she heard the three that passed doing something, but she wasn't in the mood to listen carfully, maybe she'll be in a better mood after she's done with this annoying obstacle. "1.... 2.. 3!" She counted before sprinting forward the moment she said three.