Quidditch Game Hufflepuff v Slytherin

Atlas stared out at the pitch from the wings as she heard the muddled cheers and yelps from the packed stands distorted from the aggressive icy wind that was dancing its way around the pitch. A chill tickled its way up her spine as she felt her body contort from the sharp pain, pulling her jacket tighter to her body.

Her heartbeat grew in pace as it pounded in her chest despite her efforts to control her breathing and focus her mind. Quidditch was a calling for her, being in the air she felt powerful but even still every game her nerves clouded her mind up until the game started. Their first game of the season was remarkable and even thinking back on it she couldn't help but smile. She had made some incredible saves even getting cocky a few times when she successfully jumped from her broom and spun in the air kicking the quaffle to her teammates. Could she prove to be just as useful to her team this time?

The Hogwarts Headliner assumed that Hufflepuff would only win 1 game this season but being counted out is what gave Hufflepuff their edge. Her team was strong. They had been practicing whenever possible and even in her free time, she found herself dragging Ethen to the Training Pitch to run new moves and strategies.

Following her teams' cue, Atlas followed them out onto the pitch instantly regretting that decision as the wind no longer blocked by the wings pushed into them causing the young girl to scrunch her face as the tip of her nose stung, her lips already drying up as she subconsciously ran her tongue over her bottom lip.

Pulling her goggles over her face, Atlas kicked off the frozen ground and followed her team's formation as they made a few loops around the stadium. Giving a little wave to the Hufflepuff section, she tried to loosen up but the weather was making that a challenge as she shook her head in playful defeat before breaking off and heading toward the goals.

A devilish grin formed pulling her rosy cheeks taut as she faced forward not allowing herself to let stress get the best of her. She could do this. She was ready.

ACTION: Doing as strategized.

Reducio

STATS:
Stamina: 8
Evasion: 8 (+1) = 9
Strength: 4 (+1) = 5
Wisdom: 7 (+1) = 8
Arc. Power: 7
Accuracy: 9 (+2) = 11

BROOM:
Nimbus 1700
Effect: +2 accuracy, +1 evasion, +1 wisdom, +1 strength

ABILITIES:
Fearless
Effect: Fear effects such as a dhmpir's aura, the ability terrible presence, a lycanothrope's intimidation or certain charms, potions and jinxes that would normally cause a fear effect do not work on you as you are immune to them.
Keeper's Catch
Effect: 10% chance to automatically block an attempt to score a goal as long as the Keeper is in the goal area. If an attempt to score has been blocked through this effect, the Keeper may as a free action hurl the quaffle at the opponent team in an attempt to injure a player of their choice (it would be recovered with a quaffle grab action) and treated like a bludger or pass the quaffle to a teammate. This must be declared by the Keeper if either of these free actions are to be utilized.

The second game of the year was finally here. After the loss to Gryffindor, hopes held by the young captain for this new match were at a low. They consistently outplayed the Lions, fighting brutally for the win. The chasers had done their job well, scoring 110 points, yet the Lions had still beat them, finding the snitch before Dan even had a chance. As ferocious as a pack of small kittens and we still lost. Fueled by this anger, she joined her team pre-match in a rally speech. This was their game. Screw the fact that Hufflepuff were last years school champions, even beating out Durmstrang over the summer international match. This was a new year. Changes had been made to both teams. The standard war paint she wore in games painted on her face, hair pulled back into a series of braids.

With Persephone fleeing the last game, this allowed Tyranni to step up to first string chaser. Along with a few other changes, she was joined with Nico and Thora on the field, with Alexx stepping down the second string. Dan would still be seeker, but with Edric stepping down, Flash had joined the team. He seemed a capable player should Dan fall victim to the Badgers. As always, their beaters were strong and a force to be reckoned with. She only hoped that the newest addition to their team would not butt heads with Erin, as has been their typical modus operandi.

Entering the pitch, she saw the final new addition to their team. Thomas Lestrange. He would fill the second string keeper role underneath the very capable Koko. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw him. Nerves were typical before matches, but this was different. She still had not confronted the boy after the Secret Blossom Ball. Fearing his wrath, or hiding in shame, she had avoided him the rest of first year and until this point in second year, but as a new member of the team and co-captain, she would have to face him eventually. How she would explain herself, she did not know. She only hoped he would show her mercy and understanding. How little does one know how to react when their world comes crashing around them.

She took her beginning laps around the pitch. Had anyone been close enough to hear, they may have her her send up a prayer to the god of her namesake, Tyr.

"Hear me Tyr, before this fight
That many foes, I shall in, your name, smite.

Skilled skirmisher of single-hand
And trustee for the Wolf of Fenris
Grant me the benefit of your past wars
So suffer I shall not, even scratches

Unmatch-ed are your skills of war
That unto me, I beg you grant
With your gift, unrivalled, I’ll be through battle
With wounds, nary; At most, scant.

Tyr please hear my prayer ‘fore war
Arm me with fatal wisdom
As all do cower ‘fore your sword
That cleaves both man and kingdom

Heill Tyr!"

Would the gods listen this time? Would they favor her and her teammates leading them to victory over their rivals? Would this legion of warriors under her wing fight valiantly, bringing upon success in their upcoming encounter?

She settled into her position on the field, waiting for the moment when the game began and their plans proceeded. Meticulous in their planning, she hoped they could bring about victory.

Stamina: 9 (12)	Evasion: 7 (10)	Abilities: Seer Effect: 10% auto-dodge & auto-hit Lovely Creature Effect: Affects the snitch search DC for the opponent team
Strength: 5 (8)	Wisdom: 4 (7)	Broom: Silver Arrow | +3 to all stats as indicated by the bold numbers in (#)
Arcane Power: 3 (6)	Accuracy: 7 (10)	Position: First-String Chaser

Action: Getting into position | Doing as strategized
Mentioning: @Dan Palmer | @Nico Shymane | @Thora Larkston | @Alexx Séverin | @Flash Holmwood | @Erin Ryan | @Cassandra Ironwoods | @Thomas Lestrange

It was time once again. Time to be witnessed by all for glory or ruin. Ethen felt ready as ever and had the utmost faith in his comrades. They had proved in their last game that the Badgers were a force to be reckoned with and he hoped that they could replicate their success. While doing all he could to ensure they snatched another victory, he also hoped that he would avoid taking a hit from a bludger this time. The plummet in the last match proved rather painful and he didn't recommend a repeat.

He had continued working with Atlas to hone his skills and hoped that they would make short work of their serpentine foes. Taking the words of his co-captain to heart, Ethen was ready to hunt the golden bastard to the ends of the earth. He imagined the snitch quivering with fear as he scuttled after it in deranged flight. With a malevolent smirk, Ethen straightened his goggles and wiggled his way onto the pitch.

The tundra-like Quidditch pitch immediately made Ethen shudder. It was cold and the wind bit into the bits of exposed flesh he had while flying. He didn't doubt that his body would likely freeze by the end. He always believed he would make a good ice sculpture. He just had to make sure that he didn't freeze before snatching the snitch. Ethen gave a dramatic bow towards the Hufflepuff section of the stands as he joined his team in flight. Despite the cold, the smile never left Ethen's face as he continued the lap.

"OOOOOO The chilly badgers fly...looook for us in the sky!!! CHILLY BADGERS, CHILLY BADGERS, we make our enemies cry...." Ethen continued obnoxiously singing his secret smash hit single, Chilly Badgers, as he flew. He believed the power of this new battle song might strike fear into their foes. And if not...it at least distracted him from the cold as he found his way into his position.

Reducio

Actions:
Doing as Stratagized
Abilities:
Keen Eye | Calming Presence (affecting the beautifully amazing Hufflepuff teammates)
STATS:
Stamina: 8
Evasion: 8 (+1) = 9
Strength: 4 (+1) = 5
Wisdom: 7 (+1) = 8
Arc. Power: 7
Accuracy: 9 (+2) = 11
BROOM:
Nimbus 1700
Effect: +2 accuracy, +1 evasion, +1 wisdom, +1 strength

Closed to new posts, moderation will happen shortly. Good luck.

M O D E R A T I O N — R O U N D 1

H U F F L E P U F F

FIRST STRING Keeper: @Altas Reid Chasers: - - @Aaron Jones @Serena Bowen @Heinrich Bezuidenhout Beaters: - @Quinn Healy @Lindsey Springhall Seeker: @Ethen Emrys

SECOND STRING Keeper: @Howard White Chaser: @Aspen Summers Beater: @Ami Procoppio Seeker: @Stanley Buttons "Only the gentle are ever truly strong"

B U F F S
10% auto-hit/auto-score (Calming Presence [Ethen])

D E B U F F S
+2 to Snitch Find/Catch (Lovely Creature [Dan, Nico, Tyranni])
10% auto-failure on actions (Unsettling Aura [Nico])

S L Y T H E R I N

FIRST STRING‏‏‎ ‎ ‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎ ‏‏‎ ‎ ‏‏‎ ‎ ‎ ‏‏‎ ‎ ‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎ ‏‏‎ ‎ ‏‏‎ ‎ ‎ ‏‏‎ ‎ ‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎ ‏‏‎ ‎ ‏‏‎ ‎ ‎ Keeper: @Koko Riddle Chasers: - - - @Nico Shymane @Tyranni Whitethorn @Thora Larkston Beaters: - @Erin Ryan @Cassandra Ironwoods Seeker: @Dan Palmer

SECOND STRING Keeper: @Thomas Lestrange Chaser: @Alexx Séverin Beater: @Percival Rainwood Seeker: @Flash Holmwood "The power to make people fear is the only power you need."

B U F F S
n/a

D E B U F F S
+2 to Snitch Find/Catch (Lovely Creature [Lindsey])
10% auto-failure on actions (Unsettling Aura [Nico])

Flashes of yellow and green danced against a canvas of freshly fallen snow as Hufflepuff and Slytherin quidditch players flew onto the pitch. The two teams could not contrast each other any more than they did. True to their stereotype, supportive sentiments and invigorating cheers erupted from nearly every broom-bound badger. Fresh from their last victory, they had an undeniable momentum that showed in their relatively relaxed demeanours. A rather unexpected chorus of Chilly Badgers—a song that this author sang loosely to the tune of Friends' Smelly —trailed in the wake of Ethen as he made his preparatory laps. That wasn't to say they should be underestimated, however. They were certainly in it to win it.

But was this to be a new trend: house-centric theme songs? If it was, Slytherin found its counter in the form of Tyranni's chanted prayer to the Norse war god Tyr. This would hardly be the only difference between the two teams. While Hufflepuff had a fair face or two, Slytherin was like that token group of cheerleaders, filled to the brim with visually stunning individuals—honestly, the number of lovely creatures on this team—possibly to the point of intimidation. Victory had narrowly slipped from their fingers during their last match against Gryffindor, and the silence that permeated most of their arrival spoke to their resolve to shift the tides. The brief quips between Thomas and Erin served as any sign of tension release, but that was quickly overshadowed by Dan's permission to Erin to rampage across the field.

Hufflepuff might have been keen for a win, but Slytherin was clearly aiming for a slaughter. And as the players gathered into pre-game preparatory formation, an unsettling aura descended upon them all. Many of the benched players sported sour expressions. A silence fell over players and spectators, alike. A pause. A loft of the quaffle into the air, and then a sharp blow of a whistle The game was afoot!

C H A S E R S

───── Hufflepuff ───── Aaron: QG & Pass d20 + 13(acc) + 2(MC) #1: UA[55] | QG[10]+ 15 = 25 #2: UA[93] | QG[11]+ 15 = 26 #3: UA[100] | QG[19]+ 15 = 34 [!] Heinrich: Finborough Flick Serena: Lifeguard Duty

───── Slytherin ───── Nico: QG & Pass #1: UA[n/a] | QG[19]+ 8(acc) = 27 [!] #2: UA[n/a] | QG[6]+ 8(acc) = 14 #3: UA[n/a] | QG[14]+ 8(acc) = 22 Tyranni: QG & Score #1: UA[8] [autofails] #2: UA[54] | QG[17]+ 10(acc) = 27 [!] #3: UA[44] | QG[19]+ 10(acc) = 29

K E E P E R S

Score Attempt #1

Tyranni receives the Pass — UA[98]

───── Slytherin ───── Tyranni: Score d20 + 10(acc) + 3(Nico's TB) UA[71] | [18]+ 13 = 31 [!]

───── Hufflepuff ───── Atlas: Block d20 + 11(acc) + 3(SS) UA[n/a] | KC[5] | [16]+ 14 = 30 [fail]

10 Points for Slytherin!

Score Attempt #2

───── Slytherin ───── Tyranni: Score d20 + 10(acc) UA[78] | SI[40] | [2]+ 10 = 12 [fail]

───── Hufflepuff ───── Atlas: Block d20 + 11(acc) + 3(SS) UA[n/a] | KC[58] | [9]+ 14 = 23 [!]

Score Attempt #3

Heinrich receives the Pass — UA[51]

───── Hufflepuff ───── Heinrich: Score CP[52] | UA[10] [autofails]

───── Slytherin ───── Koko Riddle: Lifeguard Duty ‏‏‎ ‎ ‏‏‎ ‎

───────────── Results ─────────────

Immediately upon the blow of the whistle, the players broke apart. Heinrich, relatively new to the team, zipped immediately across teh pitch, bee-lining it for the Slytherin goalposts as though setting himself up for an opportunistic attempt to score. Serena, on the other hand, hung back, eyes peeled for any sign of danger. Conservative, and defensive maneuvers. So what of Thora? Slytherin, it seemed, had no such intention to pull their punches. Without second thought, Thora had removed herself from the quaffle equation, her focus elsewhere.

Only three would fly for the quaffle: Nico and Tyranni representing Slytherin, while Aaron alone championed Hufflepuffs efforts. All of them excellent flyers in their own rights. For one reason or another, however, Tyranni seemed not to be a factor initially. Perhaps her thoughts remained with her god, or a fear had temporarily left her immobile, or something else entirely. Either way, it was Aaron and Nico only who raced against each other for the leather-bound ball. Nico would narrowly prove the victor of that contest, the quaffle being secured in her hands. Perhaps Tyranni's hesitation had proved to be a boon. Not having raced for the quaffle, she was free to speed up the pitch towards the Hufflepuff goalposts. In a flash that almost defied expectation, Nico hurled the quaffle into her waiting hands. The maneuver had been so swift and well executed that even Atlas' excellent Starfish and Stick form was no match. Tyranni threw true, just barely edging the quaffle by. But a goal was a goal and the echoing Dong! followed by the announcement of, "Ten points for Slytherin!" would mark the true start of the game.

The snakes had taken the initial momentum, and it was not an advantage they would relinquish easily. As the players regathered and set up for the next quaffle toss, Tyranni would make up for her previous hesitation. Not to be outdone, Aaron raced hard against her. He had proven himself time and again to be a talented chaser, and this was no exception. Hufflepuff very nearly took possession of the second quaffle toss. Perhaps her god had heard her, however, as Tyranni proved to be the quicker, and Aaron's fingers would just brush teasingly against the leather as it was stolen from his grasp to be taken firmly into hers. Just as the previous time, Tyranni would race down the pitch, once again finding herself facing off against Hufflepuff's talented keeper. This time, however, Atlas was prepared. Tyranni's aim slipped and the attempt to score sailed off course. Atlas easily blocked its path. No points would go to Slytherin this time.

By the third quaffle toss, it seemed Aaron had had enough. Nico, Tyranni, and Aaron would fly for the released ball, the latter two displaying feats of some of their best flying. Aaron would prove the superior in skill, however, finally taking claim of that quaffle for Hufflepuff. It was a well-needed shift for the badgers. Not only had they denied the snakes from taking it for the third time, and thus stealing their momentum, the Slytherin posts were unguarded—Koko's assistance had been needed elsewhere—and already Heinrich waited in their shadows to make the shot. An easy goal to shore up the points. Or so he might have thought. As the quaffle soared from Aaron to Heinrich, something went terribly wrong. Call it nerves as a first year, or an unsettling feeling from Nico in the wake of the events that had transpired in the Great Hall a month prior, or perhaps the fact that a bludger had found itself bee-lining towards him, but Heinrich was not prepared. Although he saw the pass coming, prepared himself, and even spun appropriately to strike at the quaffle with the brush of his broom, perhaps his Finborough Flick could use some polish. Angle completely off, the quaffle sailed harmlessly low of the posts to ding anticlimactically against their supporting post. But with the action transpiring elsewhere, perhaps noone would notice his fumble.

B E A T E R S || B L A T C H E R S

───── Hufflepuff ───── Quinn: Bludger @ Erin UA[15] | CP[65] B[10]+ 10(acc) = 20 [!] Erin: Evade VA[15] | EM[31] E[3]+ 13(eva) = 16 [fail] Dmg: 18(str) x 75(B) x 1.3(GS) = 1755 HP: 1100 - 1755 = 0 [KOB] Erin is caught by Koko ───── Lindsey: Defending Ethen ‏‏‎ ‎ ‏‏‎ ‎ Thora Larkston! Penalty lap! Erin Ryan! Penalty lap!

───── Slytherin ───── Erin: Blatches @ Quinn UA[n/a] | Bl[6]+ 10(acc) = 16 [miss] Quinn: Evade E[12]+ 5(eva) = 17 [!] ───── Cassandra: Bludger @ Heinrich UA[60] |B[2]+ 7(acc) = 9 [!] Heinrich: Evade E[5]+ 1(eva) = 6 [fail] Dmg: 8(str) x 75(B) = 600 Str = 7 x 1.1(OS) = 7.7 rounds to 8 HP: 600 – 600 = 0 [KOB] Heinrich is caught by Serena ───── Thora: Blatches @ Ethen UA[69] | Bl[1]+ 14(acc) = 15 [miss] Lindsey is Defending Lindsey: Evade E[19]+ 7(eva) = 26 [!]

───────────── Results ─────────────

Meanwhile, as the trio of chasers battled for the quaffle, and entirely more brutal war would wage elsewhere on the pitch. With the first quaffle toss, Thora had peeled off from the rest of the chasers. Her direction in the Slytherin strategy had been clear: deal with Ethen. Her attempt to do so, however, would be foiled entirely. Hufflepuff had set Lindsey to defend their prized seeker. Lindsey's sudden appearance would block Thora's line of attack on her target, throwing her off her aim any time she attempted to collide. Miraculously, Lindsey herself also managed to avoid collision. It was enough, however, for the referee to catch on and make note of the rogue attempt.

"Thora Larkston! Penalty lap for attempted blatching!"

She was hardly the only one to attempt to strike so unconventionally at the badgers. In what could perhaps be considered surprising to some, Dan really had seemed to have given Erin free rein. Almost immediately, Quinn and Erin—giant and veela—sized each other up. Despite her pin-point aim and the incredible force she was able to impart into any bludger struck by her bat, Quinn was on another level compared to their peers. A bludger alone—even at Erin's hands—would hardly prove sufficient to fell him. Instead, she charged. After all, the momentum of an iron ball could hardly compare to that of a body that outweighed it several times over. Like a missile, she flew at him. She was sure to hit. It was like striking at the broad side of a barn. Perhaps if she hadn't so openly called him out as her desired target, that might have proved true.

As it was, Quinn's dexterity proved the greater and he was able to evade her attempt. And in return, fired a bludger into her trailing wake. With her momentum as it was, she hardly had enough time to react. She didn't have enough time to react. With his might, the bludger hit home with a sickening thud that left her airborne and windless. Fortunately, Koko had been on the lookout for signs of trouble and had seen it play out. Abandoning her goalposts, she dove for her teammate and was able to land a hand on Erin in the midst of her fall, pulling her safely to her broom before the blonde could be struck out of the game completely. Even still, an attempted blatch was an attempted blatch, and the referee, already on high alert from for such serpentine antics, had caught it.

"Erin Ryan! Penalty lap for attempted blatching!"

Slytherin still wasn't quite down for the count, however. They had one more ace up their sleeves in the form of Cassandra, the second of the Slytherin beaters who had yet to really make a solid name for themself. Not to be discounted in this, however, they had sized up a suitable target in Heinrich. With the boy's distractability, focus on receiving his pass from Aaron, and the fact that he could always be counted on to return to the same spot by the goalposts, he made for an easy option. As soon as Cash got their bat on a bludger, they send it towards him. With a low whistle, it sailed true, striking him painfully just as he was finally able to pull off that Finborough Flick he'd been waiting so patiently to carry out. It was enough to knock the wind from his lungs and his broom from his seat. For a brief while, he'd find himself free-falling, peering down at the ground that was so ready to take his fall. The collision would never come, however, as his co-chaser, Serena, would come tearing after him to his rescue and pull him on to her broom.

S E E K E R S

───── ‏‏‎Hufflepuff ‏‏‎───── Find DC: 15 + 11(LW) + 2(LC) = 28 Ethen: Find KE[66] | SF[2]+ 11(wis) = 10 [fail] Emrys does not find the snitch.

───── Slytherin ───── Find DC: 15 + 11(LW) + 2(LC) = 28 Dan: Find KE[63] | SF[13]+ 11(wis) = 24 [fail] Dan does not find the snitch.

───────────── Results ─────────────

Not an uncommon practice with the growing trend to strike first at an opponent's most fearsome offensive, the seekers were left to their own defences. Still, Slytherin hadn't discounted the wily little badger (Ethen) entirely. Perhaps his cheerful song and the way so many of his teammates had cheered for him at the start of the match that made it worth their while to try to send him tumbling to the frozen ground. With his success in Hufflepuff's last match against Ravenclaw and the hope he seemed to inspire in his comrades, it would surely be a devastating blow to morale if they were able to make quick work of him. Rather than a bludger, however, they sent Thora after him in an attempt to send him flying. Not that he would ever know; she'd been intercepted by Lindsey long before reaching him. Never-the-less, despite a relatively uninterrupted opportunity to hunt with eyes peeled for any sign of gold against the snow-strewn grown, grey skies, and colourful crowds, both Dan and Ethen would find no sign of the snitch. Was this to be the start of another laboriously lengthy match like Slytherin had just suffered against Gryffindor? Only time would tell. Perhaps their luck would turn.

S C O R E B O A R D

SLYTHERIN 10

HUFFLEPUFF 0

Players have until February 17th @ 0800 PST to post

Erin was given permission to strike Quinn down. While she had a powerful arm, she was not capable of taking Quinn down. She only had a single option, it was not a particularly good one but bad ideas were rarely a hindrance for the Slytherin. She would rush Quinn, hoping that the aggressive, brazen foul would be unexpected.

Alas, it was not.

Erin would zoom past Quinn, missing the metaphorical broadside of a barn. Her back to the massive badger, she would feel bone-cracking impact of a bludger between her shoulder blades. Thrust forward, she gripped on the shaft of her broom and tumbled forward violently. A scream of pain, she would not be able to hold on. The wood would slip between her fingers and Erin would begin her descent. The biting cold air would burn her exposed flesh. The ground was getting uncomfortably close. The fall was never the problem, it was always the landing.

There was no mercy in how the world would seem to slow. The anticipation as the mind desperately tries to make time to find an alternative but there was no alternative. She could not defeat gravity.

Erin was not afraid, it was not within her capacity to feel such things. To know the desperation that was necessary to survive. What screams out to her to scratch and claw, to find her grip, a handhold. To try. Erin simply accepted that there would be pain and then darkness.

Yet her fall would be cut short. @Koko Riddle would catch Erin on her broom. "OOF!" All the air escaped from Erin's lungs as the broom saved her from a certain concussion and broken... everything, but knocked the wind from her. A series of wheezing breaths would be heard from Koko's rear as the disoriented fourth year climbed herself into a sitting position on Koko's broom. "Tha-nks..." Erin announced with a harsh, whistling whisper, wincing at the pain in the center of her back. She did not need to save her, it just put a target on Riddle's back having her on the shared broom. The only boon truly was the fact that Erin was out of commission for two rounds, the reduced action economy caused by the foul would plague her team for the next two rounds unless she and Koko were knocked to the ground. But what then? They would be replaced, nothing but cogs in this great machine.

"You need to get me to my broom and then as far away from me as possible before they converge on us," Erin warned.

Action: Fell as a result of Quinn's bludger. Caught by Koko. // Described by moderation. Move: as determined by team.

Stats
Stamina: 8 (+3 silver arrow) = 11
Evasion: 10 (+3 silver arrow) = 13
Strength: 15 (+3 silver arrow) = 18
Wisdom: 3 (+3 silver arrow) = 6
Arcane Power: 3 (+3 silver arrow) = 6
Accuracy: 7 (+3 silver arrow) = 10

Broom: Silver Arrow +3 all stats, twink broom.

Abilities:
Part Veela:
Alluring 10% chance that an attack against her will target an unintended target.
Scream: N/a
Fearless: Immune to fear effects.
Evasive Maneuvers: 10% auto dodge.

As the match got underway, Howard would fall into the routine he had developed when watching from the bench. After the first Quaffle grab his eyes would be glued to his fellow Keeper, Atlas. He studied her movements and techniques, making mental notes of what was successful and what failed so that he might practice them on his own. She was talented in her position and grew stronger with practice. Howard did not seek to replace her, but if she ever went down he wanted to be fully prepared to fill her shoes.

Slytherin would gain possession first and with a quickness they would strike. The Quaffle would shoot just past the gloved fingertips of Atlas as she was mere inches from a save. True to her form she would not be phased by the goal and as Slytherin came back for another attempt she would flawlessly execute the Starfish and Stick formation. BLOCK "Yeah! Nice one Atlas!!" Howard offered words of encouragement. Team Hufflepuff would finally gain the Quaffle as Aaron was successful in his grab. The pass was good, the hoops were wide open!! AIRBALL Heinrich would blow his attempt to score. C'mon man!!" Howard kicked the dirt in frustration, his feelings towards the first year evident in his actions.

Fortunately the Beaters would fly into action and prove a needed distraction. It seemed Slytherin was willing to play dirty as two of their players attempted to blatch right out of the gate. Howard would pump his fist in the air as both attempts ended in failure. "Hell yeah Quinn!!" Their giant co-captain would retaliate with deadly accuracy. With a crack of his bat he would send Erin flying from her broom. Excellent! She would be saved by a teammate but it was nice for team Hufflepuff to establish a presence in the first round. Slytherin wouldn't be the only one to suffer as a blunger would fins Heinrich as well. The little shit. Howard had to try not to cheer as the boy feel from his broom.

All in all, not a bad opener for the Puffs. Two Slytherins now on penalty laps and neither Seeker seemed to find the Snitch. Hopefully their luck would continue into the next round.

Action: Benched.
Stats: STA: 11 | EVA: 6 (+2 = 8 ) | STR: 14 | WIS: 0 | ARCP: 0 | ACC: 15 (+2 = 17)
Abilities: Fangs, Bite & Claw | Martial Artist | Unsettling Aura
Broom: Twigger 90 - In the role of Keeper, if the Keeper effectively blocks an attempt to score rather than obtain possession of the quaffle they can kick the quaffle at the user who attempted to score. This must be declared at the time actions are submitted. This would have damage like a bludger using an accuracy roll to hit and the user's strength score to determine the amount of damage done. If the quaffle hits or misses the target, a quafflegrab the next round would be necessary to determine which team has possession of the quaffle again.

Ami's head snapped towards @Thomas Lestrange as she heard his taunting, and several different scenarios in which his corpse lay on the ground at the end of them ran through her mind. But no, chances were that murder would be heavily penalized during a quidditch match, so the Hufflepuff settled for sticking her tongue out childishly at the Slytherin, before turning her attention back to the players on the field.

Okay, okay. This wasn't bad. Actually, it was pretty good.

Ami really couldn't decide who to keep an eye on, although naturally, she would always keep an eye out for the newer players. @Lindsey Springhall was doing a fantastic job to the co-captain's immense delight, and the excited grin on her face grew as she watched the second year nimbly dart through the air. "Look at her go!" Ami crowed aloud to no one in particular, grinning at her fellow teammates seated with her on the bench. "Not bad at all- GET IT, SPRINGHALL! BODYING THAT, AS PER USUAL!"

@Howard White's frustration at @Heinrich Bezuidenhout's airball was a sentiment that she shared, although she wasn't quite as vocal about it. But... the keeper wasn't even there, he could've just flown up and tossed it through... Maybe it was just first-game nerves, which was more than understandable. Still, Ami made a mental note to emphasize practice on goal-scoring during their next practice... "Shake it off, kid! Next one, next one!" ... or maybe no next one? Ami winced as she watched the boy get knocked off his broom by one of the Slytherin beaters, glancing towards Howard anxiously. "Dear god, we need to give him armor, or something..." she muttered under her breath, nodding with satisfaction as @Serena Bowen swooped in to save the day.

Slytherin, true to their house stereotypes, seemed ready to win at all costs. Ami watched with bated breath as not one, but both attempts to knocked her teammates off their brooms failed, and she heaved a sigh of relief. Even better, @Quinn Healy managed to also knock @Erin Ryan clean off her broom! "YUH, GET IT QUINNIE!" she screamed, pumping her fist in excitement at the success of their captain. "GET THEIR ASSES!"

Not bad, she thought to herself as she kept her eyes trained on her teammates. Not bad at all.

Action: Benched as hell
Stats: Sta: 7 | Eva: 8 [+3 = 11] | Str: 15 | Wis: 6 | Arc P: 3 | Acc: 12 [+3 = 15]
Abilities: Martial Artist, Prodigal Transfig, Spell Spread
Broom: Nimbus 2001

• +3 to two separate stats of choice.
• Counters the ability Foulplay. If a player performs a cheat action you can forgo your action for that round automatically (must state a desire to not do this if you do not want to give up your action) and notice the cheating action performed by a member (or multiple members) of the opposite team.
• +1 critical chance.

Hex Code English Spanish

Interacts With : @Starlee Kennedy (briefly) Mentions : Cade Darkbound, Heinrich Bezuidenhout Serena Bowen and the game in general

Sunday February 7th, 2021 12 noon Brisk, windy and cold

One by one their team mates took upon the sky with their broom and fly around the pitch for their pre-game entrance lap. The purple haired also doing the same thing as it is a tradition pre-game ritual. When they about to passed one of the spectator stands, there was one voice stood out the most amongst the loud cheering from the spectators for today match.

A blonde haired girl in a fit of overexcitement and enthusiasm, stood up and jumped around a bit. "You got this Slytherin! Go Cash!"Yelled the unmistakeable always a sunshine like disposition, one Starlee Kennedy. The young girl excitement is contagious to the green eyes. Cash wondered how Starlee always have that kind of energy.

The young socialite halted their broom for a moment in front Starlee's side of spectators stand. Then they realize Starlee seated next to Cade. Their right hand clutched the shaft of the school issue broom. While their left hand (in close fist because they hold their bat), Cash rise it a bit and give a wave to both of the first year.

"Thank you for your support, guys"Cash said and they let out a little laughter full of glee. After they stated that, Cash then continued to fly around the pitch for their pre-game entrance lap. Once they done it, they took on their position in the sky. The beater slide down their goggles that perched from on top of their head to their eyes.

If the cold biting wind decided to blow, the green eyes did not have to worry about their eyes being dry, itchy and sore.With the new addition equipment that they wore for today match, Cash could focus more into the game. Cash waited for a bit in the sky until the quaffle was released into the air and a sound of sharp whistle blow ringing in the air.

Let's the war begin. Immediately the chasers from both of the teams fight over the quaffle. Cash followed their movement with their eyes until a sound of bell and the announcer voice filled out the air. The announcer exclaimed Slytherin had score their first goal for the match.

"Hell yeah! That's how the game should have started"Cash stated as they made a batting swing motion up in the air with their dominant hand (left) from excitement. Then it is time for them to fly as they chase the ball of iron. When a bludger fly near them, they immediately whacked it with their might. Their bat let out a loud twacked when it impacted with the ball of iron.

The bludger then sailed across the pitch hitting one of the opposing player. When the ball of iron hit the said player, Cash managed to knocked the opposing player down. The small player Heinrich Bezuidenhout then knocked off from his broom and free falling to the ground. Cash now understand why their father loved being a Beater so much when he attended this very school.

The green eyes almost let out a small victory but Cash held their tongue as one of the falling Badger team mate Serena Bowen managed to catch him. "Darn it!"Cash gritted their jaw as they thought they got it in the bag. The second year gripped their bat tighter and ready to launched yet another attack when the time comes.

While Flash would be watching the sky on pins and needles, he was paying little attention to the people who decided to sit beside him on the bench. It would be just his luck that on either side he was beset by unpleasant company. Not that he would be moved to be particularly uncomfortable near either of them, there was a creeping sense of eyes on him that drew his attention back from the field. That, and the voice of Thomas Lestrange calling his name. Looking at the fellow bench warmer in the eyes, he recalled never having been so close to him besides that day. The one were he, inadvertently or not, taunted Varellion into kicking Flash in the face instead of helping to barter peace in the fight club.

It wasn't much of an impression, certainly. And it hadn't helped that Flash had only days earlier had a very illuminating conversation with Erin Ryan about their relationship, as well as his relationship to the hags. Flash's expression when confronted by his presence was a poker face, placid, where he might have otherwise liked to sneer incredulously. His infinite grace in outwardly giving people the benefit of the doubt had him internally wondering what made Thomas think he had any right to address him with such familiarity. He intentionally kept his distance. He intentionally sent at least three others chasing after information on him rather than confronting him himself. He didn't, however, expect Thomas to join the Quidditch team. Would he encourage the opposition's Beaters to send a Bludger his way now?

"Hello, Thomas." Flash's voice was unaffected, his stare unintentionally menacing in its vacantness. "I suppose that goes to show just how little you know about me."

Flash was having trouble scrubbing his language and tone of the bitterness latent in his heart. The truth was, he was very careful about who he let know his personal information. He wanted to well-known, yet remain as unknowable as possible, though the mechanics of that had recently been failing him. As a young child, there was a big difference between knowing how to be a mastermind and actually orchestrating it. His iron grip had become a bit more like a desperate grasp, his followers a bit more like a support group. Frankly, he didn't want to walk on eggshells everywhere, and to always keep his smile perfect. Even if he didn't want to though, he didn't know what he would be doing instead. It was both a burden and a life line.

"You on the other hand are a sports writer and a fan of hockey." Flash continued talking, despite how he should have held his tongue. His heart was becoming louder than his mind these days, much to his vexation.

It had never worked out well for Flash when he proved to know a lot more about others than he knew about them. Thomas likely hadn't even the fainest clue just how deep his well of information went. At least the information he gave was public knowledge, though how much Thomas liked hockey was speculation derived from observation.

Feeling a sense of unease, Flash turned to his other side where Percival Rainwood sat. It had felt like he was being watched, but he couldn't quite confirm it. As a dorm mate of his, they rarely spoke to one another, especially since Flash spent as little time in his dorm as possible. Did he have a reason to be watching Flash? He sincerely hoped not, that entire lot was nothing but a headache. To be quite honest, he didn't even realize Percival was on the team. At least it wasn't the other Percival.

Flash's unease and stress mounted further as the game began, with a perspective on the flight he had never had before. From the bench, the players all felt so near, the field so small. Darkness felt like it encroached on his vision as his attention narrowed. He of course knew the gist of Dan's plan, there had been talk in the locker room about the game beforehand, but pulling it off correctly was another matter completely. No matter how well plans were laid, most of them were still lanky teenagers with newly burgeoning coordination and skill.

Even the arguably most talented among them, Miss Erin herself, flew just shy of what could have been a game-changing blatch at the start of the match. Flash couldn't resist a reflexive sharp inhale and grimace. It was only made worse when Thora's blatch on Ethen also went awry. Unlike his normally demure behavior, he became very animated when watching sports. Before, that was relegated to the stands, normally beside another fellow fan. Now, he felt particularly alone. Not exactly the welcoming feeling of teamwork and camaraderie he was eager for.

With Erin on Koko's broom, this first round was practically devesating for the Slytherin team. No one would want to start out the second round with only four players left on the field, but at least they had a minor points advantage. He huffed to himself quietly, a sick feeling in his chest waiting for something to make this nerve-wracking game better.

Action: Benched and bitter