Trial by Fear Main Story Event

Interacting with (mainly): @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood

If there is nothing suspicious with the torches (the most likely course of action)

If there is something about the torches:

Entering the arena

Actions:
Casting Revelio on his torch.

Abilities:
Evasive Maneuvers
Monster Hunter (non-human enthusiast)

Stats:
Stamina: 7
Evasion: 9
Strength: 3
Wisdom: 8
Arc Power: 6
Accuracy: 8
Total: 41

Inventory:
-Locksmith's knife
-Small book/journal kept in robes. Hidden in inner pocket of robes.
-Roll of wizard tight. Hidden in other inner pocket
- Cherry Wood wand

Elena frowned as she held the parchment up to the torchlight wondering if this was some sort of prank or something? Trial? Her? What great deed had she done in the month of March that had justified for the supposed writer of this letter to single her out? The brunette supposed she had been a bit more academically focused this month but that was something that should hardly take anyone by surprise given the sheer amount of assignments they were bombared with daily. Running a hand through her hair, she tilted her head upwards to look at the brown owl who seemed more intent on nibbling on the treats Elena had been feeding him. "What do you think, Flutters?" The only response she got was the crunching of nuts as the owl ground them with his beak as the Gryffindor sighed. "You're no help, birdbrain." Still, the girl supposed it wouldn't hurt to try, after all, it had to be something important if they were actively seeking her out.

It didn't take long as she stuffed her wand into her robes before glancing around the dormitory one last time. "Try not to leave a mess." She added as an afterthought to Flutters shaking her head as she made her way down to the ground floor wondering just what in the name of Godric was going to happen this time. The sound of trials didn't sound very warm and welcoming to her and if anything, it was only setting off alarm bells in her head. The trek down to the pitch was a relatively short one having memorized the way there by now and the first thing that caught her attention were the colored torches. Right, red, she was looking for red. There were quite a lot of them though so that led Elena to the conclusion there must be a lot of her own house-mates here too as the girl stepped up picking one of the red-colored torches giving it a wary look. She was half-expecting it to turn into a niffler or something, she did not like how the letter had indicated it was essential they bring their wands with them. Something was brewing her as the third-year clambered onto the stage that had been set nodding a greeting to the other students that had presumbaly also been summoned here. "Hey, guys."

All of them crammed together in one space with torches and their wands. Elena had a fleeting thought for a second that maybe they were destined to duel each other or something but quickly shook the thought from her head. Honestly, her curisoity was egging her on more than her wariness as she glanced around taking in her surrounding as if hoping it would give her any clues as if to what was about to happen or they could least get some sense of direction on why exactly all of them had been told to assemble here. There was no professor, no symbol of authority here and that only peaked her interest more. Whoever this was, they knew her name, what house she was in and where to reach her, it had to be someone here or at least someone she knew in some regard. Elena didn't know if she liked that or not but for now, the Gryffindor decided to get settled in and wait to see just how exactly things would pan out from here.

Merlin, what have I gotten myself into this time? The already memorized letter of invitation was held in Katrina’s slightly trembling hands. The fateful Quidditch Pitch seemed to loom in the short distance from where she stood, both whispering promises of excitement and adventure while simultaneously warning the Third Year that danger lay within. Katrina watched silently from under a tree that had the view of the Pitch as well as the line of students streaming in. One by one, the colored lit torches that lead their way to the entrance bobbed into the uncertainty that led to the Pitch. There was still a red flamed torch, one that Katrina knew was hers if she chose to enter. But there was so much uncertainty and she had yet to make up her mind.

At first, Katrina thought it was a joke of some kind, a set up by the few students that Katrina knew didn’t like her for one reason or a sinister thing of some kind like her kidnapping despite the announcement from the return of break. But it turned out there were others that had received the letter, from murmurings around the castle no one seemed to question. The castle seemed abuzz with the news. What would happen? It was sure to be exciting for the spectators. She wished she could just spectate. But there was the small infinitely stubborn part of the Third Year that wouldn’t let her watch from the sidelines.

Katrina crammed the letter in her pocket, and with it all of the anxiousness, paranoia, and uncertainty. She took a readying breath, deep inhale, slow exhale, and closed her eyes for a moment. When her eyes fluttered open, they were steeled, and she began confidently striding towards what she had heard murmured as the ‘Trail by Fear’. She wiped away her emotions, leaving behind the stubborn and frighteningly confidant façade she’d kept during dueling and in the few moments where it had been up to her to protect. Her mind had been made.

Katrina was clad in an outfit that she was a touch excited to finally have the opportunity to wear. On the bottom she had thick black leggings that allowed for plenty range of movement while also hopefully protecting her from minor scratches from plants or from tripping and falling and some black faux leather boots that had a surprising amount of traction. On the top she had a light grey sweater that covered her entire arm with a cute darker grey dress on top. The outfit was all muted colors so her orange-red hair with the characteristic teal streak was even more vibrant and obvious. The dress had a subtle pocket built into the folds by her hip just as Katrina had requested from her guardians, built to perfectly fit her chestnut wand, the whole reason Katrina was excited in about the outfit in the first place.

Katrina had reached the entrance to the Pitch and stood with one hand one the red lit lantern, eyes looking up. She gave it a strong yank and it slid out of the warm earth with a fair bit of ease. Katrina ignored everything else as she entered the Pitch. The Pitch she had repeatedly failed at flying. The Pitch where she had been attacked by mosps. The Pitch that she never voluntarily entered besides one occasion. With clenched teeth, Katrina braced herself for whatever was next to come.

Katrina was beckoned by someone who seemed to hold a bit of authority and she followed. Katrina refused to ogle at the mass amounts of people who seemed to be tracking her every movement. She was led onto a wooden stage and was surrounded by the other contestants… participants… whatever their name was. With one hand still carrying the red lighted torch and the other holding up the torch bearing arm Katrina prepared herself for the supposed trails that lie ahead.

She took a moment to acquaint herself with the people around her. She had already heard their names at the first announcement of this whole event but she’d been too freaked out then to correctly recall the others in the first place.

Katrina spotted Piérre first, and was slightly put at ease, at least there was someone here she knew and could probably trust. She took an absentminded step towards him. He was a fairly close friend and at this point they had both saved each other’s lives. Then Katrina spotted Henry and gave him a short nod, an acknowledgement more than anything. Like Piérre, Katrina was pretty sure she could trust Henry.

Then there was another Gryffindor, Scarlett, if Katrina remembered correctly. Katrina also didn’t know too much about her but she seemed to be playing the crowd rather well. If Katrina remembered her from the train crash correctly she seemed to do fairly well in high intensity which is likely what they would be up against.

Then there was one of the headliner girls [Dealla], the goth-esque girl from the train crash [Xailah], the girl from the end of last year [Elena], and a girl she didn’t recognize [Aida], a guy she didn't recognize [Alexander], Rose, and Alan, all of which Katrina wasn’t sure would be good allies or not simply because she either didn’t know them too well or hadn’t seen them in action, but they weren’t immediate threats either.

Lastly, there was a boy [Nicholas], he seemed young, but Katrina didn’t recognize him in the slightest. He seemed to be full to the brim of rage, looked about ready to tear Katrina to pieces without a second thought. Katrina decided then that if they needed to be in groups she would probably not trust him to be in hers.

Overall, Katrina knew she would stand by Piérre and Henry if all went to flames like she so figured it would. The majority of the rest seemed like they would be averagely dependable. Then the ball of rage was the only one Katrina was wary of at the moment. Overall, seeing the other contestants in person had put her slightly more at ease. It was an assortment of students and if she were to meet their gaze she would give a dip of her head in acknowledgment. She was unsure what was to come, but she knew that it would probably not be a great idea to get started on the wrong foot.

From the audience, Katrina would likely not stand out too much besides her vibrant hair with it’s characteristic teal streak. She took the appearance of someone simply calculating, taking note of her surroundings, not up to much as of yet. Her eyes would scan the crowds several times, never able to make out faces enough to make eye contact.

Katrina wasn’t sure for what, but she was ready.

TLTR; Enter pitch, take note of other participants, be angsty

For Moderation:

Reducio

Action: Enter Pitch, Look Around

Inventory: Wand

Abilities: Perfectionist [Crit-Fail Zone reduced by 1] | Healing Sage [+25% on all magical healing] | Charmer [-1 acc for all opponents]

Stats: Stamina 9 | Evasion 8 | Strength 3 | Wisdom 11 | Arcane Power 9 | Accuracy 6

Interacting With: N/A

Mentioning: All The Other Contestants
@Dealla Prince, @Scarlett Aden, @Rose Moon, @Elena Jangleton, @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood, @Henry Knight, @Alexander Varellion, @Alan Vanes, @Xailah Alptraum, @Nicholas McCowan, @Piérre Marchonné

Open to Interactions: Please do!

Mentioning: @Alexander Varellion, @Dealla Prince, @Kazuo Shimada, @Scarlett Aden, @Rose Moon, @Elena Jangleton, @Henry Knight, @Alan Vanes, @Xailah Alptraum, @Nicholas McCowan, @Piérre Marchonné, @Katrina Walker, @Ileen Knight

Abilities: Blindvision, Sixth Sense
Character Stats (41 total):
Stamina✵ 4, Evasion✵ 6, Strength✵ 1, Wisdom✵ 10, Arcane Power✵ 10, Accuracy✵ 10
Inventory: the pocket knife that appears in all Aida's main story threads, her black Mayhaw wand
Free Action: Greeting the others, glaring at Shimada.
Action: Inspecting the tents/their immediate surroundings for anything unusual or telltale.

Mentioning all other trialists: @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood, @Henry Knight, @Piérre Marchonné, @Scarlett Aden, @Dealla Prince, @Alan Vanes, @Xailah Alpatrum, @Rose Moon, @Alexander Varellion, @Elena Jangleton & @Katrina Walker and mentioning @Thomas LeStrange & @Kit Paine.

Nicholas answered the pale girl’s wave with an awkward half-nod, she had been the first to arrive and he the second, but he had been so caught up in his own internal struggle for control over his faculties that he had failed to properly introduce himself. He felt as if he should be more upset with that fact than he was, it had been a failing on his part, but instead he only found himself sinking further into his own thoughts. Still, he managed to loosen his face for but a moment, so that at least his greeting appeared genuine. Yet not a second later, his frown returned, his burrow deepening and creasing as he continued to think over what lay ahead.

Such was his visage as the rest of the competitors arrived, a motley crew of students, all older than him, and many a great deal taller. He did wish that he recognised them better than he did, a few of the Gryffindors had faces that he could place, he’d caught glimpses of them in passing throughout the hallways and in the common room, although he had failed to ever properly learn their names. But, he supposed there would be time for that during the trial.

Surprisingly, however, it was the older Slytherin boy, with his small smile that cooled Nicholas’s head somewhat. That moment broaching his fear and anger and allowing a modicum of rust against the steel cage that had become his mind. His face once again lightened, his internal rage cooling from a blizzard to a howling gale, icy but controllable. Thus, Nicholas was able to look at the other students as they arrived, gathering his bearings as to who was who.

The younger boy stood back from the other students, many of whom had taken to speaking amongst themselves, openly questioning what the trials to come would entail. Still, that did not mean that he was not examining them, trying to garner any sort of information from his upperclassmen, or at least trying to piece together who they may be. There was the aforementioned pale girl and the Slytherin boy. They had since been joined by the Gryffindor keeper and one of the beaters, as well as an older Ravenclaw girl who Nicholas did not recognise, although she quickly joined her housemate upon the podium. Two Gryffindor prefects followed soon after, Alan and Xailah, at least the first year knew those names from passing reference. The red-headed Gryffindor girl and blonde-haired Slytherin boy, both presumably second years, who followed were also unknown to Nicholas, and he began to question just how out of his depth he was once more. Many of the students were conversing, obviously familiar with one another, easy allies in the trials to come. The last two students to arrive were also Gryffindors, older girls who Nicholas unfortunately had not had the pleasure of meeting, although the girl with the teal-streaked hair appeared cold, at least in the way that she looked over the first year. Was that disdain that he sensed? Even as ridiculous a thought that it may have been, his already on-edge emotional state flared, and he found his darkened fury beginning to once again take hold.

The frown that plastered Nicholas’s face only deepened as he took stock of the situation, the caretaker and prefect running the trials would no doubt explain what was to befall the students. However, the fear of the unknown kept at bay only by the purposeful stoking of the flames of rage tugged at the boy’s soul near-constantly.

Slowly, he became vaguely aware that the spectator stand was beginning to fill, but he paid it no mind, his thoughts and eyes only daring to move between his fellow spectators and the two that seemed to have gathered them there that evening. Yet, even with the latter he maintained a degree of cautious separation, only stepping forward a few moments after the last of the students arrived. His posture remained stiff, his eyes unwilling to make eye contact lest his inner thoughts be betrayed. Not even a word escaped from his lips, only the muffled sound of clenched teeth as his nerves forced him to clench his jaw shut as if a vice had replaced the lower half of his skull.

For better or for worse, he was prepared for the Trial by Fear.

Stats: STA: 7 | EVA: 6 | STR: 8 | WIS: 6 | ARC: 4 | ACC: 4
Abilities: Foulplay
Action: General interaction with the other trialists
Open to Interactions

Yes, this was just an excuse post to react to everyone's arrivals... But with patented first year nervousness!

Open To Interactions
Interacting: @Nicholas McCowan | @Scarlett Aden | @Rose Moon | @Katrina Walker | @Piérre Marchonné | @Elena Jangleton
Mentioning: @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood | @Dealla Prince | @Alexander Varellion | @Xailah Alpatrum | @Alan Vanes | Tiger | @Kit Paine
Languages: _{English | French | Italian | Arabic | Russian}
Outfit
OOC Note: This is for the sole purpose of Henry interacting with the other trialists

Henry's POV

Bloody Hell, what did I get myself into?Was my first thought when I decided to follow the strange letter and go to the quidditch pitch for the Trial by fear event but now standing at the pitch watching eleven others show up. I'm doubting my skills even more, why was I invited? What did I show in March that proved that I could be here? House points? That's only because I did the homework and perhaps a little extra but being a nerd doesn't mean that I'm qualified for something like this...

I stood near the back of the stage holding the torch that burned with green flames as I waited for others to arrive. A part of me was examining each, seeing who I can form alliances with during the trial of Fear. Who I already knew or can trust during this event because no one really know what might happen during it and isn't it better to go at something together, in a group then alone?

The first person I would see would be a unusually pale girl holding a torch that burned bright blue, even through she was extremely pale she also was quite beautiful... uh anyway I'm pretty sure I remembered seeing her on the ravenclaw dueling team so she's dueler, which explains why she deserves to be here. I would offer the girl a small smile before brushing my hair back... I'm nervous.... I'm definitely nervous...

The next is the first year Gryffindor boy that would return my smile, if he was a first year then he probably wouldn't know many here and could possibly be a good alliance....

I would mouth 'Hey' to the first year gryffindor boy with a small smile.... alright that was stupid? I probably look like a idiot... probably most likely... please someone else come... someone... anyone... actually not anyone but still...

Another Gryffindor? Wait I know him... uh.. Piérre! Thank Merlin someone I know...

I would offer Piérre a smile and small nod as I replied" Hey Piérre, yeah it is a nice night," Piérre Marchonné; gryffindor quidditch player and definitely trustworthy... so a first alliance already? Another gryffindor how unsuspected... wait that voice? Is that?

Scarlett! Thank bloody merlin! A friend.. someone I know I can trust, alright so perhaps this isn't that bad... I still don't belong here but sure let's go with that...

I would give a smile and small nod to Scarlett while I spoke to both gryffindor's, " my best guess is this is a series of tests maybe design to test our wits, courage, and inner strength?" Not the best guess but it's good enough especially with two people who I know that I can trust that are here.

The second ravenclaw is here and it's the ravenclaw dueling captain? Okay so a dueling captain... makes sense one would be invited but wait did she just look at me weirdly... what's wrong with her?

Hold that thought is that the gryffindor prefect with a cat? I figured a prefect would be invited but he brought his cat? Why... no one knows what this Trial Of Fear is and there's a increase chance that someone can get injured or... worse... hopefully not... but still why would someone risk the life of their cat?

Should I say something or stay silent? Staying silent seems like the save bet... alright so that's 3... wait no 4 gryffindor's with another showing up who wait a minute aren't they another gryffindor prefect? Okay... odd... 2 gryffindor prefects but no hufflepuff's?

Maybe this is a trick or some type of trap... or perhaps the hufflepuff's help set it up? Wait none of those explain why there are no hufflepuff's here and eight gryffindor torches... it's odd or strange actually... should I bring it up? Maybe I shouldn't... I need to keep alliances and not lose them... alright so far my alliances are; Scarlett, Piérre, and Possibly the first year gryffindor boy... 3 amazing... well it's better than none since I'm certain alone I will die or fail... or...

Ah! what was that?

I didn't jump or flinch or anything just taken by surprise at the sound of a new voice right next to me. I would turn my head a little and see a head of red hair pair with green eyes almost matching the color of my torch.

Rose Moon! Thank Merlin another close friend! And alliance! So perhaps I'm not totally dead after all...

"Hey," I replied softly back to the girl with a smile... I was happy to see her, I trusted her and she was a brilliant witch so... anyway now I have around 4 alliances... 4 isn't bad right? Right?

The other Slytherin would arrive and wait isn't he on the dueling team with me? But his name... what is his name? I would offer him a smile while still thinking of his name... Alan... no uh alec? No... Allyson? No.. definitely not... Alexia? No... Alex... Alexander yes...

Wait is that another gryffindor? How long have I been trying to guess his name... anyway I know her right? From a club meeting or Gia's birthday? Elena right? Another alliance okay.... good good..

I would give Elena a smile with a small nod but remain in the back of the stage next to Rose for the time being... it seems like the most comforting spot...

2 Slytherin's, 2 Ravenclaw's, and 7 Gryffindor's... 1 left wait there she is?

Katrina? Another person I know and trust like I do Scarlett, Rose, or Piérre. Alright so at least I know I have alliances and others I can trust that's good.

I would remain next to Rose but give Katrina a smile and softly speak to her,
" Hey," now that I know I have alliances I can focus on the biggest part... what this Trail of Fear is.... The slytherin prefect and caretaker put this on but what can that ready tell us? Isn't the caretaker that tall, odd guy.. uh Kit something? Is it just me or does he seem like he's hiding something?

Uh anyway what is this trial of fear is... Spectators? Really? Its bad enough that eleven others get to see me fail but more also? Bloody hell.. I don't know if I'm happy to see @Paige Grant in the stands or not? On one hand I'm happy to have a friend watching but the other hand I can fail and make a embarrassment of myself...

Just stay calm... how exactly? When I know that I shouldn't be here or don't belong here it's kind of hard to stay calm?

Wait is that @Santario Martin? The co captain for the dueling team... she's probably here for someone else but... maybe remember what she told me last practice? Tell the void off? It could work... hopefully it does...

Anyway I would focus on the slytherin prefect or caretaker when they would explain the Trial Of Fear, but going back over the rest of the twelve here in my mind.

Katrina Walker - third year gryffindor dueler. Knows plenty of spells and been through different things at the school already, definitely deserves to be here.

Piérre Marchonné - second year gryffindor quidditch player. Has good strategy and teamwork abilities from quidditch, inner strength is definitely something he has and again deserves to be here.

Scarlett Aden - second year gryffindor quidditch players, inner strength is definitely something that the girl has. Seems fearless and rather good leadership qualities again she deserves to be here.

Alan Vanes - fourth year gryffindor prefect and dueling co captain. Brought a cat to a series of possibility dangerous events but still has leadership qualities, probably knows plenty of spells and yep... deserves to be here.

Xailah Alpatrum - fourth year gryffindor prefect, probably knows plenty of spells and seems to keep to themselves? Still deserves to be here.

Elena Jangleton - third year gryffindor, knows plenty of spells probably and seems like one to do well here and yeah deserves to be here...

Rose Moon - second year gryffindor dueler,
excellent social or peacemaker skills? Uh.. but still deserves to be here....

Nicholas McCowan - first name gryffindor, name unknown but if he made it here as the only first year then he again deserves to be here.

Alexander Varellion - second year slytherin dueler. Won his first duel but lost his second still he knows strategy and seems to have inner strength or courage so he deserves to be here.

Dealla Prince - ravenclaw dueling captain, probably knows strategy and seems like the type to fight to win... deserves to be here...

Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood - second year ravenclaw dueler, seems like the type to not back down from a challenge or like they have courage or inner strength. Definitely deserves to be here.

So why I'm I here?

Arriving first was @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood. Hailing from Scotland in her second year at the castle, and one of a handful of duelists selected to participate this evening. In the midst of some blend of dissociative amnesia, values dissipating over time. The process of losing who she was has initiated her hunt to recover something intangible, a unique power that transcends material wealth or possessions---her memories.

Few shared her distinctive complexion, contrasted by her sharp violet-blue eyes, illuminating from the torch with blue flames in her grasp. A smile formed, denoting the girl was pleased to be here. Perhaps standing in a better position than her peers, well-versed in the expansive capacity of a hag’s magic, having endured an onslaught from a band of hag dolls in the Forbidden Forest. Though for all her hardships, the constant was Aida’s perseverance, displaying a strong work-ethic that led her here today.

To follow was the first of many lions, donning a red torch. Hailing from Ireland, @Nicholas McCowan was the trial’s token first year, not containing the spellcasting depth of his fellow participants. Or the experience that simply comes with time accumulated as a Hogwarts student, which solidified the boy’s status as an underdog.

Nicholas could give himself an advantage if he chose to let these negative odds fuel an unforgiving mindset. With a strong ethic that places him among the month’s elite, Nicholas seemingly lived in the classroom. Displaying a tireless pursuit to achieve, ingrained in his persona. Perhaps the biggest question for Nicholas this evening was, when he fails...how was going to deal with it?

Few areas of this castle escaped the steps of our next participant. Hailing from Liverpool was @Henry Knight, the first of two snakes to arrive, a torch with green flames in hand. Well traveled, conceivably on his way to a socialite status, having been a figure in a handful of clubs and his house’s dueling team. Well acquainted with many that would join him in these trials, utilizing his alliances may prove to be a worthy card to play, subduing the sporadic twinges of doubt he exhibits as he took the stage.

Our second Lion followed, an orphan from Italy with some British spice developed from revolving doors of residence over his short time on this planet. @Piérre Marchonné next on the scene, well acquainted with the infamous trio that witnessed the death of a ministry official. Having taken Marion Davenport to the Masquerade Ball last Fall, a night that ended with her dubious fall from atop Pierre’s broom.

Additionally a victim of his own mind, given his recent diagnosis as a paranoid schizophrenic. Not even a year removed from this development, Pierre still faced the challenges of coping with his condition. These trials were intended to test the mentality of each participant, and the largest obstacle Pierre would face was himself.

Next up, of British descent with dark red locks and a name to match the color of flames on her torch, @Scarlett Aden had arrived with a rather confident strut. A demeanor that exemplified the spirit of a Gryffindor. Possibly riding high after another quidditch victory for her house, or her somewhat recent acceptance onto the school’s headliner. Extracurricular successes aside, her confidence was warranted merely for being one of two students to surpass the century mark in house points for March.

Though when the mind is conditioned to expect the riches that come with success, the blows of humility are a dangerous animal for those unequipped to deal with failure. The question for Miss Aden would be how many hits can her pride take before it’s left shattered on this pitch in ruin?

The Gryffindor would be the first to pose a question in the direction of Lestrange and Mr.Paine. Thomas caught the girl’s words over the ascending volume of growing spectators. His blue eyes would flicker to her with no change of expression, just a stoic nod in unison with his response. “Soon enough.” Her answers would arrive when the others do.

Next on the docket, the other to surpass the century mark in house points formulaically belonged to Ravenclaw. @Dealla Prince arrived, the second of two Ravens tasked to represent the house most commonly associated with knowledge. She was not on good terms with Lestrange, made evident with a disdainful glare in his direction. But then again, who was?

Her steady rise has likely caught the eyes of many, already established as a firm leader of Ravenclaw with a prefect badge and dueling captaincy under her belt. Would this flourishing arc continue to rise, or would tonight be the night it all comes crashing down?

Another prefect trailed her footsteps, one of the eldest students to appear in the trials and a consistently endearing presence to those that know him well. Oh and yes, yet another Gryffindor. @Alan Vanes of England joined the other five participants with his beloved Tiger trailing behind. Perhaps an opportunity for the boy to redeem his choices at this setting almost a year ago, when he chose to protect a hostile mosp in the changing rooms. Alan’s copious amount of compassion and gentle demeanor may provide a spark for the younger students, allowing them to breathe easier.

To upset the string of Lions with reddish manes, enter @Xailah Alptraum. Third consecutive prefect to arrive, also equipped with a red torch as several before and after her would be. One of the longest tenured and most respected prefects to date, residing in London. Displaying a distinctive set of features that resembled a feline, the result of an unfortunate attempt at transformation by her mother during pregnancy. Further demonstration of a seasoned veteran was her decision to scope out the evening from the sky. Even when arrangements are not riddled with treachery, they have a way of reaching this status through idiocy.

Another in this long line of Gryffindors was @Rose Moon, hailing from England and an active member of the Lions’ dueling squad. The importance of preparation was not lost on her, reddish locks braided safely behind her head. Her demeanor revealed hints of distaste for the public stage she would join this evening, but the familiarity with some of her peers left her calmly engaging Henry Knight.

One of the castle’s most mysterious, his past intertwined with Aida’s and it would appear fate linked them together on yet another occasion. Coming from the Netherlands, @Alexander Varellion was the type of participant built for these trials. The skill of critical thinking would prove the most valuable tool to be used here. Wasting no time to display skepticism, though his cast of revelio at the torch would yield nothing significant.

Our 7th Lion to appear, @Elena Jangleton of London.She retrieved her torch like the rest, mostly neutral in her demeanor. Though as she joined the rest she chose not to engage her peers like many before her. Carefully observing the surrounding environment. To the rear of the stage, a sight currently hidden to the audience, she would be able to make her own assumptions on what’s to come. Three painted circles in the pitch, each of different size. One with a wooden platform at its center. The second with two chairs, and a table at its side. The third, a standard sized tent, opening flaps delicately fluttering in the wind.

Last but certainly not least, yet another Gryffindor hailing from England. @Katrina Walker approached to take the final of twelve torches. Like many before her, she shared the sentiments that came with an ominous invitation. Yet, like them, she chose to be here nonetheless. She entered with a confident strut that you’d expect from a capable spellcaster on the Gryffindor dueling team. In her observation, she would have the same findings as Elena.

Mod Notes:
- This is the beginning of the first stage. You get two actions to retrieve the token from the fire platform. Movements or picking up the token does not count as an action, only spells.
-The participants will do this trial individually, but you do not have to post in any set order.
- Please have your post submitted by Thursday, April 22nd at 1100CST.
- If you have any questions, direct them to Thomas Lestrange or Kit Paine.

@Pericles Dralt

As each person came into the frame, Piérre tried his best to recall if he knew any of them. There was Scarlett! She was a great beater, and she had been on a roll during the recent Gryffindor Ravenclaw game alongside Gris. Unfortunately, Piérre had never really gotten to know her, but she seemed to be nice enough. Then again, the Britalian had an unfortunate habit of assuming that everyone was a blank canvas to immediately get to know and appreciate, something that would have to change someday or would, if left unchecked, result in an untimely demise.

The same went for everyone else who came, whether Piérre recognized them or not; A blonde Slytherin boy with a ponytail like Piérre’s own, Alan, Katrina, another pair of redhead Gryffindor girls, and a blue-torched Ravenclaw girl. Everyone here seemed to be a good crowd [I’m excluding Xai because I don’t know if Piérre sees her or not, but he’s pretty fond of her as well even if she doesn’t put up with his shenanigans well]. A group of people who at least looked capable enough to pull off whatever it was that they were going to be doing.

Scanning the audience who was watching them for anyone that the boy recognized, Piérre would not be able to make out much in the relative dark and the distance, though he did have a good sense of where to look when something glittered just the right way. Though he would not be able to see it himself, Pericles had been able to pick up Figaro with ease, the kitten seeming used to being cradled like a human child due to some antics from his owner. If anything, the kitten quite enjoyed the attention, purring loudly and closing its eyes in bliss. But, from where Piérre was standing right now, he wasn’t gaining much crowd favoritism. That, of course, was to be expected. Piérre neither wanted nor desired that attention. The best he could be right now was another face in the crowd. Even by being a player of Quidditch and now furthermore participating in this event was getting his name more and more recognized.

It was attention that Piérre didn’t need, for though he was clown and jesture, what good is a fool if his face is not masqued? A fool is only as good as the stories he tells, the inspiration he gives to others. He does not parade without some semblance of hidden visage, his outward colors a distraction from the person held in its core. A person, it seemed, who was constantly changing, adapting for the environment at hand.

The platform started to move, and Piérre had to throw his arms out for a second to maintain his standing, an unintentional movement which came from being jostled by people in crowds or by readjusting to a loss in balance during Quidditch. Despite himself, the Britalian let a small “Ahhh...” escape him. This was like the Hunger Games!

Hopefully you won’t all be killing each other.

“You know how these things are. We won’t intend to, but we most definitely may end up doing it anyways out of pettiness...” Piérre murmured to himself, his eyes still flicking about the area and taking in the sights and sounds of the brand new light show.

The taller man, Kit, introduced all of them, and Piérre was once again reminded how he managed to secure his position here by just a thread. The kid was used to doing the bare minimum, taking things in his own time, letting the world revolve around him instead of attempting to keep up with the world which he had chased after for too long, shaken deeply from event after unfortunate event. They said that smoothest stone was shaped by the river, and it was only five, the smoothest of thousands of stones that David used to kill the Giant Goliath. Good things came with patience, a virtue that the boy was trying to learn with little success.

It was the mention of fire which caused Piérre’s fingers to trail briefly to the phial filled with water. Though it served little to no purpose save for comfort, Piérre couldn’t help but just remember all the times that fire tended to be a common, reoccurring theme, almost like a cliché that was used waaaaaaay too frequently in a repetitive or redundant book. The same plot twists lost interest over time, yet would somehow managed to evoke a thrill from some people if they really wanted it too. Unfortunately, Piérre was not one for plot twists. He tended to be the plot twist.

“Ooooooo.... more fire. That’s the only way you solve a problem involving fire here.” He whispered to the person next to him. He nodded his head briskly, almost as if he were trying to be genuine in his beliefs. “I’ll be the man getting shot out of the flaming cannon across a lake of ravenous crocodiles, okay? Seems safe to me!” A tiny snicker, and the tension left the boy once again, reducing him to simply bouncing up and down on his toes, listening to the rules intently. Something about tokens, possibilities of bonus tokens... Were they supposed to be collecting tokens or avoiding them? No cheating, only wands.

Well, again Piérre would like to mention to himself; Safe rather than dead, especially when the boy had a bad habit of not being safe and instead finding himself the epicenter of chaos incarnate, having offered a hand in the chaos on occasion. His life was tumultuous, but he had let the chaos guide him. It was that sort of spontaneity, a harlequin’s instinct, which had seen the farceable boy through.

Dashing to his position, the red flame streaming out behind him (if it hadn’t extinguished from the sprint), Piérre planted the torch in the ground in the circle with his name, turning back to listen to the instruction with great intrigue, watching the the location that they needed to approach in order to further their trial participation. It looked easy... simple, even. Walk into the circle, grab the token from the table, and return. But, of course, nothing was that easy. Nothing was taken for granted.

When the first person stepped in, the table burst into flames, causing Piérre’s green eyes to light with orange reflections. So many things related to fire in his life. His first Magic had resulted in the burning of his first childhood home, a destruction. There had been a fire at the location of the crash which had claimed his first foster parents’ lives, a tragedy. There had been fires at three out of three events that Piérre had found himself in at this school, a mystery. Fire was something which enchanted and captivated the boy, both simultaneously attracting and pushing him away. Certainly this trial was intended to represent a common danger; the student population and how to save an object from the flames. Stability Roll (d5): -3

It wasn’t something that the boy like to think about. It was something that had a tendency to scare and shake his core. A second, a moment where the boy looked frozen, seemingly unresponsive for a moment before he shook his head, watching the proceedings a bit more. Get the token in two minutes, and a bonus one if you get it in one. Seemed like fair game.

Nodding to himself as he thought through possible ways of approaching the situation, Piérre finally willed himself to try his hand at the orange fire. Like a few others before him, the table was flameless, but the second the boy stepped into the ring, it burst into flame, wreathing the prize in orange, gold, and red.

Just grab the coin.

I plan on it.

After circling the table once, Piérre considered his options. The first was the nature of the table. Was it magical? The nature of the flames. Were they magical? Was it simply the ring that he had walked into that was magical? All three options were viable, and while it was most likely that it was the latter which was true, the boy was trying to rationalize his thoughts for in case at least two of his initial thoughts were true instead. He decided to go with the assumption that all three, four if you included the token itself, were a part of the magic.

There were two ways to do this. Extinguo seemed the most viable option; extinguish the flames, grab the shiny. But then why were the children give two rounds to attempt the cast if there wasn’t another catch? Extinguo was an easy cast for most unless there was a huge failure on behalf of the caster. No. Piérre decided that perhaps a bit irrationally was the best way to pursue this.

The white polished yew of his wand looked almost beige in the light, but the wand was held securely in his left hand. Was magic really even needed for this? Unless he needed to use magic and couldn’t really utilize a more Muggle approach to things, especially if the token was magical itself...

Grrrrr... this was infuriating! Piérre hated overthinking things.

Debating a bit longer, an option revealed itself. This seemed to him one of the best ways to go about this trial, and it still incorporated an unconventional Wizard approach of a Muggle ‘table-trick’. “Diffindo!” he called, pointing at the table’s front two legs. Hopefully the table would be sliced neatly so the token would tumble down to be quickly snatched up by the boy.

Edit for 2nd action, since others are incorporating both actions in one post:

Edit edit: Clarification made a day prior, I am rewriting this for continuity.

(If first action was failure:)
Well, that hadn’t exactly worked out well. The token was still safely encircled in flames.

No more mister nice Piérre. He wanted to at least get one point on the board, even if he couldn’t get two. His second thought flitted to his mind, and then, nodding slowly, Piérre attempted a second cast. “Bullarum Immortalum!” Pointing at his own hands, Piérre cast the in breaking bubble charm. These things were impregnable to most physical messing with, so why wouldn’t they be able to withstand flame?

If even this cast did not work out, Piérre’s desire to succeed burned stronger than his desire for safety. This was why the nurse was there after all. Piérre’s left hand trailed to his mouth for a moment, wetting the tips of his fingers. In an instant, the same small hand, whose palms were covered with thin white scars, jerked into the table’s flames, attempting an almost pickpocket snatch for the token. It was the same at touching a hot stove. If you did it quick, you didn’t get hurt as bad. Smacking out the flames wouldn’t be of much consequence. It would be a small first, maybe a minor second degree burn. It would heal quickly.

Stats: Stamina 3 | Strength 3 | Evasion 10 | Wisdom 10 | Accuracy 10 | ArcPower 5
Abilities:
Keen Eye | 25% chance to spot something
Calming Presence | Affecting Student Participants
Inventory:
Yew Wand | 4 Knuts | Some (3) small glass phials (school supply) | Quick Wit
Emotional Status & Persona: Stable (97%) | Embodying the Wonka
Action 1: Cast Diffindo on the Table’s legs | Snag token if possible
Action 2: Bullarum Immortalum on Hand | Even if token is not safe, grab for it

Henry answered back to her, and she decided that she was going to stick close to him. They were soon to be step siblings in the summer, and she couldn't think of anyone else that she trusted more here than she trusted Henry. Rose trusted Scarlett, as well, and if the time came, she would definitely risk herself to save Scarlett. Rose didn't know Katrina Walker very well, but they had briefly interacted in the Hospital Wing once. She wasn't sure her standpoint on the older girl yet, but for now, she seemed plenty trustworthy and powerful. It wouldn't hurt for her to be on her side as well. She acknowledged the lioness with a respectful nod of her head. They could do this.

Nicholas McCowan was Rose's new dueling partner after Eyre had left the team. He was the only first year here, as well as a fellow Gryffindor. He looked so tense, and extremely nervous. Rose wasn't sure if this was a competition yet, but if it wasn't, she was definitely going to help him out the best she could. He hadn't talked to anyone getting on the stage, and Rose had a small feeling that he might be feeling alone. The only first year. The least prepared of them all. Knowing barely anybody here. That would freak anyone out.

"I'll be right back," she murmured to Henry. She made her way over to Nicholas, and then tapped him on the shoulder. "Hey. I'm Rose- your dueling partner?" she said, her American accent shining through in her soft voice. "I just wanted to wish you luck." She would give him a smile and a chance to respond, before nodding to him and going back to Henry. Hopefully this would give him a feeling that he wasn't alone and that he had someone on his side if it came to that. "My new dueling partner," she explained in a low voice to Henry, so that only he could hear.

They were instructed to stand in a line facing the audience, and Rose did so, without much concern about who she was standing next to. She ended up standing next to Henry anyway, probably because she had been standing next to him beforehand. Great. Now she had to look out at the audience. Rose lifted her chin so that it was straight, instead of her instinctual reaction of dipping it down. She steeled her expression, making it so that nobody could really tell how nervous she was. She held the torch in her left hand, and her wand in her right. Henry, and whoever else ended up on her other side, could probably see how firmly she was gripping her wand, the only hint at how nervous she really was.

The stage began to descend. For only a split second, there was a flash of uncertainty on Rose's face, inward panic sparking in her gut. But no, it was all part of the plan. All part of the show. She calmed herself down before most could see, spreading her feet a little wider as to balance better. Why had that startled her so bad? She shook it off. It was just her nerves.

They finally got an explanation about why they were even here. To be tested. Tested in fire, unity, and fear. Rose hadn't had many negative encounters with fire like most at Hogwarts had. The only ones she could think of were her duels, where she was actually set on fire. And, of course, seeing Eyre being set on fire. But if she was smart enough, she could avoid actually being set on fire. Unity. Unity wasn't going to be hard for Rose. It was probably more going to be hard for everyone else. Rose could do unity. She could do teamwork. Rose was a natural leader, and she might take charge for the unity trial. And fear.

Rose didn't consider herself a true Gryffindor. She knew the Sorting Hat didn't make mistakes, but she didn't consider herself brave or courageous. She knew other Gryffindors that were, but herself? She just couldn't see it. She didn't know why she was put in Gryffindor. But a trial of fear? What was that supposed to even mean? She could deal with fear. She had been dealing with fear her whole life. The fear trial was probably the one most shrouded in mystery, and she prepared herself for the unexpected.

Professor Pendrast was here. Oh, good. If anything got too bad or chaotic, Professor Pendrast could step in and help. Rose had a lot of respect for the Head of Gryffindor House. She was decisive, levelheaded, and smart. Gryffindor was lucky to have her as their Head of House and Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. And Nurse Brumby was also here, which was even better news. That meant she didn't have to worry. If somebody got hurt, the Nurse would step in and take care of them afterwards.

The redhead (one of many), heard the names being announced one by one, with cheers in between each name. When her own came, relatively early, she heard loud cheering from the front row. Her siblings. There were the three of her siblings that attended Hogwarts this year, cheering for her. She made eye contact with them, and their smiles boosted her confidence just a little. Okay. Yeah. She could do this. Rose nodded at her siblings, and then listened as the trials were explained. When they were asked if it was clear to them, Rose nodded. She could do that.

How to solve this puzzle... Rose's mind started working through the different possibilities. She eventually landed on a plan, and approached the circle when it was her turn. Right as her time started, Rose pointed her wand at the flames around the token and murmured, "Extinguo."

If her attempt to cast the Extinguishing Charm proved successful, Rose would walk forward and quickly tap the token. If it wasn't hot, she would take it in her bare hand. If it was, she would take one of the sleeves of the hoodie tied around her waist and simply use that instead to pick it up. She would then walk quickly out of the circle.

If her attempt to cast the Extinguishing Charm had not worked, Rose would growl to herself. Loosing precious time. Tracing the wand movement for the Knockback Jinx quickly in the air, Rose muttered, "Flipendo!" She had been aiming for the token, and hoped to knock it off of the wooden platform so that she could pick it up. If the last spell hadn't worked, she sure hoped that this one would.

For Moderation-

Action(s): Cast Extinguishing Charm, if Extinguishing Charm fails cast Knockback Jinx

Abilities: Keen Eye | Lovely Creature Allies: Henry Knight, Nicholas McCowan, Scarlett Aden, Katrina Walker, Piérre Marchonné Inventory: Wand

Stats: Stamina- 6 Evasion- 8 Strength- 5 Wisdom- 9 ArcPower- 7 Accuracy- 5

Interacting: @Rose Moon | @Katrina Walker | @Piérre Marchonné
Mentioning: Thomas Lestrange | Kit Paine | @Scarlett Aden|@Nicholas McCowan|Other Trialists
Languages: English | French | Italian | Arabic | Russian
Outfit