Hogwarts Summer Camp 2021 Chess Combat (Match 1) Closed

Finally, the day that had been the entire reason Illowy showed up for camp. Truthfully, she'd nearly not come at all if it weren't for her commitment to her team. After all, they had a reputation to defend now didn't they? She had to be there to support her team and help make their house and school proud. Especially now that they were going to be the first match of the day. Sure, no pressure there. Just casually setting the tone for how the rest of these battles could go.

Thankfully, Illowy wasn't one to cave under such pressure. As always, the girl's straight posture never wavered, her chin never fell. Her hair was pinned up in a hair stick, a little messy, but secure to keep her hair well out of her face for the events, and dressed comfortable in shorts with black tights and a tshirt. It certainly was going to be a challenge going up against people they'd never even seen duel, much less dueled themselves. It changed they style to strategy, but at least it kept things interesting.

As they were called forth to take their places, Illowy quickly shoved her cousin's pendant under her shirt to keep it out of the way as she took her position as Rook; now that might've been the cruelest bit of irony, but she wasn't going to say anything. She'd serve where she'd be strongest, regardless. After all, this was about winning, nothing more or less. The snake drew her wand to take her ready stance, passing a quick glance down the line at her teammates. All strong and capable casters in their own right, no question. Together she had confidence that they'd be quite the formidable team.

However, she couldn't shake how strange, almost humorous to her, it was for them all to be in their street clothes. Then again, one doesn't exactly have time to change into robes if you ever find yourself in a real duel, did you?

Attention drew back to the matter at hand. A familiar flutter in her chest of anticipation to get started, almost electric and invigorating. Honestly, this was what she needed right now; a good, ol' fashioned duel.

Action : Doing as strategized

The tension was high, feeling a high pressure on his chest Alexander waited until the names were announced, then made his way to his designated space in the middle. Opposite of him he could see a boy of similair age to him, so presumably a bit more skilled at magic than he currently was. Then as more and more of the enemy entered the field Alexander could not help but shiver. There were o many older students. Students who had more experience with magic and had had more time to hone their skills. So the outlook didn't look great.

Then he looked to the side and saw Ileen standing there as well, seeming to be quite nervous herself. This made Alexander take his time to breathe, and gain a calm outlook. He had to remain calm for himself and his duelling partner. He could not let his team down, they were the best Duellists in Hogwarts. Whether they achieved victory or defeat, they would have to show their skills. He could not give up before the battle had even started. Thus Alexander breathed in and readied himself.

Mentions: @Ileen Knight
Action: Doing as strategized

Round 1

All participants had been briefed on the rules beforehand, so Dee didn't waste her time on more than a quick "Play nice, guys!" before she nodded at Peri and gave the signal to start.

The two teams started off with very different strategies: The Vipers went on offense, everyone who was allowed to attacked, with varying levels of success. Dee winced when she saw Santario's spell backfiring, all too familiar with the sensation. Alexander's spell ended up missing the opposing team's Queen, but Illowy managed to hit Jan with a powerful gust of wind that would probably keep him off-balance for a bit longer. A mixed start, Dee thought, but it could certainly have gone worse. Ileen and Bridget moved, with Bridget stepping in front of their Queen, to shield Alexander from attacks - but she could not block the first one.

Milosh's Curse of the Bogies was well-aimed, taking Alexander in the chest, who would immediately feel the effects of the nasty spell, his nose dripping. At the same time, Milo's team mates moved into a protective formation around the foreign Queen, all but Karilyna, who stepped to the side, perhaps moving into position to attack. Milosh's curse remained the only spell cast by the visiting team.

Information

1. You have 72 hours from now to write your posts (50 words min).
2. In the same time period, have one team member send both moderators (Pericles Dralt & Dealla Prince) your team's actions per owl. If you don't post in the allotted time frame, your action is void.
3. Please comply to the Chess Combat rules explained here.
4. If you have questions or notice something odd about the mod post, don't hesitate to owl or DM one of the moderators.
5. Good luck, and have fun!

@Santario Martin | @Bridget Collins | @Alexander Varellion | @Ileen Knight | @Illowy Magnard
@Aurora Ranvier | @Edric Banes | @Annie Morgan | @Thora Larkston | @Elena Jangleton

Spectator thread

Credit to Dmitri Jones

She’d uttered a few words of encouragement to her teammates and given the opposition a nod—sportsmanship was important—so now all there was to do was wait for the signal to begin. With that wait came the familiar swell of nerves, and she itched to begin so the rapid assessment and execution of the game would take its place. Dee gave the word, spurring them all into action.

Were this a normal duel, she would have been incanting a spell, but this was chess combat. If she wanted to cast, she’d need to move. Besides, there were different priorities in such a game. This was chess, to a degree, Alexander the Queen and King rolled into one as the most useful piece and the game-over if he fell. As it stood, he was fully open to attacks. She knew the strategy and she knew her own strengths; that had to change.

Moving diagonally, she placed herself in front of Alexander, though sadly she wasn’t quite fast enough to block the Curse of the Bogies. Nasty, that spell, it was a very good thing they’d trained to overcome the fainting effects this year. Alexander didn’t manage to return the blow, his Knockback Jinx missing its mark, but it was alright. Though it would probably be a while before they got another shot at their Queen, the game had only just begun.

All around her was a flurry of spells and movement. It was more than she was used to keeping track of, there being six more players, though with experience in Quidditch she was sure she’d adjust. There were no other spells coming from the other side, Illowy landed a Ventus, Ileen moved up next to her, and Santario… To her surprise, Santario had backfired. That wasn’t something she’d done in any of their season matches, Bridget had been the one with all the failed spells. “It’s alright, Santario. On to the next cast.”

She couldn’t really spare more than a glance her partner’s way, especially now that she was in the range of two members of the other team, but hopefully the words of encouragement would help. Backfires, and first-round backfires in particular, could be discouraging, she would know. Okay, what now. The enemy Queen had a wall around him now, not much of a surprise. Karilyna had moved out to the side, making them in range of each other. Two spells could be coming her way, marvelous. Bracing herself, she did her best to see this like the chess board it was, to think ahead and predict moves. On to the next round.

Action: Doing as strategized

Mentions | @Alexander Varellion | @Santario Martin

Ileen’s part was easy. She was neither in a position to attack nor to be attacked, so her task was quite easy. Just take a step forward. As soon as the sign was given, Ileen gripped her wand and made a huge leap forward to get on the square in front of her. Many voices on her side of the field shouted incantations and were answered by their opponents.
By now her nervosity was gone as always when the duel had started. Ileen was focused on her next action and her team - nothing else.
So, she was paying attention as Alexander was hit by the curse. She slightly winked as her partner suffered the same consequences as in their second duel. Her brown eyes were searching for his gaze to make sure he was okay.
Buf before she had a chance to worry too much about him, something different got her attention. Santario was caught by her own jolt of wind. Again, Ileen winked. She knew that as well. Damn it.

Inhaling, her gaze wandered back to their opponents. Most of them had changed their positions but only one of the three targeted students was actually suffering consequences. Gritting her teeth she squinted her eyes and focused on her next action. It had only started - they could turn it around, they had been unlucky, but they would all give their very best to change that.

Action: Doing as strategized

It was perfectly clear that her cousin’s assault on her during the barbeque had worked. She had choked just like Angél had wished for. “Ventus!” She had flourished her wand like normal, or she thought it had been normal? Regardless her wand started to cast only to send the gusts of wind backward onto herself. “Shit!” She moved her arms up to cover her face, head slightly tucked down, bracing against the torrent she had unleashed. Damnit! Why did she let her get into her head! Her team was counting on her, and Bridget’s words reached her through the din of herself made gale. A nod would be given, not that her partner would really be able to tell.

Santario grit her teeth and put her arms down from her face, head up as sharp eyes took in where her opponents and teammates were now. They had all gathered around their queen in the middle, it had been mostly what she had expected. A new determination lit up behind her sapphire eyes like bluebell flames. She had to do better than this; no, she would do better than this. Failure was simply unacceptable!

Action| Doing as Strategized

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Mentioning -

Interacting with @Santario Martin

Just as he thought, the snakes were aggressive. Not even five minutes since the combat started, a wand pointed in his direction. Maybe it was luck, or the fact the Ranvier girl, the reminder of Adeliah, was there to support him with that questionable attire made the raven haired Slytherin cast the wind on herself. With a smug face and a smirk, Rodion said, “Feeling hot? Is it my presence? Sorry about that.” And followed by a wink that probably made anyone want to slap him with a chair or perhaps hexes and jinxes. He then turned to face Aurora, slightly amused with her antiqueness. “KEEP GOING AND DISTRACT THE ENEMY!” Nothing would describe how much he wished it was her sister doing the cheer instead of that eccentric creature. But it was better than nothing. Was it?

Charmer
Allies : the international team
Action : As Strategized

A bit less than 14 hours left for posts and strategies!
@Santario Martin | @Bridget Collins | @Alexander Varellion | @Ileen Knight | @Illowy Magnard
@Aurora Ranvier | @Edric Banes | @Annie Morgan | @Thora Larkston | @Elena Jangleton

The game had commenced.

Spells went flying, people were moving, there was so much happening to try to keep up with; and Illowy found it rather exhilarating. Something about trying to keep up with so much made for such a different experience then what she was use to in the usual matches. It was more challenging, trying gather everything the was happening on both side, keeping track of their opponents' movements while trying to monitor the state of her own team.

When her spell landed against Jan, a smirk tugged the edge of her lips. What a wonderful thrill, to throw a successful spell. That didn't seem to be the case for everyone. She took note that San's cast had backfired on herself, and Illowy hoped that was just a one off. Backfiring spells always were a wound to the pride; Illowy's own ego was still somewhat recovering from the backfire that caused her to lose her last duel. It happened to everyone at some point or another, but lets just hope it wouldn't happen again. Then Alex took a curse to the chest; not a good look, nor a good feeling. He'd survive though, the battle was still young.

Action : Doing as strategized

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And they were off, pawns set into motion at a mere three words and a signal of sorts from one of their moderators. Not everyone moved, of course, as there was also spellcasting to be considered, but certainly there was more shuffling around than perhaps at any point of the game, many seeking optimal positions for attacking or defending—or both. Such was what her own team, the guest team, was occupied with, anyway: all of her teammates, save one, wasted no time in falling into a quite literal wall of protection for their queen, who was undoubtedly their most important player. It seemed the Vipers had adopted a completely different strategy, though, moving only two players and having the other three attack.

Three spells cast at her team certainly wasn't the best place to be, a fact it took Karilyna an alarmingly long while to register, but to her relief, a range of effects were seen, only one hit having been achieved. Her queen had nailed the opposing one, which was also definitely a plus, as well as the fact that he'd remained unscathed. In fact, only one of her own teammates had been hit, and although it might prove a concern later on, this wasn't such a bad place to start out. A favorable formation reached and one for one with their spells? Yes, they were doing quite well.

Still, this observation drove home how the Vipers had immediately gone for the offensive, and would have surely done significant damage, had all three spells hit. Surely tactics would morph over the course of the game, but it was interesting, the varied approaches, with one team attacking and the other looking for better locations.

Speaking of which, she had to move, didn't she? With a quick scan of the opposition with her steely brown gaze to ensure no spells were coming her way—which, thankfully, none were—Karilyna took a large step, moving into the space diagonal and to the right of her starting square. There was no hesitation about her; such a path had to be taken in order to work towards a chance to hit the queen, and even if the queen was out of range for now, trying to take out the defender (or defenders) wasn't such a bad move—except for the fact that she kinda sorta knew Bridget, but hey, this was a duel. As such, there was no reason to pause, no time to dawdle.

Though she was itching to shoot off a spell, to feel the familiar grain of her wand's wooden exterior on her fingertips as she did what she was undoubtedly best at—duelling, of course—she couldn't quite do so yet. And so she waited, fidgeting although she knew she was in a good position and it would be her time to truly duel soon. The Vipers had better be ready—Karilyna Kawahara certainly was not to be underestimated, and she was keen to let loose not only spells, but chaos as well. Chaos was practically what she ran on, after all.