Dodge Spell S.W.A.G fin

''Pleased to meet you, Peri. I'm Liana Kerr,'' the girl responded, shaking the boy's hand with what she hoped was a proper, firm grip. ''And I'm sure I will enjoy myself, I always do when spellcasting is involved,'' she assured him in response to his previous words uttered in passing. For years she had waited to be allowed to use magic, and it was barely over a month now that she could legally do so; the excitement of waving her wand and observing the effects was always there. Particularly exhilarating was watching her spells hit an opponent in a duelling setting.

For some reason, Scarlet decided to speak to her in what sounded oddly like a friendly manner as well. Which couldn't be right because their two previous interactions had been the opposite of amicable. Or was the book thief being mature for once? That would be refreshing. The redhead glanced at her suspiciously before deigning to reply.

''Thanks, you too. And don't get hit.'' There words were meant to sound genial. Surely a temporary peace could be made for this one game. At least for as long as they were on the same team.

After their brief session of strategizing, Liana ended up with one of the more senior members of the opposing team as her target. Which was just fine. She had found that hitting older students was for some reason easier than landing an offensive spell on her peers. Upperclassmen were far bigger targets, after all, and inclined to underestimate first-years at that.

Not surprisingly, but still very much to Liana's elation, her Green Sparks charm hit River, and so did Henry's. Ouch. That must have been quite blinding. She hoped the Ravenclaw was alright. And that her full vision would come back in time for her to bring some more members into the green team before being reclaimed by the red one. Her aim seemed rather good, after all - Pericles had been sent flying and, sadly, had to switch teams thanks to it.

Somehow she missed Henry also being hit with a spell; it came as a surprise to hear him wishing her and Scarlet luck before stepping over to the rival team.

''We'll get you back soon enough, don't worry,'' the girl heard herself say to the Slytherin boy. She was acting quite confident today, which was likely boosted by her successful cast of the first spell. Overconfidence was bound to backfire, though; that's why Liana always preferred to keep her mouth shut before the goal was accomplished. If she succeeded, people would be positively surprised and give genuine praise; if she failed, nobody would make remarks on her empty boasts at least.

The Gryffinodor girl's compliments rubbed Liana entirely the right way. She cast her eyes down, trying to conceal the proud smile that was threatening to appear on her lips. It wasn't every day that a fifth-year would applaud her skill; this was the first such occasion, actually. The last comments, however, were a tad confusing; did Xailah truly mean that duelling was not an activity for intelligent folk? That couldn't be so. After all, so much strategy was involved in every single clash of arcane power. The first-year decided to refrain from voicing her thoughts, however. Especially since the older girl's words sounded like they were aimed at all the duellist present, not just Liana herself.

''Thank you,'' she said simply, raising her eyes to the fifth-year's face. ''I'm already on the Slytherin duelling team's waitlist, so I might just become a member next year, hopefully. This club serves as great practice.'' The duelling side of S.W.A.G. was indeed the only part that interested her; she didn't see herself getting on a broom for their events, although her flying skills needed plenty of polishing.

As everyone who got hit switched, it turned out that the green team had the advantage now. Liana hoped they wouldn't blow it by doing something rash. A new plan of action needed devising. The redhead danced over to her teammates for a hushed discussion.

@River Dewlight | @Xailah Alptraum |
Mentions: Aurora, Liana, Cash

Pericles was in good spirits. These sort of get-togethers ramped up his energy, resulting in a less reserved, more playful spirit. When Aurora called him a genius, he gave a coy grin, executing a very theatrical, very fake bow, wrist roll and all. When River wished him luck, he returned the same to her, though not without making up a dejected expression once she explained her choice of Quidditch over duelling. I'm not mad, said the silent frown, just disappointed. It was to be a game, not a duel, yet Pericles could not help experiencing similar jitters. Bracing one's self to take and sling spells, to formulate on the fly, that hum of energy bouncing between the prospective opponents. But here, there was not the additional pressure of an onlooking crowd, ready to weigh one's mistakes against them. It was just a bit of practice, a bit of fun. The most glaring difference between today's game and those previous was his lack of reservation. He had spectated, moderated, and participated in enough duels to outgrow that boyish fear of inflicting harm- at least, when those involved were in agreement. He knew what he had signed up for. Surely the others did, too. It was without pause that Pericles readied his wand, glee for the game visible only in the spark of his eyes, expression draining for a neutral face of focus.

He could feel it: the crackling of arcane build-up, like the air before an impending storm. Sparks flew, literally, striking their intended targets. Delilah and River: a pair of competent eagles snatched for the green team. So absorbed was Pericles with the arc and aim of his own cast that he overlooked the impending Flipendo entirely. It was a rookie mistake, but a human one, and he sucked a gasp through his teeth come the familiar punch of pressure. The willowy wizard staggered back several steps, the blow not enough to constitute a knockdown, but enough for his eyes to bulge as the wind was knocked from him. When he found his breath again, he considered Xailah's usual needling with an arched eyebrow, then gestured toward the fifth-year he'd hit. "Thought it was a fair trade," Peri croaked. The catty Gryffindor's praise to the small girl with the strong handshake was not lost on him, nor was the brief mention of her intention to join the duel team, though there wasn't much time to leap in on that conversation (regardless of the invitation Xailah's insult offered, which Peri was pointedly ignoring). Instead his focus flitted for Liana, lingering briefly before he crossed sides, preemptively contemplating the opportunity of a new opponent on the piste. The grin was back while he and River passed by one another, Peri purposefully rubbing his wound as if to compliment her casting. "Are we certain you're set on Quidditch?" came the passing poke.

Onward to Team Flipendo. Intent though he may be to see his original team triumph, swapping sides did not mean it was time to pull punches; Peri passed a comradely nod to the remaining Cash and Aurora on arrival, then resumed the accepted combative position, per the book. It was nice to have Aurora on his side at this moment- he wasn't very good at yelling, or rebutting Xailah's raillery, but she seemed to have a handle on it.

Action: As Strategized

Statistics

Reducio

Perfectionist, Perfectionist II, Keen Eye
Stamina - 7 | Evasion - 9 | Strength - 4 | Wisdom - 9 | ArcPower - 8 | Accuracy - 9

@Pericles Dralt

The impending nerves of the game's beginning did not fade as the start signal was given. Though River felt the rush of adrenalin hit her as she knew spells would be flying across the field in all chaos, and most definitely some with the intention of hitting her. She cursed quietly to herself as she realized the spell she’d be up against. It was not fair how her ancestry would make her more vulnerable to the sparkling light that verdimillious would produce. She was not looking forward to being flashed in the face by rays that could just as well have been the sun. At least the sun wasn’t an issue on this day. That would have been the icing on the cake. But not good icing… more like the sprinkles of dirt and rocks on a nice, mushy, slippery mud-cake.

The eagle had already made out her first target. Not that she'd been planning ahead or anything. In reality she just decided to aim for the first opponent she saw when she looked up and across once the game had begun. Pericles, her good friend and fellow prefect. The pale small boy seemed quite focused on the task at hand, and perhaps even a little bit distracted. River took har chance and cast her spell, bracing herself for a backfire, which she had grown used to experiencing at this point. But, no backfire. Her muscles relaxed as she saw her spell flash along, successfully hitting her target. A flash of guilt turned her insides, but before got to see Pericles reacting to the blow, she was blinded by the green sparks of the enemy's spell. River had zero chance in seeing who the culprit was, adshe didn’t really care at that moment. Her arm shot up to brace her eyes from some of the blow, but to no avail. She stood still for a second trying to carefully open her eyes, but could only manage a strained squint. She was sure if she could look in a mirror now, that she would resemble the old lady living a couple houses up the street, when she tried to read the papers in the morning after leaving her glasses on the bedside table.
After blinking for a good ten seconds, she was able to properly open her eyes again, but she knew very well that actually hitting someone now would be way more of a challenge than it already was.

Either way, it was time to switch teams. She was relieved to realize that in the end there really was no winner or loser, depending on how you look at it. She walked across, making out Pericles who was walking towards her. She scoffed at his quick comment with a smirk, “You’ll have to provide me with a damn good argument to reconsider”, she answered him, before finding a spot on the field. At least now she’d only have to endure a good hit of flipendo, which she’d much rather go through then being blinded again. She hoped to at least keep her vision after these games, and not wind up like old Agnes up the street.

Reducio

Action: As strategized

Race: Dhampir
Abilities: Perfectionist & Beast Master (Owl)

Stats
Stamina: 7
Evasion: 6
Strength: 4
Wisdom: 12
ArcPower: 7
Accuracy: 9

Round 2

There was not many words to describe the event that followed. Alan really could not put his finger on why most went wrong in this very moment, but a lot of the attempted spells would miss their target. Four students would not even try to do any magic and instead they would be readying themselves in order to dodge. Delilah and River would ready themselves when attacks were sent their way. Scarlet and Liana were also ready to dodge an attack, but at least for this round, none would actually were headed their way. Instead the students would pick other targets, and mostly miss those. Xailah would attempt to cast a spell at Cassandra and miss her by a lot. Autumn who found herself on the same team as Xailah would attempt to target Henry.

Team Flipendo would be more aggressive, then again they would not have to play as careful in the moment as none of their players were blinded by the sparks and they were instead all ready to attack the opposite team. Pericles would target his best friend, Xailah but the nimble cat would jump out of the way as if she had sensed the attack before it happened. Henry would attempt to go for River, but instead she would not get hit by his spell as he missed her narrowly. Aurora too would not have any more luck, when she targeted Delilah the upperclassmen would not be affected as she dodged the spell. Though, fascinatingly, there was one success at least, when Cassandra went for Autumn to pull her back into Team Flipendo. Alan was relieved that there was some action at least, but barely could stop himself from grimacing, knowing that this was the second knockback jinx that had impacted with Autumn. For sure it must have hurt her a bunch.

player stats

Open to interactions
Interacting: @Cassandra Ironwoods
Mentioning: @Flash Holmwood | Loki | @Autumn Ivy

As strategised

Surprisingly she only had 1 spell sent at her this time around, and she dodged it nicely, this game was quite chaotic, she was worried she may get hit by a spell at any moment. To be fair, that was probably likely to happen. They knew now, that even if your own spell backfires on her, she would switch teams. That was a bit nerve-wracking. She also liked her vision as it was, she had decent vision, but less so when there is green sparks in it.

She looked to her teammates to see what had happened, they had lost 1 member, it was 5 and 5 again, except this time Del and Xailah were on the same team, the 2 5th years in the game. This could be brutal, or it could just be a massive failure, depending on how well everybody could cast their spells.

It was basically a complete toss up as to how this was going to go, but she knew she would try her best to support the team she was on, no matter which team that was. She couldn't help but think of the duelling championships coming up soon, this was the first time shed been casting spells like this since her last duel. She did miss duelling a decent amount, its a good thing the new championship is coming up soon.

Reducio

Allies: Team Verd
Race: Human
Abilities: Muggle Condition | Perfectionist | Sixth Sense | Healing Sage | Spell Spread
Stats:
Stamina: 9
Evasion: 10
Strength: 5
Wisdom: 12
ArcPower: 10
Accuracy: 11

Any attempts to taunt delivered by those on the other team, were promptly tuned out. They were not Xailahs focus, which was probably for the best. Particularly loud, squeaky folk could stir a very nasty ire. A fight or flight instinct; triggered due to having delicate senses. They didn't want her ire. Pericles' silence was taken with a quirked smirk. "Cat got your tongue? Or perhaps you know that I am sssimply right?" The small voice of the girl Liana pulled Xailah away from her prodding. The girl explained that she was already signed up for dueling, and was hoping to participate in the later year. "Ah?" Already on the wait-list? Was that so? An arch in Xailahs brow pulled itself upwards when the sound left her mouth. An expression of pseudo-surprise. Well, Liana didn't look like someone built for Quidditch, or any sport involving brooms for that matter. Her answer of having an interest in dueling was half expected. But, as if to amuse the child, Xailah played along. "If that is the case then allow me to give you a few words of advice-" Cattish eyes flicked to the faces on the opposing team, with wry anticipation. Slotted pupils flexed in their gold casings, searching for the slightest of movements from team Flipendo. The metamorph spoke in slow rhythm.

"Don't let the sport anchor you." Seemed obvious enough. Too many students went into the club (any club, Quidditch players and Broom Racers were just as guilty) thinking that dueling was what they would do for the rest of their lives- that they would one day become some renowned, hoity-toity Spell Slinger. Every child has aspirations, there is nothing wrong with that. There is however something wrong with allowing the activity to become what defines them as a person. They were unknowingly backing themselves into a corner. Tunnel vision is dangerous. To build on the little dueling box; dueling had an uncomfortable level of commitment behind it as well. That was partially the reason as to why the fifth year, Xailah, avoided it. She didn't want to give into the commitment it demanded. That was what made S.W.A.G so wonderful. It was an extracurricular activity that did not demand, despite sharing dueling characteristics. Commitment not required.

The metamorph paused, taking half a moment to let her words sink in. The other half was used to consider her surroundings, before sparing a look at the aspiring duellist, and continuing. "And for the love of Merlin, enjoy yourself. The duelists- a good few take themselves too seriously." She rolled her eyes, and let out a soft snort. That mentioned habit was what made many of the school's senior students nearly unbearable to be around. Great to laugh at though. "Let me tell you, nothing is more amusing than a duellist who thinks they will be the next 'Big Bad', but gets hit with a Tarantallegra within the first five minutes of a match."

As if remembering she was here to win a game- not talk- the lioness suddenly raised her wand arm to shoulder-level. Follow the arm down its length, and to the tip; the sharp, tapering, point of black could be seen steadying on one of team Flipendo's snakes. "The last thing you want to do is make yourself look like a fool in front of a few dozen ssspectators. Make of that what you will- Verdimillious." Light was summoned from the chestnuts most narrowed end. She commanded the incantation well, but not much could be said for her aim; seeing it did not find its mark. The spell-light dipped into a sinuous line; curving away from it's intended target. It was frustrating always- missing like that, and twice in a row. At least she wasn't having trouble summoning spells from her wand. Yet. Backfiring- it was always a risk for someone who was unattached to their wand. What Xailah felt for her weapon of choice, was anything but attachment. Therefore she was prone to the occasional smack of betrayal, with only herself to blame for it. She looked to Liana, before shrugging and carrying on with her way.

There couldn't have been a more appropriate time for Pericles to make his move. Xailah saw his movements out of the corner of her eye. The issue with white, is that it is a extremely eye-catching color. Ivory swished. It caught Xailah's attention. She moved; jumped backwards; body arching and twisting in one fluid, cat-like motion. Her long, dark tresses bristled lightly in response to the attempted attack. The single hair- or antenna, as some called it- that stood outright on the top of her head, curled devilishly. Xailahs eyes flashed; shifting swiftly to meet Pericles' own. Was this war? Early Betrayal? An attempt at being reunited? Gold's fell down to the bone-white instrument the boy grasped. She wasn't normally the one at the end of it. What an exciting change of pace. Though a little surprising seeing he had missed. Usually he was right on target. Had it been intentional? Whatever it was, Xailah wasn't going to let him hear the end of it. "Really?" She breathed; subdued astonishment wisped through her voice. Her gloved hands fell into place on the curves of her hips; her wand remained rested between index and middle finger. "You miss having me by your side that much, already?" How flattering. You'd think the young spellman had enough of her outside of extracurriculars. His attack, be it an attempt to silence her, bring her onto his team, or a bit of both, was taken as a sign that she was wanted- needed on his team. What he saw in her not-so-precise aim, no one would ever know. Maybe he just enjoyed having her sharp tongue in his ear at all times. A lazy cats smile took to the corners of Xailahs mouth. "If you want to catch me, you're going to have to try much harder than that." Her head cocked from one side to the other, as if preparing to gauge a reaction. Her hands and hips rocked slowly to the same motion; that was, until she allowed her hands to fall away. "Do better. We both know you can," Palms relaxed into a taunting, open-handed gesture that seemed to say, go on, hit me, "or are you just warming up?"

Hex Code #4B0082 - English #3c78d8 - French #800000 - Latin #008080 - Spanish

Interact With @Autumn Ivy @Henry Knight

Mention(s) Team Flipendo and Team Verdimillious

Thursday October 7th 2021 Let's the Game, Begin!

Sometimes small numbers means bigger opportunities. Well not always. But in this case, it is applied. Though team Flipendo was down by one member, it did not deter the team member. From the corner of their eyes, Cash saw Henry target one of the team Verdimillious members but he missed her narrowly.

Be alert and focused! the Cuban descendant chided themselves. When Cash saw one of the fifth-year (Xailah) wands' pointed at them, Cash was ready to dodge her attempt but it seems they did not need it as the older student missed them by a lot. The green eyes had the urged to jeer at the upperclassmen but Cash opted not to do that.

Instead, they are focused on their next target. "Flipendo!"They said the incantation loud and clear. A red spark emit from the tip of their wand and flew out hitting their target on point. This time Cash winced. It is not their intention to target Autumn who earlier on the game have had been hit by the knockback jinxed that she caused to herself.

The young Ironwoods then heard Henry say it was a wicked shot. "Thanks, mate"They replied back to Henry. Once Autumn switched from her team to team Flipendo Cash would say, "Sorry! I am just doing what I was ordered". The beater hoping Autumn did not take offense from it but hitting not just once but twice by the knockback jinx must hurt a lot.

Thanks Merlin I am not a duelist the green eyes said to themselves. Cash can not imagine the hurt of being hit by nasty jinxes or spells during duels. Getting hit by a bludger was hurt enough for them. With Autumn rejoining team Flipendo, it means both teams are back to square one. Meaning each team has five members.

"Maybe it's your sign to leave quidditch behind and join the dueling team"Henry uttered while laughing to his fellow serpent and follow by a playful grin. Cash did consider switching from Quidditch to Dueling when the Dueling Club is reopened earlier this year but they love Quidditch more. To some degree, it is their way to honor their father.

Their father was a professional Quidditch player once before he did his current occupation and their mother was also a Quidditch player when she attend this very school. "I do not know, mate. Dueling sound tempting but I think I might consider broom racing for next year"They answered. Just like when Duelling Club reopened a few months back, this time it is Broom Racing turned that are looking for some players to join the sport.

But Cash was not so sure whether they will be willing to leave Quidditch behind and joined Broom Racing instead next year. Only time will tell. Cash then focused back on the game that was still ongoing. Holding their aspen wand in their left hand and their right foot slightly stepping a bit forward, they bend their knee a little and are ready to sling another attack.

For Moderation

Action As Strategized

Abilities Obnoxiously Strong (15% Strength)

Talents Parselmouth Parseltongue Adept (Y1) Spying Snake (Y3) - Not Applicable

Stats Stamina 7 ♠ Evasion 7 Strength 7 ♠ Wisdom 6 Arcane Power 6 ♠ Accuracy 9

The words uttered by her Gryffindor teammate caused a flush appear on Liana's face. The comment reopened a rather fresh wound in her pride. Tarantallegra. Had the older girl watched last week's event, or heard something of it? Particularly, how many times the first-year was hit with that horrid Dancing Feet spell, since that was the only damage-inflicting attack some of her rivals knew? Hopefully, that was not the case. Hopefully, she was just speaking in general, and not covertly mocking Liana. Although the fact that a general comment could fit her so well did not make the girl feel much better, either. Was she just another typical case of duellist wannabe?

''I'll keep that in mind, thanks,'' was all she could think of to say in response. The high spirits she was feeling not a few moments back were replaced with a desolate feeling of self-doubt. She forced herself to focus back on the competition at hand, albeit not daring to attempt casting a spell just yet. Being as distracted as she currently was, she would most certainly miss, if not utterly fail at casting in the first place. Instead, she readied herself to evade an attack, should one come. None did, however.

From the corner of her eye she saw the Hufflepuff girl getting hit with a Flipendo, being forced to switch teams yet again. Nobody else succeeded at hitting their mark, which meant the teams would be equal in numbers again. Oh, snap. She should have tried casting. Instead, she just stood there, utterly useless to her allies. This could not continue. The redhead took a deep breath, doing her best to clear her mind, discarding the unwelcome thoughts and memories that were eating away at her concentration.

Her hair is lavender

Banner made by Winnie Harper

Mentioning None

Interacting with None

“FACE LIFT IS PAINFULLY EXPENSIVE NO DOUBT OOHLALA! FLIPENDO!” And, she missed. Maybe she put too much focus on the anagram itself and not so much to the target. And again, no one targeted her, the whole thing just added insult to injury. But at least the team gained one more person so now they were equal in terms of team distribution. You know what? Whatever. As long as her last minute acronym is always on point, it doesn’t matter if her spell hits or not. Perhaps, her choice to not become a duellist was probably the right one. Though, it was a bit embarrassing to not be able to hit a single spell in front of the almighty little devil, Lucifur. He must have thought that his owner was all talk while her skill was mediocre at best. But her acronym skill was superior. If there were an acronym duel, she would be the winner. Or maybe not. “F is for fantastic, L is for lunch, I is for is-“ Aurora would quietly mumble for her next attack. It was a good thing she wasn’t in the verdimillious team since it would be a pain to think of the proper anagram for it. Way too long.

Sta - 5 | Eva - 8 | Str - 5 Wis - 8 | Arc - 4 | Acc - 10 Terrible Presence Evasive Maneuvers

Action As strategised Outfit Reducio Later smh