2021, Stage 1 Hufflepuff vs Slytherin: Match 2

There was a strange level of anticipation swirling within her for this duel, different from every other time. A thousand different thoughts and worries floating through her mind, wondering if people would notice, wondering what they were thinking, wondering if she'd have a better season then last despite her house winning overall. Her wand twirled through her fingers anxiously. She then passed a quick glance to her partner. Hopefully this would be a better season for her partner as well; after all, this would be only their second duel together as a team, and the odds then hadn't been in their favor. Illowy kept a lot of faith in Starlee's potential, it was just a matter of seeing the younger witch tap into it.

As Dealla announced for them to stop onto the dueling platform, the twirling came to an abrupt halt. The Fourth Year held her head a little higher, walked a little taller, as she stepped onto the platform with her partner. Icy eyes looked their opponents up and down, sizing them up as Dealla reminded them of the rules. Though if she was being truthful, Illowy wasn't listening too carefully to the reiteration. Her sights were too well set on the students before her.

A pair of Second Year Puffles. Nothing she found to be terribly intimidating.

A small smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth before being true to proper form and bowing her head to their opponents. This will be fun, she thought to herself, taking her position and readying her stance.

Banner by the lovely @Lucia Fox

Somehow, Tina was more intimidated by Starlee than the girl's fourth year partner.

It felt like she hadn't seen her much this year; even on the train - though a series on unfortunate events - she'd wound up sharing a carriage with Hanako Tone, who was probably the weirdest boy in the entire school. When they were summoned to the stage by Dealla, Martyna leaned around any obstacles between her and Starlee in an attempt to catch her eye, all smiles and waves that felt a bit awkward.

It was inevitable that they'd be clashing wands at some point. Last year, Tina might have taken this personally, or been offended that her friend, even in a competitive setting, might willingly turn her wand on her, but now that she was back on the team... it was an understatement to say that she could understand. She was desperate to win, especially against Slytherin. They were all notoriously good duellists. Her partner for this year was another second year - Julian Pritchard - and someone she thought of as quite intelligent, making this goal a little more attainable. They'd done some strategizing beforehand (his idea, of course, Tina found this aspect of duelling intensely boring) and she was happy to follow his instruction to an extent. There was little use in conferring in the heat of the duel, but if they could start with some intention, it would set them in good stead.

"Damnnn... Slytherin has such old players," she said to Julian under her breath, glancing at Illowy as she said it. She pulled a bobble off her wrist, pulling her hair back into a very small ponytail. "Should we try to psyche her out? She's like bowing and all... Should we be doing that?"

Of course, she only wanted to throw off one of their opponents. As her rambling trailed off, Tina looked over at Starlee again, taking out her wand.

"Good luck, Star~!" she called out, earnest.

Action: As strategised

Stamina 7 • Evasion 8 • Strength 4 • Wisdom 6 • Arcane Power 8 • Accuracy 7
Abilities: The Muggle Condition • Healing Sage

Right before stepping up onto the platform, Julian paused to wipe the sweaty surface of his hands against his robes for what must've been the twentieth or thirtieth time after leaving the common room. He hated the feeling. It made the grip on his wand feel weak and slippery and he couldn't stop imagining himself attempting to cast a spell, only for it to go flying off into the distance, leaving him helpless for the remainder of the duel. It was only one of several scenarios constantly parading through his mind, reminding him of all the ways his foray into duellling might go wrong--he might get seriously injured; he might seriously injure someone else; he might mess up and let Martyna down... It all made him all quite nauseous, and did nothing to help his sweaty hands problem.

He breathed a minute sigh. Unfortunately, it was too late to turn back. He could hardly leave Martyna to fend off two Slytherins on her own (especially not with one of them a fourth year). So even though he couldn't quite remember what had made duelling seem like such a brilliant idea at the time he'd signed up, and even though he felt utterly unprepared despite the hours of reading and practising and strategising, he still took the last step to join her on the platform.

Martyna's question about bowing came as something of a relief. He knew the answer to that. "You're supposed to," he said, cocking his head to the side. "It's supposed to be good duelling etiquette." He was less certain about trying to 'psyche' anyone out. While it seemed like a good strategy in theory, he wasn't actually sure how you went about it in practice. He added his next words under his breath, moving his body in a jerky imitation of the older girl's bow (he did not think refraining from it would be of any strategic advantage, and he did not want to offend anyone on his first duel). "How do you psyche someone out? I doubt she has any reason to believe we're a big threat or anything." In duelling, as with anything, one had to be realistic.

After drying his hands once again on his robes, and pausing to adjust his glasses (which were perilously close to the tip of his nose), Julian pulled his wand from his pocket and regarded his opponents (taking a second to study both Starlee, whom he recognised from classes, and Illowy, whom he did not) and the girl who seemed to be officiating their duel. "Hi," he added, once again speaking at normal volume. He was pretty sure that would do nothing to psyche out anyone. It just seemed like the polite thing to do.

Action: As strategised.

Stats: Stamina - 6 || Evasion - 7 || Strength - 2 || Wisdom - 10 || Arcane Power - 8 || Accuracy - 7

After yet another dueling loss over the summer, Starlee was now desperate to prove herself. Sure, the team as a whole had won, but she had been swiftly (or at least what felt like it to her) knocked out by quite a few older international students. She was desperate not to let that happen again.

It seemed that fate had a way of turning events in her favor, while still toying with her, as this time her duel was weighted more heavily on a slytherin win, with herself and her partner last year and a fourth year, Illowy, against two second years: one whom she vaguely recognized from classes, and the other, her best friend. Starlee had been a bit upset when she had found this out, not wanting to hurt her best friend, but the pair had come to terms with it in there own ways. It was dueling after all, and they had signed up for this.

As she stepped onto the piste, she noticed Illowy's cocky smirk. Of course the fourth year would feel like their odds were good, but Starlee was internally second guessing, as per usual, her casting and aim. At least she wasn't shaking in fear like her first duel; she actually felt a bit more comfortable looking at Martyna on the opposing end instead of two strangers.

She would try to hold her face stern, her bangs draping slightly over her eyes and in her way as she had forgotten to cut them. She would offer a polite bow to them, and offer her luck back to the Hufflepuffs. "Good luck to you too Tina." She would say, in a slightly more cheery tone than the serious business look she was trying to portray. She would nod to the boy as well, the polite thing to do after he offered a hello. She was trying hard to show no fear, while still internally worried about her skills and making sure she would do her older partner justice.

Action: Doing as Strategized

Round 1

Martyna Romero vs Starlee Kennedy Julian Pritchard

Reducio

Martyna Romero cast Tickling Charm at Starlee Kennedy.
Wisdom DC: 9 + 2 Illowy's LC = 11
Wisdom Check: [d20: 19] + 6 = 25, success
Accuracy Check: [d20: 1] + 7 = 8, critical miss
New Target: Tatsu chose Julian.
New Accuracy Check: [d20: 14] = 14
Evasion Check: [d20: 2] + 7 = 9
14 > 9 → Hit
Duration: [d6: 2] → 1 round
Damage: 50 + 8 × 10 = 130
Effects: Julian suffers -2 Accuracy and loses 25 HP per round for 1 round.

Julian Pritchard vs Illowy Magnard

Reducio

Julian Pritchard cast Curse of the Bogies at Illowy Magnard.
Wisdom DC: 12 + 2 Illowy's LC = 14
Wisdom Check: [d20: 12] + 10 = 22, success
Accuracy Check: [d20: 2] + 7 = 9
Evasion Check: [d20: 18] + 9 = 27
9 < 27 → Miss

Illowy Magnard vs Julian Pritchard

Reducio

Illowy Magnard cast Wind Jinx at Julian Pritchard.
Wisdom DC: 11
Wisdom Check: [d20: 5] + 10 = 15, success
Auto-Split: [d10: 5], fail
Accuracy Check: [d20: 8] + 10 = 18
Evasion Check: [d20: 10] + 7 = 17
18 > 17 → Hit
Duration: [d3: 3] → 2 rounds
Damage: 50 + 9 × 10 = 140
Effects: Julian suffers -4 Evasion for 2 rounds.

Starlee Kennedy vs Martyna Romero

Reducio

Starlee Kennedy cast Bubble-Producing Spell at Martyna Romero.
Wisdom DC: 9
Wisdom Check: [d20: 7] + 8 + 1 = 16, success
Accuracy Check: [d20: 6] + 6 = 12
Evasion Check: [d20: 9] + 8 = 17
12 < 17 → Miss

It seemed that fate had pitted two friends against each other, Dee thought as she watched the exchange between Slytherin's @Starlee Kennedy and Hufflepuff's @Martyna Romero. And yet, when they were given the signal to start, both immediately turned to cast at each other. Dee could respect this, if any of her friends would choose to go easy on her in a duel, she would likely be offended rather than grateful.

Still, perhaps their heart was not quite in it, because neither spell hit its mark. The bubbles that Starlee produced floated by somewhere to Martyna's left, while the Hufflepuff's spell went so terribly awry that it curved towards her partner instead. @Julian Pritchard, who had looked nervous and a little out of place to begin with, seemed so taken aback that he didn't much do anything in the way of dodging. The aim of his Curse of the Bogies, meant for Illowy across the field, also suffered from the unpleasant surprise of being attacked by his partner: It didn't even come close to the girl, dissipating somewhere beyond the stage, even as Julian would feel the terrible, irresistible urge to laugh rise up in him, an insistent tickling sensation plaguing the spot where the spell had hit him.

@Illowy Magnard had taken her opponents' measure as she'd stepped onto the stage, and dismissed them. Truly, so far they hadn't done much to prove their competence, and Illowy's expertly cast Wind Jinx would only add to poor Julian's plight: The gust of wind would hit him, even as he burst out into laughter on the stage.

Information

1. You have 96 hours from now to write your posts (50 words min).
2. In the same time period, send me (Dealla Prince) your team's actions per owl. Do not hint at your actions in your post.
3. If you don't post in the allotted time frame, your action is void.
4. If something seems odd about the moderation post or you have any questions, don't hesitate to owl or DM me.
5. The duelling rules can be found here.
6. Good luck, and have fun!

The spectator thread for this duel can be found here.
This duel takes place in the morning slot.

Banner by Lucia Fox

Duelling etiquette, hmm? Tina heeded her partner's words and did a hasty bow. Starlee returned her wishes of luck (briefly, Tina considered offering Illowy a 'good luck' too, one that was more scornful, but decided last minute that Julian was probably right; that they posed zero threat to the fourth year, and that she would just be making a fool of herself if she acted smart). She adjusted her hair.

Anyway, they were off.

Immediately, Starlee fired a spell at her. Tina slid out of the way, admiring the bubbles for only a split second. "Ha-ha! She shows no mercy!" Tina cried theatrically, sticking her wand out and aiming it at the blonde as she lunged back. "Rictusempra!"

It would have been nice to blame it on the bubbles. Really, really nice.

It also would have been nice to hit literally anything else. The wall, a spectator (maybe Hanako, if she had to pick), even herself!

Somehow, amid the excitement of a near-perfect cast, Tina's tickling charm had careered horizontally to the side, shooting directly towards her partner. She clasped her hand over her mouth, watching in horror as the wind was taken out of poor Julian by merciless, magical tickling. This was promptly followed up by a well-aimed attack from Illowy, the impact of which was worsened by Tina's own spell-gone-wrong.

"Ohhhh mygosh I'msosorryJulian...!" she hissed.

Action: As strategised

Stamina 7 • Evasion 8 • Strength 4 • Wisdom 6 • Arcane Power 8 • Accuracy 7
Abilities: The Muggle Condition • Healing Sage

Honestly, did Hufflepuff not even bother teaching their less experienced duelists basic etiquette? Both of them barely seemed to know what exactly they were doing. Even stranger to her was the pleasantries being passed about. In her experience, Illowy was pretty sure she'd never greeted any of her opponents. Not even ones that were friends. It wasn't personal or anything, simply that there was a time and place to be chummy, and five minutes before throwing potentially painful spells to try to knock each other out of a competition wasn't usually one of them.

There was a bit of pride that her partner had made such a close cast, even if it hadn't hit, she'd come close. It was proof of improvement as far as Illowy was concerned. The excitable girl who had meant to have been the target threw back her own to Starlee... and oh boy, the willpower it took to keep a straight face. The charm hadn't even come close, misfiring at the Puffle lad as he cast his own spell towards herself. It was a solid attempt... as it passed her in such a harmless way she hadn't even needed to flinch. Illowy had raised her own wand towards him at the same time to cast Ventus, hitting the poor kid mercilessly with her wind.

If this weren't the name of the game, she'd almost feel bad for him.

Action : Doing as Strategized

And they were off. Spells began to fly, and she sent the bubbles spell right at Martyna. It missed, only slightly, but enough so that her fears would again materialize in her mind. She still didn't feel any better than last year, even with the extra practices.

However, at least it wasn't as bad as what happened to poor Tina. Clearly her spell was aimed right for Starlee, but it veered off to the side, hitting her own teammate. Starlee couldn't help but cringe slightly. She did have empathy, especially when it came to her friends, and no-one deserved to have that bad of aim that you cast at a partner.

Illowy, as she expected, hit the boy directly, and, of course, his spell at Illowy went way off it's mark. The fact that all three second years missed had to say something about their skill level compared to Illowy's. She looked as calm and collected as ever, showing no fear. Perhaps there was a bit of a waver in her look of laughter, but Starlee didn't notice. Starlee took a deep breath, and attempted to channel that same energy.

Action: Doing as Strategized

There were a few ways the first few seconds of Julian's first ever duel could've gone worse but he would've had to work hard at it. He'd barely had a few moments to register the fact that no one had even bothered to acknowledge his greeting, when they were given the signal to start. Once the duel had been underway, he'd been so intent in getting both pronunciation and wand movement perfect on his own spell that he'd (a) apparently forgotten to pay the same careful attention to his aim and (b) forgotten to pay attention to spells that might be headed towards him. In his defense, though, he really had not expected one of said spells to be coming from his partner.

He didn't even have a chance to give Martyna a bemused look before he was suddenly assaulted by an intense tickling sensation, concentrated around his side. It was awful. Julian had never liked tickling. He didn't like the way it made him flail and laugh and seemingly took all control of his body away from him. And flail and laugh he did, doubling over with his arms jerking as if to defend himself from the invisible tickler that was nowhere to be found. It left him utterly unprepared to dodge the spell Illowy had cast in his direction, and he barely kept his balance as a strong gust of wind pushed him several paces back.

"I-it's okay," he tried to assure Martyna in between now breathless giggles. He might've been mad, except that he was pretty sure she had not done it on purpose. "Um, but maybe..." Be more careful with your aim.

Action: As strategised.