𝙳𝚘𝚗𝚎 Slytherin & Gryffindor May 2022

He chuckled as the Gryffindor players coughed and wheezed at the red smoke, but that smile was wiped clean off his face the moment the smell of dead fish tickled his nose in the plumes of green gas that billowed towards him. Luckily, he didn't feel the full brunt of that one.

Avery waved to the crowd with a bright, wide smile, hollering and whooping as he came into the pitch the moment his name was called. However, confetti soon blasted into his face, entering his unsuspecting mouth. Sputtering, he continued waving to the crowd. Nothing was going to get him down today! Not dead fish, not paper in his mouth. So, it was with confetti still in his hair and quidditch uniform that he slid onto the bench next to fellow first-year Draven Mirador.

Somehow, Draven looked even worse for wear than he normally was. "Hey Draven, how're you feeling about your first match?" His teammate looked just a tad nervous with the tight smile that he flashed. "Don't worry, whatever happens, it can't be worse than mine. I was knocked off my broom in the very first minute in our match against Ravenclaw -- didn't even get to do anything! And I ached for ages in the Hospital Wing." Little did he know, his words probably sounded less reassuring than he meant for them to be.

Action: Benched
Interacting with: @Draven Mirador

Reducio

Abilities: Blindvision
Broom: Silver Arrow
Stats: Stamina: 6 [+3] | Evasion: 7 [+3] | Strength: 6 [+3] | Wisdom: 7 [+3] | ArcPower: 4 [+3] | Accuracy: 6 [+3]

Simon's first Quidditch match! He had been awaiting this moment for quite a while, and here it was. A few months ago he was choking on Muggle candy in the stands and now he was actually in the game! This was awesome! And very scary.
Other than the burning red hot smoke that just exploded, and poor Evelynn was the first one to have the misfortune of walking through it. Yikes.
One by one, his fellow Quidditch players walked into the field, getting introduced by the... loudspeaker man (Simon could not remember what they were called.)
Eventually, it was Simon's turn to go up and get introduced, and he did so gracefully, blowing kisses to the crowd.
Straight after that. Simon joined the fellow Gryffindors in position, feeling the fear he'd suppressed previously flood him. He shivered and gripped his broom so hard that his knuckles turned white as he glanced up at the goals above him.
Fudge. Normally, if he fell no one would care, but now if he fell, he fell in front of a BILLION people. No. Understatement. There were a trillion of them! They thought he looked stupid and he knew it. He probably looked like a baby who wandered away from their parents. They were going to laugh!
His heart pounded in his chest and he felt tears prickle in his eyes from the nervousness.
Wait. Tears?
Simon wiped them away furiously, turning his head so that no one could see. He quietly scolded himself and shook his head. No. He wasn't about to have a panic attack now. Imagine if they had to send a medic because he was being a crybaby! That'd be (for lack of a better word in young Simon's mind) cringe. He had to get a grip! Besides, they were good players. If anything, the Slytherins should be crying, not him.
Simon gripped his broom even tighter as the announcer dude let out the Snitch and started a countdown. Simon glanced up at the sky and forced a smile.
Woo. Go Gryffindor.

The final game of the year would be bittersweet. Flash so looked forward to the Quidditch games, it was sad to think he would not be able to play until next year. He wasn't even certain he would be able to stay on the team until then, or if his body would give out first. In small part, he was more committed to this game than ever, as a triumphant win now would mean they could play again that summer. It would not be 'undefeated,' but it was about winning the war, not every battle.

Flash's ruminations would not have long to spin, for he would instead need to come to terms with the bombardment of earthen green fuzz. Shielding his eyes with his arm as best he could, he just tried to go through it in hopes the damage to himself and his senses would be minimal. Smelling something quite rotten, Flash would continue his flight through the air with a scowl as he tried to flick it off manually. Giving up on that, he listened to the obnoxious announcer say something about a 'golden eye.' This was his first time hearing it. Not a great start.

Turning in to the bench, Flash would not immediately settle beside Avery as usual, but try to preen himself to get rid of the unwanted element as best he could manage. He had a little bit of time, after all. This was that part he liked most, the unfurling of the plays and the moment-to-moment analysis. He would take out his wand and point it at himself, "Scourgify."

interacting with @simon corbin

Ivy was excited. She'd been promoted to first string since their last game, and she was anxious to prove herself as a competent Chaser in the final Quidditch game of the year. Hopefully their match outcome would be better than last time - at the very least, the weather seemed to have improved. Her stomach fluttered with nerves as she listened to Evelynn's pep talk, smiling encouragingly at her friend, and she stretched out her legs and arms one last time before mounting her broom...

...only to almost fall off of it when a confetti canon went off loudly in front of her, covering both the chasers and the beaters in rainbow papery bullshit. Ivy swore loudly - "Merlin's pants!" - and tried to sweep off the confetti clinging to her clothes and hair with one hand as she flew the lap around the pitch. "Is this someone's idea of a joke?" she muttered crossly, to no one in particular. Ivy brushed at the colourful confetti with disdain and glanced over at one of her fellow chasers, an East Asian boy who looked like he was going to cry. Concern flashed across her face momentarily and she edged slightly closer to him, lowering her voice so that no one else would hear her words. "You alright?"

action: as strategised
mod info:

Reducio

broom: silver arrow (+3 to all stats)
stats:

stamina | 6 (9)
evasion | 9 (12)
strength | 5 (8)
wisdom | 9 (12)
arcane power | 7 (10)
accuracy | 9 (12)

ability:

evasive maneuvers - harder to hit on average, 10% on auto-dodge chance that anything that targets this wizard automatically misses. this is rolled separate from the attack roll. this ability can be acquired up to 2 times. when acquired twice, this stacks so when acquired a second time this becomes a 20% chance.

Before the final game, a lot of things happened within their team. It was sad certainly to see a few players leaving the team due to some personal reasons but happy at the same time when new and talented brave players decided to join them to try to win this game against the Slytherin team.

After listening to their Captain's speech full of encouragement. Their new co-Captain wished them good luck and said that she had full faith in them. Griseldis smiled back at her, it was always a good feeling when hearing supportive words from their own people. And no matter how this game might happen later, she would try her best like every game she did in the past.

Getting herself into position, Griseldis was definitely ready for the game to start.

Action: Doing as strategized

Reducio

Position: First String Beater
Broom: Silver Arrow (+3 to every stat)
Stats:

Stamina: 11 (14)
Evasion: 10 (13)
Strength: 11 (14)
Wisdom: 5 (8)
Arcane Power: 7 (10)
Accuracy: 12 (15)

Ability:

Fearless - Fear effects such as a dhampir's aura, the ability terrible presence, a lycanothrope's intimidation or certain charms, potions and jinxes that would normally cause a fear effect do not work on you as you are immune to them.

Martial Artist - N/A

Evasive Maneuvers - Harder to hit on average, 10% on auto-dodge chance that anything that targets this wizard automatically misses. This is rolled separate from the attack roll. This ability can be acquired up to 2 times. When acquired twice, this stacks so when acquired a second time this becomes a 20% chance.

Obnoxiously Strong - +15% strength.

Broom: Silver Arrow (+3 to all stats)

Haley watched Evelynn as she stood in front of the team, watching her lips move, but the words did not reach her. She really tried to concentrate and listen to the captains speak, but she only heard bits and pieces. Her thoughts were on the game, on this one and on the last one. The last one, the first one she had lost with the team, and the ambition to win today was particularly strong. But the excitement was also particularly strong.

So it was almost like every game, but this time the urge to win was even bigger and before they went out onto the field to get into position she tried to motivate herself and the team even more than they already were. "Go Lions!" she shouted and trotted onto the field in quick strides to take up her position.

"'At least it's warmer this time...' Thought AJ to himself as he flew out onto the pitch with the rest of his team, enjoying the refreshing rush of the Spring air as a delightful contrast to the bite of Winter he had faced during the last match.

It was going to be another bench start for him today, but he was more than fine with it considering that his backside was far less likely to get fused to the seat in question this time around. The young Scotsman wasn't really comfortable with massive showboating, or trying to get eyes on himself, and so, as standard he merely gave some friendly waves to the crowd as his team circled the pitch before descending low to plop himself down on the bench.

Given the tremendous skill, poise and talent of their first string Keeper, he seriously doubted he was going to be needed today.

Action: Sittin' pretty!

Wonderful Banner by Leonard Oaksworth

Impatience saw Marshal's fingers drumming anxiously on the shaft of his broom as inspiration manifested in Evelynn's words. As if the pace of his heart hadn't already been elevated at the thought of participating in his first official quidditch match, the carefully crafted speech set it thumping against his rib cage with an incessant rhythm, the vibration leaking into his restless hands and seeking release upon the smooth wood. But whereas some might interpret the fidgeting as proof of nerves, the truth was indeed to the contrary. Much like a lion crouched amidst the tall grass of the Savannah, prepared to launch itself at unsuspecting prey, his muscles quivered with anticipation, scarcely restrained as he awaited the opportune moment to pounce.
And as the announcer's voice drifted from without the locker room, it became evident that his moment was swiftly approaching.

Eyes shifting to the exit through which Plott's voice came, then back to his captain, he lent silent support by way of feeding her fire with that in his hazel eyes. The aforementioned eagerness painted his posture, spine angled forward, elbows resting upon knees as he gripped the treasured Silver Arrow propped on the floor before him. A light smirk played at his lips as Evelynn's speech rounded to a close, the prospect of second place discounted in favor of her final words: end the season on a high note.
For the duration of this match, from the time the snitch was set free to its eventual seizure, the pride of house Gryffindor rested upon their shoulders. An intangible weight which had a tangible effect on the countenances within the room - one born by the heart and mind, rather than the strength of their backs. But atop even that sat the pressure of his first opportunity to prove himself a worthy member of this team. He was; he knew it. Now there was only the matter of making certain everyone else knew it as well.

Finally, the time for idly waiting was behind him, as Evelynn's form disappeared through the portal leading to the pitch, closely followed by the shiny new co-captain, Pax. Shooting up from his seated position, the boy moved after them. Throwing one leg over the broom, he marveled at how familiar the motion felt amongst the swarm of foreign stimuli which assaulted his senses.
This, he thought, is it.

Eyes closing in a brief moment of personal serenity, he honed his focus on the task at hand, striving for a clear mind with the acceptance of a deep breath into his lungs. Upon releasing the gathered air, his eyes reopened with a determined glint, legs kicking off the ground as his gaze was set upon his upcoming role.
Until all that focus disappeared in a disorienting mess of color. Instinctively veering away from the onslaught of projectiles bidding his face hello, the Gryffindor quite nearly shoved the tip of his broom into the ground he'd only just left behind, which would have made for a rather spectacular somersault into the dirt for his grand entrance. Suffice to say he would have been remembered for years to come. But fortunately for him, his legacy would not consist of a face full of the earth - at least not at this point - as his feet found the ground first, allowing him to kick off of it once again, using more strength to send himself hurtling higher into the air this time around.

Expelling a rainbow of paper from his mouth and shaking his head free of that which insulted his eyes, Marshal scanned the area for his teammates, able to correct his erratic flight patterns upon locating them. Pulling into his assigned position, he stole a glance at his captain - sitting regally as ever atop her broom... though the shade of her face was alarmingly close to that of her hair at the moment. Had something happened to her before the confetti attack was waged upon him? Whomever had orchestrated the entrance theatrics for Gryffindor ought to be given a swift boot out the door. But the potential firing of incompetent organizers would have to wait, as a stormy gaze was turned upon him.
Of all the lions lined up alongside her, Evelynn spoke to him, and that made him feel all kinds of fuzzy inside. In effect, the remainder of his composure met a swift end under her scrutiny.

Him. She was counting on him.

To this point in time, he hadn't experienced a single nerve. Excitement, sure; but not a shred of uncertainty. Yet it continued to grow apparent that this particular girl possessed the talent of hopelessly overthrowing his natural confidence.
As her simple statement sunk in, a new weight settled upon his chest. Throughout the entire duration of his time at Hogwarts, she had always seemed to be there when he needed somebody. When he struggled in school, she was there to teach him how to succeed; even in a near death situation, she'd been the one to come to his rescue.
All of that she had given him and more, leaving him with a crippling desire to reciprocate - to be the one who she could count on when she wasn't enough on her own. But then, she never did seem to run into such barriers. She was the one with the answers. She was always enough, and he was always obsolete.
So he couldn't let her down. In this, a team sport, he just might have his opportunity to be there when she finally needed him.
Throwing a half grin back in her direction, his response brimmed with sincerity. "I wouldn't dream of letting you touch the ground."

Action: ===Doing as strategized.==

Broom: Silver Arrow (+3 to all stats)

Action: Benched

Stats:| Eva: 5 | Sta: 5 | Str: 8 | Acc: 5 | Arc: 4 | Wis: 8 |

Zara was excited for Quidditch very much, as she was a second string she would not necessarily be playing but still she was on the Quidditch Team. Listening to Pax Zhang and Evelyn Decipio at every word listening carefully.

It was against Slytherin 'the rival house'. Zara had never met any Slytherins so this was strange. Zara listened to Evelyn saying it was never a straight forward game with Slytherin. Zara hadn't understood as she had just joined the Quidditch Team but she hoped everyone would be fine.

Zara wasn't even playing and she was getting nervous as the first string players got into position and the second string sat down on the bench. I was ready in case the first string or the second string chasers got injured, Zara was ready to go. Clutching her school broom nervously.

"I hope everyone will be okay," Zara muttered to herself. stay safe, and I hope we thrash Slytherin! We will beat them! She ended with a note of confidence in the end.

"I don't really know anyone here but I have confidence that we will win. I hope. No, not that tone we will win." Zara whispered, she was fighting against herself her confidence lessening and growing. Zara had always had problems with confidence, but she needed to have faith in the team and herself.

"Your all I think about, yeah yeah, I was so stupid for letting you go, but I-I-I know your still the one." She sang, singing often comforted her. But she'd get exceedingly embarassed if someone complimented her. "You might have moved on but girl you should know, that I-I-I know your still the one." She finished singing and looked at everyone on the team her confidence had increased greatly as she looked at everyone.

"Good luck everyone!" She muttered, smiling.

Lisa was stressed. It was her first match! She didn't know if she was excited, terrified, happy... She was afraid of losing her team, of missing everything. She picked up her broom, a Comet 180, and prepared to leave. Her first match was against Gryffindor... They were going to win, they were the Slytherin team! She took off: the match had started.