2022, Stage 3 Ravenclaw vs Slytherin: Match 5

Ileen was in a way better mood than last time. Yes, she had lost, but she had remained standing and that was what actually mattered to her. Fight until you are down and she did. They almost had won, it had been sooooo close. So this time, her steps had a positive bounce as she entered the stage.
Another positive booster was her new partner, Bridget. Ileen had practiced with the older Slytherin over and over again and her advice had saved her in her first duel. She trusted the brunette more than most of her housemates and being with her on this stage felt right.
With a shy smile she looked at her partner. “I am glad to finally duel with you for real.”

The smile became a bit crooked as she glanced at her opponents. Her heart skipped a beat and a small shot of anxiety shot through her body. She recognized the younger of the Ravenclaws. Robert, wasn’t it? How ironic. First, she had tried to heal him and now she would eventually be the reason why he got hurt again.
She wasn’t sure if he recognized her, too. They had only spoken once and it had been a while ago, but Ileen didn’t talk to many students and he was the first one she had ever healed. Of course she would remember. She raised her hand and waved slightly, giving him a warm and conflicted smile.

Galton lightened up the mood though. Ilen giggled slightly and raised her wand, still smiling. This could be fun and maybe, this time no one would offend her or try to flirt with their opponents, like last time. Glancing at Bridget, determination spread over her face. “Ready?”

Action: Doing as strategized

Credit to Dmitri Jones

This was it. All the team's hard work training and strategizing, all the wins they'd tallied up, all the camaraderie they'd built came down to this, to today. Slytherin had six chances, and Bridget had spent the past weeks trying to figure out how to come out on top in as many of them as possible. But the time for preparation was over, and she could worry about her team as a whole later, because right now it was time for her to do her own part on stage. She could offer advice all she wanted, but this was the one duel she had real control over and Bridget was not going to let her team down.

There was, as usual, that little voice reminding her that eventually she was going to fail. Undefeated wouldn't last forever, not for her. Maybe for someone with the sheer talent of Dmitri, but she wasn't Dmitri. And honestly, maybe it would be nice to not bear the weight of that expectation anymore, but relief would have to wait for another day because she wanted to win more.

Was she nervous? Oh, absolutely. That was the case with every duel, and it honestly seemed a bit silly for her to still get worked up when duelling was downright tame compared to other things she'd done. Bridget was, at least, quite good at tucking those nerves beneath a collected exterior. She would hate to unsettle a teammate, and it helped her feel more like the experienced captain with win after win under her belt.

By her side today would not be Henry, but rather Ileen. Though it felt a little weird to have a new partner for the last stage of the year, it was a strategic move and, it being Ileen, it really wasn't like starting from scratch. Ever since that first meeting last year, they had frequently practiced together, exchanging tips and building familiarity. They knew each other's favorite spells, strong points, and weak spots, and though they had not fought together in a match yet, Bridget was confident they would have the chemistry to work well. She'd wished Henry a good duel before finding Ileen, and there was a certain hop in the younger girl's steps that knocked away some of the pre-game jitters. "Me too," she agreed; she was glad to have Ileen by her side.

Their opponents were Mars and Robert. Bridget knew of both, and they'd been around in the duelling club long enough for her to have seen them duel a few times, but she had yet to face either. Robert she had refereed for last year, and she knew Mars to be quick on their feet. Both were younger than her, as had been the case with all her opponents this year, though that didn't necessarily mean much. Skill was not confined to age.

She took the time after surveying the opposition and before Galton called them up making sure her ponytail was tight and shoelaces were securely tied. Little things, but details were important and those little things getting in the way could be catastrophic. In all honesty, she was doing it more because she needed something to do as the anticipation built. At last, Galton took to the platform. His booming voice--Bridget's announcement was never really that loud, even with Sonorus--and excited pitch made a smile edge out past the look of serious concentration that had settled over her face.

Here they go. Shoulders back, take her place on the side they were directed to. As was her custom, she dipped her head respectfully to the Ravenclaws. She raised her wand as instructed and exchanged a glance with Ileen, nodding. "Ready," she confirmed. Then it was just staring down her opponents, letting the surrounding crowd fall away, releasing a breath, and the instruction came to cast.

Action: Doing as strategized

English ⋆ Parseltongue

Mm, a new day, a new duel. Mars flipped their wand over in their fingers, thumbing along the uneven wood. The Duelling Club was as dark and electric as always, lit by candlelight. They frowned up at the ceiling. Thinking about it, candles were quite the interesting choice for room that blew up every few seconds. But then, they were magical, so Mars supposed it wasn't a big deal.

"Ssoo this is the Duelling Room?" Aristaeas flicked. Mars laughed at the way the snake tipped their head, surveying the brown-speckled walls and gritty pitch.

"Yeah," they replied, "Pretty, isn't it?"

"No," the snake said, quite frankly.

"Ah, well... that's okay," Mars chuckled. Approaching one of the benches to the side, they lowered their arm to let Taea slither off. "Remember, you gotta stay here. If you end up on the pitch, I'll probably get disqualified." Taea's tongue flicked out in understanding, beady eyes drilling into theirs.

"Even if you get hit?" it asked.

"Well that won't happen," Mars grinned, "But yeah, even then."

Taea nodded slowly, curling up on itself. Mars stroke its head, smiling slightly. It had insisted on coming this time, even though they weren't sure how it would handle loud noises. Or seeing them duel, for that matter.

Waving goodbye, Mars hopped up onto the pitch. Their eyes flitted over the opponents already standing there—Slytherins, this time. They'd hoped it would be Hanako... but this wasn't bad, certainly. Mars grinned, widening their stance. Not a cake walk, but a good challenge.

They waved over at Robert, feeling their shoulders loosen. "Time for redemption, ey?" they called, laughing slightly. They liked the boy, liked working with him. Hopefully this time, luck would be more in their favor.

Mentioning @Hanako Tone

Interacting with @Mars T'ien, @Bridget Collins, @Ileen Knight, and @Galton Lansdale

Robert clumsily made his way onto the piste, still rubbing sleep from his eyes. He'd tried so hard to get enough sleep after the beginning of his last duel, but alas, all the effort of attempting to forcibly shut down his body seemed to have made himself even more tired. The young boy attempted to wake himself up a bit by taking in his surroundings. He once again was paired with Mars, which he'd been happy to find out during practice. Even if they'd lost their first duel together, he'd enjoyed being partnered with the wix.

Looking across the piste, he immediately recognized the faces of the two Slytherins, even if it took a couple seconds to groggily place them, and a couple more seconds to remember names. He remembered Bridget moderating one of his duels the past year, and even if he'd never really interacted with her, she seemed nice enough. The other duelist took slightly longer to recognize in a different setting, but once he did, Robert couldn't help but feel happy in remembrance. He'd only met Ileen once, over a year ago, but his memories of their interaction were nothing but pleasant (he'd managed to mostly block out the physical pain, and focus only on the warm emotions of the moment). He enthusiastically waved back to her hesitant gesture, a happy grin on his face. "Hey, Ileen!" he called over.

Suddenly, he remembered the reason he was seeing her again. With a bit of chagrin, he toned down his excitement when he realized she was on the opposing side of this (slightly) violent sport. With a mental shrug, he quickly prepared a special place in his mind for any guilt that may come from hurting who he considered a friend. He'd have time to deal with that later. For now, he took a deep breath and prepared to start the duel. "Good luck guys!" he called across the piste. Looking back at his partner, he smiled. "Let's do this."

Round 1

Bridget Collin vs Robert Toukmond

Reducio

Bridget Collin cast Aqua Eructo at Toukmond
Wisdom DC: 13
Wisdom Check: [d20: 16] + 11 = > 13 → Success
Accuracy Check: [d20: 1] + 10 → crit miss.
New target: [1d2:1] (1: Mars, 2:Ileen) → Mars T'ien
Raw Accuracy Check: [d20: 17] = 17
Mars Evasion Check: [d20: 1] + 9 = 10
17 >10 → Hit
Damage: 80+ 8 ARC × 10 = 160
Duration: [d3: 1] → 1 round (1d3, 1-2: 1 round, 3: 2 rounds)
Effects:
- Wet for 1 round
- -4 ACC for 1 round

Ileen Knight vs Robert Toukmond

Reducio

Ileen Knight Ventus at Toukmond
Wisdom DC: 11
Wisdom Check: [d20: 18] + 11 = 29 > 11 → Success
Accuracy Check: [d20: 18] + 11 = 29
Evasion Check: [d20: 19] + 6 = 25
29 > 25 → Hit
Damage: 50+ 6 ARC × 10 = 110
Duration: [d3: 2] → 1 round (1d3, 1-2: 1 round, 3: 2 rounds)
Effects:
-4 EVA for 1 round

Mars T'ien vs Ileen Knight

Reducio

Mars T'ien cast Obscuro at Ileen Knight
Wisdom DC: 10
Wisdom Check: [d20: 16] + 9 = 25 > 10 → Success
Accuracy Check: [d20: 20] + 10 = 30
Evasion Check: [d20: 5] + 9 = 14
30 > 14 → Hit
Effects:
Ileen is blindfolded. Evasion and Accuracy are 0 until removed

Robert Toukmond vs Ileen Knight

Reducio

Robert Toukmond cast Flipendo at Ileen Knight
Wisdom DC: 9
Wisdom Check: [d20: 9] + 9 = 18 > 9 → Success
Accuracy Check: [d20: 11] + 8 = 19
Evasion Check: [d20: 1] + 9 = 10
19 > 10 → Hit
Damage: 100+ 8 ARC × 10 = 180

Sunday, 1st of May 2022

Vicious magic machines took the place of the calm duelists. Both teams would waste no time in bloodying their opponents. Ravens and Snakes locked into a brutal struggle to wiggle their way to the top. It was riveting.

And what made it especially riveting was that no one missed. Who needed to dodge? The match was still young, they were all feeling good, it made sense that they were more focused on hitting the others then not getting hit. That was not to say they weren't trying to dodge. But maybe their hearts weren't in it totally.

Mars was up first. An obscuro cast with ease and sniped at Ileen. The aim was actually something of a wonder. Galton had not seen a blindfold fly so strait in all his time dueling. Where one normally saw cloth, he only saw a white bolt shoot across and cover poor Ileen's eyes. But Ileen was not without her own spell for the Ravens.

Galton's favorite, a ventus, and near perfect in it's torrent, emerged from Ileen's wand. It was headed strait for Robert. It seemed that no matter what Robert was to do, no matter how hard he tried to avoid the incoming wind, Ileen's aim had also been too good to escape. The boy would feel the wind slam into him and wrap around him.

Whatever pain he may have felt from that hit would hopefully be diminished as he watched his own flipendo slam into Ileen. While not quite the unescapable aim Mars and Ileen had shared, he still found his mark easy enough. Ileen would feel the sting of the match's first flipendo, a sting that most duelists knew by heart at this point.

The only one who would not have to try and dodge any potent magic this bout was Bridget. The snakes seemed to be going with an elemental theme this round. Bridget's own Aqua Eructo was well cast, but the aim was either a masterclass in deception, or a masterclass in luck. The water blindsided Mars. Not even Galton had seen that coming.

The duel was off to an energizing start. Each team had their strategies land. Now whose would lead them to victory?

Information

• You have 96 hours from now to write your posts. A minimum word count of 50 is needed per post.
• In the same time period, send me (Galton Lansdale) your team's actions per owl. Do not hint at your actions in your post.
• If you don't post in the allotted time frame, your action is void.
• Your Stats, Abilities, and Spells have been locked to what they are now for the duration of this duel.
• Please owl or message me if you have any questions or concerns!
• Here you can find the rules to the Duelling System.
• Best of luck, let's have some fun!

Count down clock!

Spectator thread!

The unexpected and cute reaction of the Ravenclaw boy caused another giggle. Too bad that they had to meet again right here. But that was the way it was. And nothing that happened here could not be fixed.

She tried to shake off the oppressive feeling, knowing that she was about to attack the boy she actually respected and liked. This was nothing personal. And everyone here knew that.

As soon as the start signal came, she jerked her wand up in the air and pointed it at the boy. Her Ventus was strong and precise, finally the wood between her fingers obeyed her again. After the last duel where she hadn’t hit anything, this was much needed. Seeing Bridget casting successfully also built up her spirit. Yes! This time, they would win. She just knew it.
The triumph, coupled with the familiar sting of guilt when she saw her spell hit the target, lasted only a short time though.
She saw it a second too late. A blindfold settled tightly over her eyes and everything went black. Almost simultaneously, a flipendo hit her with the force of a hammer blow and made her stumble. Gritting her teeth she suppressed a painful gasp.

It was now the third time in her life that someone took away her vision. Had it defeated her the last time? No. And under no circumstances would she make it easy for the two ravens.
With a slight movement she shook off the pain. The adrenaline pumping through her body overshadowed the injuries anyway. She teetered on her pads, a panther ready to pounce, blind or not.

Action: Doing as strategized

Credit to Dmitri Jones

Bridget knew the plan. Of course she did, she had been closely involved in its formulation. The plan was to hit Robert hard right out of the gate, and that was who she lined up her wand for when the signal to start was given. But as she started to cast, her gaze flicked to Mars. She wasn’t sure what it was, exactly, the moment to fast to fully process and perhaps not to be reasoned with, anyway—reasoning had occurred in the time before they took to the stage when their plan was set. Perhaps, knowing Mars’ speed, she wanted to land a hit while there was a chance they weren’t quite ready for it yet.

Whatever the case, she’d been here before, attention straying mid-cast. It only ever ended in the spell missing her target so widely they didn’t even have to try to avoid it. Forget it, change of plans. She fully shifted her wand to point at Mars and let loose the building magical energy in a jet of water. With the element of surprise on her side and a fair bit of luck (she hadn’t exactly had the time to aim perfectly), she drenched Mars.

Bridget was annoyed at her loss of focus—the plan was carefully crafted, she should be sticking to it—but she was going to take the hit as a win. Ileen had executed her part nicely, her Wind Jinx blowing into Robert. It was a good start, though soured by Ileen suffering a Flipendo and blindfold. Once again, it appeared her younger teammate was the target. “Hang in there,” she said, somewhere between an instruction and an encouragement. Being blindfolded was never good, but Bridget was untouched and going to do her best to make the most of it, to hold down the fort until Ileen had her sight back.

Action: Doing as strategized

English ⋆ Parseltongue

Mars watched with a grin as their spell hit, the black cloth materializing around Ileen's face just as Robert's Flipendo barreled through as well.

"Nice shot!" they called, waving their wand excitedly. In the midst of their celebration though, they didn't notice the stray spell whip around midair, veering straight at them. With a yelp, they were pushed back by the stream of water, the strong jet nearly knocking them off their feet.

They steadied themselves, raising their arms to watch the water drip off in waves. The robes clung to their bones and Mars shivered, stifling a sneeze.

"Really?" they called over playfully, "Thanks a lot." Certainly not the greatest spell in the world—Mars could feel the chill stiffen their limbs, their joint cracking. But also not the worse.

With an attempted grin and shivering fingers spraying water drops, they readied themselves for the next round.

Interacting with @Mars T'ien, @Bridget Collins, @Ileen Knight, and @Galton Lansdale

The duel started with a whirlwind of action. Four spells were cast, and four spells connected. Unlike his opponent, Robert felt no semblance of guilt in the moment for his action, only that beautiful rush of adrenaline when your first spell lands its target. Unfortunately, that burst of energy came a couple seconds too late to help him evade Ileen’s attack. Robert grimaced as the wind buffeted him around, making it hard to move. However, even in the midst of this discomfort, the young boy still had to appreciate Ileen’s marksmanship. It felt as though no matter how hard he had tried, it would have been nearly impossible to evade her spell. “Nice one!” he called out, with a smile he knew she couldn't see.