2020, Stage 1 Group D: Ravenclaw vs Slytherin

Bridget supposed she should be used to this feeling by now. The feeling of her stomach being a tangle of nerves, of her heart thumping a little too fast in her chest. She was nervous. She was excited. The two weren't a great combination for sleeping and had cost her several hours of sleep the night prior, hours spent tossing and turning unable to shut off her racing thoughts, but she had gone on little sleep before. The Slytherin was scared, but also ready.

She sat fidgeting with her wand during the duels prior to her own, mind somewhere between observing what worked and what didn't and simply going over every spell she'd ever learned that could be remotely useful in a duel. It was a little ridiculous; she hadn't been this nervous for her first duel, had she? Not that she recalled, anyways, and Bridget had a fairly good memory. Then maybe it was because she'd lost that first duel and was worried that streak would continue? Or maybe it was because she wasn't as confident in her spellcasting abilities as she had once been. If she couldn't reliably cast something so simple as an Umbrella Spell every time, how could she expect to be any good at a sport that entirely revolved around casting spells? But that was ridiculous. She'd made the duelling team, hadn't she? And ever since then she'd been practicing almost daily.

And there it was, her name being called. Bridget wasn't about to bail on her team, so she walked up to the duelling platform, wand gripped rather tightly in hand, hyperaware of every eye on her. Needing something to do, she looked over at who she was up against. This first duel would be against Ravenclaw. Phaedra Stavrou, fourth year. Going up against older, more experienced students with a larger arsenal of spells was always… well, a challenge. The other girl she knew only by the name that had been called. Lana Monet. Glancing her way, she felt like she was going to be sick. She didn't know why, but the bundle of nerves that had become her stomach was now layered with something else. Something unsettling.

Biting the inside of her cheek to distract herself from the sudden chill she felt, intangible but still very much there, she turned towards her partner. Santario Martin, a younger student that wasn't her friend but she at least liked. They'd been Quidditch teammates a year ago, Bridget had helped get her to medical attention at the Blossom Ball, and now they were paired for duelling. The second year had her respect as both a talented duellist and her Co-Captain. "Good luck," she offered with a wan smile.

It was nice, she supposed, to have the same person who moderated her first duel run her first one as a part of the duelling team. She listened carefully to Professor Vernatis' words, much of his speech on a tangent about some... boxer, right? Well, the short version was no physical attacks, something she'd certainly not been planning to do. She was here for a battle of spells only. A battle of spells to the unconsciousness, to be more specific. Bridget didn't have any plans to be leaving on a stretcher again.

All too soon, the duel was starting. Bridget was in position, feet planted, shoulders squared, wand at the ready, and trying to block out the audience as best as she could. Her hair was out of her face, already having been pulled back in the tightest braid she could manage, and the silver brooch they'd been given was fastened to the front of her robes. She wished she could say it had been fastened there with pride, but she wasn't sure she could be proud yet. Pride was something you had to earn. Taking a deep breath, Bridget adjusted her grip on her wand one final time. She was still nervous, but being on the platform brought a sense of calm. No more waiting, just doing. She could do this. Just one spell at a time, right?

Action: Doing as strategized
Stats: 6 Stamina | 9 Evasion | 7 Strength | 9 Wisdom | 7 Arcane Power | 8 Accuracy
Race: Human
Abilities: Sixth Sense | Evasive Maneuvers | Prodigal DADA
Trunk: xxx

A deep breath was taken as Santario stepped into the duel arena, but not out of nerves. No, no, it was to calm the sheer excitement. The young girl’s first taste in sanctioned duelling was over the summer, and it had been tantalizingly delicious. Santario had been the one who cast the spell knocking that American kid unconscious before he should have been effectively ending their duel in a draw under emergency circumstances. She had been happy, however, to hear that the boy had been fine afterward. She didn’t duel to permanently hurt her opponents; she dueled to hone her skills and prove her worth.

She took her place by Bridget’s side her Emerald Brooch that would come to represent the Viridian Vipers secured to the collar of her robes. As Phaedra, an older girl she knew from working on the headliner last year, and Lana, a girl she didn’t know at all, took their positions, she would give them a nod of respect. A silent well wishes and good luck to them. She looked to Bridget, a girl she knew to be fierce on a broom both from Quidditch and from effectively saving her from the secret blossom ball of last year. Santario held nothing but respect for the girl that stood by her side, and she couldn’t have asked for a better partner on the field today or in the future. She didn’t need to know Bridget personally; she didn’t need to be considered her friend or vice versa. They were experienced together in situations where having on another’s back was required, and when it came to situations like this, she trusted her partner unconditionally.

She smiled warmly at Bridget with a mischievous glint in her sapphire eyes. “I’ve got your back, we don’t need luck, just to do our best.” While Santario would be disappointed if they lost, they were going against an extremely skilled fourth year, and even if they lost, as long as they did their best, she could come to terms with being okay with that. More fuel for the fire to get better and faster. Santario flourished her wand in her hand and took position as Professor Vernatis rambled about something she had never heard of. Bite marks in ears? Ludacris, this is a duel, and they were not barbarians. She took her stance and waited for the duel to begin.

Action| Doing as Stratigized

Stamina | 5 | Evasion | 7 | Strength | 3 | Wisdom | 8 | Arc Power | 9 | Accuracy | 8 |
Race| Human
Abilities| Healing Sage: +25% healing done with potions and spells. | Prodigal Charms Learner

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Lana made her way to the stage upon hearing her name being called, a look of malice worn across the Ravenclaw's face. Despite this being the girl's first-ever duel, she couldn't help but feel confident. Maybe it was her ego that kept her from being unafraid, the sight of the Slytherins not enough to frighten her. Sure, she was a bit inexperienced, though all the same. She'd prove worthy to her house, and to her teammate.

She glanced at her partner for a moment, a nod coming from her direction. Lana had been paired with a fourth year, though not just any fourth year at that. Phaedra Stavrou, the prefect that seemed the most capable of her job. She respected her, even if she'd never say it aloud. Lana knew she had more spells than her, though it didn't matter. That was something they had to their advantage, something that could possibly give them the upper hand.

She peered ever so slightly at her opponents, their faces recognizable but not too familiar. She knew Santario from classes, though couldn't for the life of her pin a year on Bridget. A third year maybe..
All the same. She'd beat them with ease regardless of their age, or at least her confidence lead her to think so. Lana didn't bother saying anything before the match began, as no words of hope would change fate. They'd either win or lose, something not even magic could change. Instead, she watched her opponents carefully, observing their habits and gestures.

It was then that the word "begin!" rung out into the room, causing Lana to steady her hand. With her grey eyes fixated on the two girls, it was made apparent she was here to win. There would be no "fun" involved, as victory was far too important to let it slip away.

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Action: Doing as strategized

Reducio

For mods:
Stats
___________
Stamina | 7
Evasion | 6
Strength | 8
Wisdom | 8
Arcane | 5
Accuracy | 6

Abilities
___________
Terrible Presence
Fearless

Upon hearing Professor Vernatis call out her name, Phaedra hoisted up the hem of her robes and squeezed her way through the crowd towards the duelling podium. One would be hard pressed to have her admit it, but the walk up those steps alone was agonizing. She was a talented caster and her persistence had gotten her this far to make the team, but organized duelling such as this was a first for her. The eyes on her didn’t make her nerves feel any less like they were on fire. Phaedra forced herself to stand a little taller and block out every face that didn’t matter.

While the professor started on rules, Phaedra spared a moment to glance over to who she’d be facing. She knew Santario Martin from her tenure on the school newspaper, but Bridget stood out as unrecognizable. She harrumphed, already of two minds about her opponents. On one hand, it wasn’t very fair to pit her against younger students, was it? Not that she was moved enough to fight the matchmaking, but it was a bit of a disappointment; the prefect felt as if she were both cheating and being cheated. On the other, these were Slytherin. No matter the age, it would be unwise to underestimate them. She gave them a respectful acknowledgment nonetheless and then looked over her shoulder at her partner only to feel the hairs raise at the back of her neck.

They hadn’t interacted much, but there was something off about Lana that she couldn't place. Still, Phaedra had enough mind to return her partner's nod—albeit in the awkward manner someone trying to hurry out of an unbearable conversation would—and turned back to face their opponents, thumb rolling over the ridges of her wand as she studied the Slytherin girls over. The weight in her hand soothed her nerves and brought a reminder of just how much she'd worked for this moment. The jeering of spectators and her own heart hammering in her chest did little to wean that determination out of her. Holding up her wand before her, Phaedra took a stance. She couldn’t fail now. Her pride wouldn’t let her.

Action: Doing as strategized.

Reducio

STA: 6, EVA: 8, STR: 1, WIS: 15, ARC: 10, ACC: 10
Perfectionist, Perfectionist II, Spell Spread

Round 1

Santario vs. Phaedra

Reducio

Santario cast Ventus at Phaedra
Wisdom DC: 11
Wisdom Check: [d20: 13] + 8 = 21 > 12 → Success
Spell Auto-Split (10): [d10: 8] -> No Auto Split
Auto-Miss (10): [d10: 10] <> 10 → Auto Miss (Lana's Terrible Presence)
Effects:
- None.

Bridget vs Phaedra

Reducio

Bridget cast Mimblewimble at Phaedra
Wisdom DC: 9
Wisdom Check: [d20: 1] Crit Fail!
Auto-Dodge (10): [d10: 8]
Accuracy Check: [d20: 3] + 10 = 13 (Phae)
Evasion Check: [d20: 8] + 9 = 17
17> 13 -> Evasion successful!
Spell Duration: [d3: 1] [1 round]
Effects:
- Muted for 1 round!

Phaedra vs Bridget

Reducio

Phaedra cast Petrificus Totalus at Bridget
Wisdom DC: 14->15 (Crit fail increase due to Lana's Terrible Presence)
Wisdom Check: [d20: 19] + 15 = 34 > 15 → Success
Auto-Miss (10): [d10: 1] < 10 → No auto-miss (Lana's Terrible Presence)
Accuracy Check: [d20: 3] + 10 = 13
13 < 17-> Spell Miss!
Evasion Check: [d20: 8] + 9 = 17
17> 13 -> Evasion successful! (Bridget)
Effects:
- None.

Lana vs Santario

Reducio

Lana cast Spongify at Santario
Wisdom DC: 11
Wisdom Check: [d20: 10] + 8 = 18 > 11 → Success
Accuracy Check: [d20: 2] + 6 = 8
8 < 18→ Spell Miss
Evasion Check: [d20: 11] + 7 = 18
18 > 8 -> Evasion Successful!
Effects:
- None.

A low whistle left Artemis' mouth as each and every duelist missed their mark this round. It was a great effort on the Viridian Viper's part to tag-team on the oldest player here, but alas, they needed to work a little harder and concentrate a little bit more if they were planning to land their attacks. Artemis really thought that @Santario Martin would land her attack since she managed to cast it perfectly, but potentially, the strange and terrible presence of @Lana Monet must have hindered the young Slytherin as her wind jinx completely missed its target and flew to the ceiling of the room[/color].

Though she did fair better than her teammate, @Bridget Collins whose spell only sputtered from her wand before it backfired on her entirely! She would turn to her teammate to say something, but no words came from her mouth as her tongue was effectively tied! But that didn't stop her focus as she effectively and successfully dodged a fast pace Body-Bind spell from @Phaedra Stavrou that landed close to the barrier at the other end of the platform.

That fourth year was aiming to maim. It was a good thing she didn't underestimate her opponents, regardless of their ages. @Lana Monet was also a contender who managed to get her spell off and out of her wand, but @Santario Martin was not trying to have any of her limbs feeling all limp and spongy like and managed to successfully dodge a strategically cast Spongify, though one had to wonder how someone could cast a spell that they didn't know... The strategies were great but the duelists better learn to have a handle on their wands and spells, concentrate on casting their spells, and do their utmost to ignore the terrible presence of the one player who seemed to be the normal one out of the players.

-You have 72 hours from now to write your entrance posts (50 words min)

-Send me (Artemis Vernatis) your moves/actions via Owl. Give nothing away in your posts as that ruins the element of surprise (smirk). You can post your reactions after every modpost.

-Don't forget to talk and strategize with your teammate and send in your moves together.

-Please remember that you must cast the spells that are in your trunk only!

-If you don't post in the allotted time frame, your action is void. If you require an extension, you can do so in an owl addressed to me before the next modpost. You will be given, at most, twenty-four (24) hours' extension in addition to the original 72. Your spells, stats, and abilities are locked to what they are now for this duel. Good luck, and remember to have fun!

While being on the duelling platform calmed her nerves, it did nothing for the sense of unease that had settled in the pit of her stomach. She had no idea what the feeling was, let alone where it was coming from, but it was something she couldn't shake.

The duel had started; she had to focus. Her and Santario's strategy in mind, she knew what she was going to do. Phaedra, being older, had more spells and more experience, which meant she was a threat. There was a rather simple solution to that, though. If Phaedra couldn't cast spells, she'd be useless, and at their age, casting spells involved speaking. Take someone's ability to speak away and gone was the threat their spell-casting posed.

"Mimblewimble." Her incantation was right, as was the wand movement. Her concentration, though, was clearly very, very off because the spell went the completely wrong direction. It didn't shoot out of the tip of her wand towards Phaedra; it came straight back at her.

There was no hope of dodging a spell from her own wand. There was barely even time to register what was happening before the spell's effects hit you. Her tongue promptly curled up inside her mouth. It honestly felt like it had tied itself into a knot. Well, at any rate, Bridget was smart enough to know trying to say anything would be pointless and a waste of time. Time she simply couldn't waste with a Full Body-Bind Curse hurtling her way. She really had no desire to be muted and petrified at the very start of the duel. Thankfully, her dodging capabilities were better than her current spell-casting and she nimbly avoided the spell. In terms of having quick reflexes, Quidditch had probably given her an edge.

Santario cast a spell at Phaedra as well, and while hers didn't backfire, it went wide, dissipating into nothing. Phaedra hadn't even had to try to dodge; perhaps Santario felt something off, too. Lana sent a Softening Charm Santario's way, but her teammate managed to dodge. The spell, while certainly useful, seemed a little out of place among the Full Body-Bind Curses, Tongue-tying Spells, and Wind Jinxes.

Well then, nothing had landed so far, save for her own botched spell. She wasn't particularly thrilled with her performance, but there was plenty of time to prove herself. In the meantime, though, she was going have to deal with her tongue being in a knot.

Action: Doing as strategized
Stats: 6 Stamina | 9 Evasion | 7 Strength | 9 Wisdom | 7 Arcane Power | 8 Accuracy
Race: Human
Abilities: Sixth Sense | Evasive Maneuvers | Prodigal DADA
Trunk: xxx

This was usually Santario's favorite moment in a duel. The moment where the air was alive and it felt like your skin was dancing with electricity. The thickness in the air before the crescendo of cast spells released the building tension. It would seem that this was not a round for anyone. Everyone single one of them missed or backfired. She was not pleased that her partner's spell failed but perhaps she could do better in the upcoming rounds. Santario had cast flawlessly it was however other things, like Phae's knack for not getting hit, that prevented her from being successful. She took a deep breath and tried to focus herself away from the feeling that Lana gave off. Kinda like a cold hand slipping through your ribcage and wrapping itself gently around your heart. Not enough to hurt but just enough to make you more than uncomfortable.

Action| Doing as Stratigized

Stamina | 5 | Evasion | 7 | Strength | 3 | Wisdom | 8 | Arc Power | 9 | Accuracy | 8 |
Race| Human
Abilities| Healing Sage: +25% healing done with potions and spells. | Prodigal Charms Learner

I'm on mobile/vacation for this post sorry for the quality and my refusal to prrofread it.

______________________________________

Without thinking, Lana casted her spell without any reasoning. "Spongify!" She'd said the incantation simply, the spell shooting from the tip of her wand. Though as it zipped through the air, the randomness of it hit her instantly. She'd been too hasty, too eager. What kind of duelling spell was spongify? Still, her face hadn't faltered.
Her spell had missed, though she wasted no time on such failure. If she were being honest, it could have been a blessing in disguise. Her next spell would be much more calculated, precise and accurate.

Her eyes fell upon Phaedra, Lana's eyes now widened due to the two opponents both focusing on her partner. The two spells could certainly set them back in this duel, causing her to turn back to Bridget. She knew their strategy, trying to take out Phaedra in order to get Lana herself. It was smart, yes, but obvious. Lana knew she'd have a harder time defending herself due to her limited knowledge of spells, but it meant she would just have to work harder. She kept her gaze on the brown-haired girl, her glaring holding the intention to throw her off.
Her grin seemed to widen as she watched Bridget cast her spell, the urge to laugh far too strong to contain. A giggle escaped her lips, the backfire of Bridget's spell an amusement to her. Though her focus soon returned, as she could not let herself get too distracted.

It seemed both of their spells failed, a wave of relief falling upon Lana. Maybe it was a matter of luck, or perhaps they were meant to win. Either way, the Slytherins were in for a treat.

______________________________________

Action: Doing as strategized

Reducio

For mods:
Stats
___________
Stamina | 7
Evasion | 6
Strength | 8
Wisdom | 8
Arcane | 5
Accuracy | 6

Abilities
___________
Terrible Presence
Fearless

A reminder that tomorrow is the last day to make a post for the duel.