by Luka Petrov
Mistress Lathurna continued by stating the rules of the duel, “Both mages must duel in the clothes that they currently have on, no magical robes are allowed. Magic wands and staves are not to be used since they were not agreed to beforehand. No mage armor is allowed. Only one spell may be cast by each duelist per round. One counter spell is allowed per round. No Magical Missiles, those are boring. I want you to work on something other than Magical Missile. Both duelists must stand on either end of the classroom, which is around fifty feet apart from one another. You may not move from your location once the duel has begun. This is a contest of magical abilities and not fancy footwork.”
The two mages each took fifteen steps backward, never turning their backs on each other. As they walked backward, a noticeable glimmer illuminated between them, signifying they were engaging in a duel. A fiery-red oval encompassed them, appearing like transparent flames, swirled around the dueling area in this small classroom.
Zagras’ back was toward me as he stood fifteen paces from Uronion on the other side of the classroom. Mistress Lathurna raised her right hand with her index and middle finger pointing to the sky and turned to Zagras, “Do you, Zagras, agree to enter the duel against Uronion? You may yield at this time, declaring Uronion as the winner.”
Zagras nodded and answered, “I agree to enter the duel against Uronion.”
“Very well,” responded Mistress Lathurna. She then turned to Uronion and asked, “Do you, Uronion, agree to enter the duel against Zagras? You may yield at this time, declaring Zagras as the winner.”
Uronion nodded and answered, “I agree to enter the duel against Zagras.”
“Very well. You two will quick cast but will need to declare spells using the activation words. Each of you will have twenty HP,” explained Mistress Lathurna as the number twenty written in flames appeared on the wall over each duelist’s head. “The duel ends when HP is down to zero. The duel may now begin,” announced Kyna dropping her right arm back down to her side.
The two magic users nodded at each other. Zagras’ yelled at Uronion, “Honor virtutis praemium!”
Uronion replied, “Veritas aequitas!”
Both of these mages were 5th-level evokers, therefore the dueling area did not need to be large, and the classroom, although small was an adequate size.
Zagras shouted, “Ignis pila!”
Zagras had the initiative and cast Fireball.
Spell: Fireball
School: Evocation
Skill Level: 3rd-Level
Effect: A fiery explosion will cause 100 points damage if performed correctly in a 15-foot radius. Target will continue to take extra fire damage.
Zagras cast Fireball, at Uronion. I watched a fifteen-foot ball of flames emerge from Zagras’ palms and hurl itself toward Uronion. The Fireball traveled at a rapid pace and would normally explode on impact and could potentially set Uronion on fire, yielding damage over time.
However, Uronion countered the spell, which is allowed each round of the mage duel. Uronion shouted, “Impetus tempestatis!”
Uronion completed a successful spell-craft check. Uronion cast Whirlwind
Spell: Whirlwind
School: Evocation
Skill Level: 5th-Level
Effect: Cyclone 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide. The raging wind moves through the air, along the ground, zigzagging by the caster’s direction. When the Whirlwind comes in contact with a spell, a reflex save must be successfully thrown or counter damage will be yielded by the caster of the spell.
Uronion summoned a circling vortex of air that created a funnel cloud inside the classroom. The cyclone zeroed in right on the Fireball and collided with the menacing fury of flames. The whirling windstorm pulled the Fireball into an inferno and launched the vortex up to the ceiling of the classroom, momentarily catching it on fire before it burnt out.
Uronion gave Zagras a flash of a smirk from under his black hood. I had never seen such a counter spell conducted with such precision and demonstration of magical abilities. One thing became apparent in the first round of the duel. I was outclassed by my classmates in terms of magical ability. The second thing that became clear was the Demon Lord was simply toying and playing with me and my friends. We did not even witness half of this from Lord Abraxas.
Zagras puffed out his chest, appearing not to be deterred by the Whirlwind counter spell. Mistress Lathurna announced, “Round 2.”
Uronion summoned sheets of roaring flames centered around his location. Sparks of embers flung themselves as the temperature of the inferno that surrounded Uronion appeared to increase and become molten.
Uronion cast Firestorm at Zagras.
Spell: Firestorm
School: Evocation
Skill Level: 5th-Level
Effect: A storm of fiery sheets surround the caster. As the storm surrounds the caster, the inferno increases in strength. Once it is unleashed on a target, the target is met with an explosion and ignites on fire, taking fire damage.
Uronion sent the Firestorm spell at the target, Zagras.
The rampaging inferno moved across the room in a wall of flames that was directed at Zagras but appeared to be coming for all of us. I watched the wave of seething lava-like energy barrel toward Zagras and me and the other classmates that sat behind him.
I cast Shield as I braced for the Firestorm to render fire damage on all who would be affected by the spell. “Clipeum!” I shouted.
Edward cast Shield.
Spell: Shield
School: Abjuration
Skill Level: 1st-Level
Effect: An invisible force shield that hovers in front of the caster. It negates attacks directed at them. It is formed in the shape of a disk and can ricochet attacks if hit at the correct angle. For a limited time.
Zagras shouted, “Argomentare magia!”
Zagras cast Magic Dispelled as a counter spell.
Spell: Magic Dispelled
School: Abjuration
Skill Level: 3rd-Level
Effect: Any creature or magical effect within range, any spell 3rd-Level or lower on the target ends the spell.
With Zagras mastering the defense for the Firestorm, it dissipated into the atmosphere, ending the spell cast by Uronion. That was an exceptional use of defensive magic Zagras demonstrated, however, the Dispelled Magic spell was not at the same level as the Firestorm and Zagras would take damage. Zagras gave Uronion a nod while he tilted his head to the side as the flames of the Firestorm turned to smoke.
Zagras made a successful Spellcraft check but took 50 points fire damage because Magic Dispelled was cast at a lower level to conserve mana. -10 HP.
The flamed numbers above Zagras moved from twenty to ten. Firestorm is a crazy spell, and that was the first time that I saw one in action.
Mistress Lathurna announced, “Round three.”
I was certain that Zagras needed to come up with something more powerful to equal the score. Zagras closed his eyes and concentrated. His hands glowed bluish-white. From where I sat, I was able to see beads of sweat stream down his forehead.
Zagras shouted, “Conicum glacies!”
In a blink of an eye, a blast of crystals, shards of glass, and ice radiated from Zagras’ hands in the shape of a cone toward Uronion.
Zagras cast Conical Chill.
Spell: Conical Chill
School: Evocation
Skill Level: 5th-Level
Effect: A 60-foot cone of arctic energy is hurled at a target. A successful Constitution save must be made.
Uronion immediately shouted, “Murus ignis!” As flames of fire energy created a wall in front of him. Uronion was a moment too late when he cast the Fire Wall to counter the cold energy.
Uronion cast Fire Wall at a lower level than the Conical Chill.
Spell: Fire Wall
School: Evocation
Skill Level: 4th-Level
Effect: A wall of fire on a solid surface is created up to 60 feet. Firewall can counter cold damage
on the same level. Can render damage on an opponent within range.
Zagras made a successful Dexterity saving throw and was not damaged by the Fire Wall. Uronion was caught flat-footed with the Conical Chill and was delayed with the cast of Fire Wall taking 80 points of cold damage. -20 HP.
I watched Uronion’s hit points written in flames fall to zero. Mistress Lathurna immediately announced, “Zagras has won the Mage Duel.” She walked into the middle of the dueling square in the classroom and held up her hands. “The duel is over.” As she did that, the outline of the dueling boundaries disappeared. Both Zagras and Uronion shook hands in the middle of the classroom right next to Kyna.
“Good job,” Uronion said to Zagras.
“You’re a formidable opponent,” Zagras said to Uronion.
Mistress Lathurna turned to each of us who sat along the wall of the classroom. “Edward MacAra, you’re up next.” She took a moment to look around the room, and said, “Avaleus, you will duel Edward.”
I did not know who Avaleus was but watched a tall older student stand up in a red robe with gold embroidery who sat a few seats down from me. As he stood, he put his hood up over his head. Reluctantly, I stood from my seat as well. After seeing what type of magic these evocation students could cast, I became hesitant. Usually, I am not lacking in confidence, but I had a feeling I was in over my head.
I met Avaleus and Mistress Lathurna in the middle of the classroom. “Do you two agree to enter the duel?” Mistress Lathurna asked both of us.
I nodded and said, “I agree.”
Avaleus nodded and said, “I agree.”
“Good,” replied Mistress Lathurna with a nod. “We will use the same rules as the duel before. Count out fifteen paces backward.”
I nodded and walked backward while I counted each step. Avaleus did the same. The energy waves outlined our dueling space as we moved further back from each other.
As I got to my fifteenth step, I was taken by surprise as eight Firebolts came at my feet. I didn’t hear Avaleus announce the spell, perhaps because I was still counting. I instantly started to jump in an attempt to dodge the bolts. Fiery bolts of energy came in my direction, ionizing the surrounding air as they zapped past my legs. The reddish-orange blasts pelted where I stood, leaving charred residue on the classroom wall behind me. A sensation of feeling overwhelmed came over me, and I became panic-stricken.
Avaleus quick and duel casted four sets of Firebolts catching Edward flat-footed.
Spell: Firebolt
School: Evocation
Skill Level: Cantrip
Effect: A bolt of fire is hurled at a target. The target takes fire damage.
Edward made a successful Constitution check taking 50 points of fire damage. -8 HP.
I had almost dodged all of the Firebolts that Avaleus hurled at me, however, the last one stung my ankle, and knocked me flat on my back. I was certain that I would be out of hit points after that onslaught.
I got up off of the classroom floor and took a look at the remaining hit points. Twelve left. That was a relief, but how would I win this duel?
As I attempted to strategize my offensive plan, Mistress Lathurna came over to me. “Pause the duel, pause the duel,” she shouted with both arms raised in the air.
She stood right in front of me, our toes almost touching. “Edward, you cannot move and dodge the spells. That is a violation of the rules of the duel,” Kyna explained.
“I know,” I replied, lowering my eyes. “I’m in over my head,” I muttered.
“No you’re not,” she countered. “Now, work on the spells we did yesterday. Remember, quick cast and dual cast. Cast an offensive spell with one hand and a defensive spell with the other hand as the starting foci.”
I nodded, trying to figure out what exactly she meant. Kyna returned to the middle of the classroom, “Resume duel!” Mistress Lathurna shouted dropping her raised arms and making her way to the edge of the classroom.
“Clipeum!” I shouted. I casted Shield, bringing a curved shield on my left arm.
Edward cast Shield.
Spell: Shield
School: Abjuration
Skill Level: 1st-Level
Effect: An invisible force shield that hovers in front of the caster. It negates attacks directed at them. It is formed in the shape of a disk and can ricochet attacks if hit at the correct angle. For a limited time.
I realized that this is a timed spell, so I can have the Shield protect me for a few minutes before I need to recast it.
“Gees!” I shouted. “Not again!” I muttered to myself as I had another set of Firebolts hurled at me. What is this guy’s problem, I thought it was my turn for an offensive attack?
I watched the Firebolts fly at me. I braced to take more damage; however, I watched the Firebolts deflect in different directions as they hit the invisible shield. Some of the bolts hit the shield at the correct angle, and they were hurled back into Avaleus’ direction, rendering damage.
Avaleus takes 20 points fire damage. -4 HP.
Using dual cast, I shouted, “Fulgur ignis!” I did not want anyone to know that I was able to silent cast. I hurled Firebolts in the direction of Avaleus, only to witness him cast his own shield and to have some of the Firebolts come back at me.
After watching my own Firebolts ricochet back into my direction, I hit the ground on my stomach. I remembered what Mistress Lathurna stating that this was an illegal maneuver, however, I did not have a counter spell prepared.
While I laid on the ground, I had to think of something fast, or else I was done. I closed my eyes, my belly on the cold marble of the classroom floor. Then it came to me! I watched a stream of lighting snake across the floor and weave its way to Avaleus.
Edward cast Spark.
Spell: Spark
School: Evocation
Skill Level: 3rd-Level
Effect: A spell that causes lightning to course across the ground aimed at a target, rendering lightning damage.
Avaleus jumped over the lightning bolt that stretched across the ground. Mistress Lathurna shouted, “Illegal maneuver!” I thought Kyna was referring to the fact that Avaleus jumped over my really awesome Spark spell, but she came to the middle of the classroom again with her hands raised. “Pause duel,” she shouted before walking swiftly over to me.
“Edward, you cannot use spells that are not taught by this school. I was impressed by your ingenuity; however, this school has a prescribed methodology and you must adhere to it. Why cast a spell that someone could easily hop over?” Mistress Lathurna asked.
I nodded; she had a point. “Yes, Mistress Lathurna.”
“Very good,” she replied. Walking back to the middle of the classroom, she shouted, “Resume duel.”
The Shield had dissipated since it was timed. Unfortunately, I did not have enough left in my magic pool to recast it. Not to mention, I was hindered by not being able to use spells that are not taught by this school. I really wanted to cast Lightning Chain, but now I am unable to with Mistress Lathurna’s silly rules.
Avaleus shouted, “Fulgur ignis!” Once again, reddish-orange bolts hurled themselves at me. Without the Shield to protect me, I was a sitting duck, waiting to be subdued.
Avaleus dual cast four Firebolts. Edward failed his Constitution check and was rendered unconscious. -12 HP. Avaleus won the duel.
“Duel complete. Avaleus, you are the victor,” I heard Mistress Lathurna shout while I laid on the ground, picking up my head to see her raise his arm.
I struggled to get to my feet. Both Mistress Lathruna and Avaleus came over to me. “Great job Ed!” Avaleus said. “I’ve never seen that lightning snake thing you cast before. That caught me off guard.” Avaleus helped me straighten my robe and look presentable once again.
Mistress Lathruna added, “Edward, you did well for just entering the art of evocation. As time goes on, you will become a great evoker.” She paused for a moment and then added, “Edward, think about how the battle would have gone
if you kept up the spells longer.”
I nodded in response to Kyna’s suggestions. Turning to Avaleus, I said, “Great match, man. You are tough!” Avaleus nodded with a smile.
Both of us returned to our seats. I could not help but go over the entire duel in my head. I really did not do my best, I concluded. I should have really shown what I’m capable of. In the midst of my thoughts, Kyna interrupted, “Great job today. Everyone really did their best. Keep up the good work, and class is dismissed.”
The students filed out of the classroom door, but I decided to hang around after class. I wanted to ask Kyna a question. As she was shuffling our quiz papers into her bag, I approached her and asked, “Mistress Lathurna, I really want to work on my magic. Are there any practice rooms that I can use?”
“That’s wonderful Edward! Yes, you need all the practice you can get. But, I’m afraid to tell you that all of the practice rooms have not been repaired yet since Lord Abraxas destroyed Draererth. Headmaster Wavernjack is in the process, but it will still be a while.”
“They haven’t been rebuilt yet after they were destroyed?” I asked. “Everything else seems to be rebuilt and is better than it ever was.”
“I know. Those practice rooms were part of the final phase. Be patient, they will get to them soon,” Kyna explained. Mistress Lathurna hesitated and resumed stacking our quizzes and putting them in her bag. Then she turned and said, “There is a secluded area on the northwest part of the school, right near the barrier is before the Enchanted Forest. Hardly anyone goes there. I’m sure you could use that area to practice to your heart’s content.”
As her words came out and fell onto my ears, I smiled at her idea. It was like I had a lightbulb light up above my head, and this time it was not my Mage Light, I had an idea. I had to tell others. We were going to work on the spells that were not taught by the Mage Order where Kyna suggested. “Thanks!” I replied, nodding, attempting not to look too eager, but I knew I was not concealing my excitement. I had to show my friends that I could now silent cast spells. I darted off out of the classroom and to the dining hall to tell my friends my plan.