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Charely Potter · #1 (**permalink**) 09-12-2026, 02:22 PM

2120-2121 SCHOOL YEAR GOBSTONES TRYOUTS

Kindly, review the Quidditch & Gobstones Guidelines thread in full before posting. You may submit the required questionnaire for as many capable character(s) as you desire to have placed on their House team. A reminder that Gobstones tryouts are open to all student-age characters, whether they are a post bit or an additional character.

Gobstones hopefuls lined up in the hall before they were allowed inside the arena. Looking up, they may see a familiar sight or two for support in the seatings, but don't let that be too distracting before the tryouts commence. In the center are the stacks of marbles, arranged in a triangular shape. The arrangement would look familiar to those with experience with the muggle sport 'bowling'. A few meters away is a short white line, to indicate where one will step to make their attempted shots from.

After waiting, Professor Menon emerged with the box under his arm. "Ahh, glad to see you've all made it. Rather to save you lot a trip to the laundry room, we'll be working with these marbles for the tryout." How so? "One by one, you will take a marble from this chest here-" Indicating the box he was carrying.

"It don't matter which one you pick, it can be the prettiest or the ugliest and it won't give you any advantage or disadvantage play wise. Then you'll head up to the line indicated and give it your best shot to hit as many of the marbles there as possible. If you miss your shot or didn't do as well, that's fine, just get back in line and try again." Then adding, "You're welcome to chat before it's your turn, if you're feeling a little nervous. Just be aware, the arrangement may change over time on your next attempt."

OOC: That's it! Take your time and make your post. Also feel free to have your characters interact with one another as much as you’d like. There will be additional posts upping the challenge from the Narrator, depending on your attempts via random generator. You're also welcome to role-play out the outcome to fit your character's experience. Good luck, and most importantly, have fun! Feel free to reach me if you have any questions.

TRYOUT PROGRESSION
✹ You have arrived, pick a marble and take your best shot!
✹ Some time left, don't give up!

Zoe · 09-12-2026, 05:20 PM

Rajan had played enough Gobstones for Ravenclaw by now that he didn't need to be nervous.

Yet there he stood, arms loosely folded as Professor Menon explained the rules, he found himself mentally calculating approximately seventeen different ways he could embarrass himself. Missing completely was the obvious one. Somehow sending his marble backward was less probable, but Rajan wasn't ruling anything out. He had a talent for discovering new possibilities.

His attention shifted to Professor Menon when the instructions began. Regular marbles instead of Gobstones. Brilliant. At least if a shot went horribly wrong, he wouldn't also spend the rest of the day smelling like he'd been standing beside something left to ferment since the summer solstice.

When his turn came, Rajan approached the chest and spent far too long considering the options before reminding himself that Professor Menon had just said it didn't matter which one he chose.

So he grabbed one at random.

"Okay," he murmured, moving toward the white line and rolling the marble between his fingers. He glanced toward the formation ahead, narrowed his eyes, and adjusted his stance.

Rajan crouched slightly and sent the marble toward the cluster, hoping it would hit something. Preferably several somethings.

Miguel had been looking forward to this.

He'd spent his first year going from what are Gobstones? to earning himself a reserve spot on Hufflepuff's team, and now he was back with considerably more confidence. He'd grown up playing las canicas, after all. Take away the foul-smelling liquid and Gobstones suddenly felt a lot more familiar, which is why Professor Menon's announcement that they'd be using ordinary marbles earned an immediate grin from him.

He listened closely to the rest of the instructions, bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet as he studied the arrangement. It reminded him of bowling, just without the pins. Or maybe something more nautical, like firing a tiny cannon at an enemy fleet.

When his turn arrived, he eagerly plunged a hand into the chest.

"Ooh, this one!"

Had Professor Menon specifically said the appearance made absolutely no difference? Yes. Did Miguel still choose one he thought looked cool? Also yes.

He stepped up to the line, crouched, and held the marble between his fingers as he eyed the cluster ahead. Then he flicked it forward, watching eagerly to see how much damage he could do.

FearlessLeader19 · 09-12-2026, 11:09 PM

Harvey was used to it, the waiting in the Hall, the chatter - nervous, mainly - the new hopefuls fidgeting. Him? He wasn’t nervous since this was his third go around for Gobstones tryouts. He stood in line mainly with his arms folded across his chest oozing what he hoped was a calm demeanour. Because this Ravenclaw really was calm and confident. Once in the Arena, he kept up this demeanour, observing those who executed their tryouts before him. Many were impressive - especially those that were returning - others… well, they clearly needed Grandpa Forsfelle to coach them.

Then came his turn after Miguel.

Harv gave Menon a grin then selected a marble. Also, how considerate of the man to substitute marbles to save them all the hassle of having extra laundry to complete. The marble he selected was transparent with a gold lightning bolt in. Very pretty.

The third year stepped up to the indicated line. Keeping his eyes on the marbles arranged neatly before him, he sent the marble flying towards the set with precision. Keeping his eyes on the target was a strategic tactic which he had learnt from his grandpa. To date, it served him well.

Saina, to say the least, had been one of those who were wracked with nerves. She hadn’t thought that she would try out for the House team this year, but here she was wringing her hands and trying not to pass out. Gobstones was actually becoming somewhat important to her and she was now hoping to up her status as a Reserve Player.

As the group was ushered into the Arena, the second year gave Professor Menon a half hearted smile. If she made the team again, no doubt he would receive a wide one once her trepidation lifted. A marble was randomly selected; it turned out to be one completely in moss-green colour. She watched the others ahead of her - especially her fellow Ravenclaws which included Rajan and Harvey - as the marble was twirled in her dominant hand.

When her turn came, Sai took a deep breath, bent herself in almost a low bow then released the marble.

AlwaysSnapesGirl · 09-13-2026, 03:10 AM

Just like last year when she had tried out for Quidditch, Beatrice was nervous. And maybe it was weird that she wasn't trying out for that sport again, she wasn't sure, but hopefully it would be fine. Quidditch had been fun, and it was so, so, SO cool that her house had won the cup and everything. Even though she was just a reserve and hadn't played very much in any actual games, so she wasn't sure she could actually take credit for any of it.

But Quidditch had also been lowkey terrifying too sometimes. And she wasn't sure she wanted to do it all again.

So she was here. Not that there was a requirement to do one sport if you weren't doing the other one, but... Well, it was sorta a self-imposed requirement. Maybe she'd be terrible and not make the team at all, in which case, maybe sports weren't her thing, and she'd have to find something else. But nonetheless... she wanted to give it a try.

She'd been shifting her weight nervously from foot to foot while waiting, and it was a relief when they were finally allowed in by Professor Menon. There would still be some waiting for her turn, but at least now there were others taking their turns ahead of her, so she had something to focus on besides her nerves.

Bea watched intently as Rajan, her housemate Miguel, Harvey, and then Saina each took their turn. Which...then meant it was her turn.

Eep.

She peered into the chest of marbles and, after a brief pause, selected a bright yellow marble. The professor had said the appearance wouldn't affect anything, but it was a little bit important to her. Maybe, since it was one of her house colors, it would be lucky.

Then she stepped up to the designated line and released her marble, just hoping it would hit at least one.

*Nordic Witch* · 09-13-2026, 05:24 AM

Mira stood waiting in the hall alongside Harvey, Beatrice, Saina, Rajan and Miguel feeling super nervous, but trying to give off the sense that she was calm and collected at her first sport tryout ever. She had never tried out for either Gobstones or Quidditch so this was a first, evidenced by her continous glancing around at her peers for guidence when they finally entered the arena.

Mira listened intently as Professor Menon's gave them tryout instructions, scared to miss something important. To pick a marble from a chest, walk up to the designated line, and just give it your best toss, and see how many marbles you hit seemed simple enough. Mira was very pleased that she didn't need to go first. She could watch the more experienced ones when they released their marbles for tips.

Too soon it became her turn. "Yikes!", she squeaked out quite audibly as she rushed up to the marble chest, and peered down into it. So many marbles to choose from. Selecting a dark blue, and silvery marble that shined nicely at her, Mira then walked up to the designated line. She aimed carefully before she released her marble hoping to the gobstones gods above that she at least would hit one marble, and not miss them all together by a long shot.

Charely Potter · 09-13-2026, 04:48 PM

Zen felt a certain way when she arrived for tryouts. Her dad wasn't there to run it anymore, even though she respected Professor Menon... her dad did everything better in her eyes. It also didn't help that she wouldn't see Idris and Paul in the crowd this year. But her boyfriend Diego and friend Vi sitting in the seatings did help a bit of the pain as she gave them a small smile from the line. She also gave Miguel a thumbs up before he went to take his shot.

Then it was her turn, she thanked Menon for the marble. She didn't look at the marble's design, she wanted to get this over with. Adjusting it between her forefinger and thumb, she felt the texture before she walked up to the line. Force of the marble over direction, she recounted from earlier practices.

Zen gave it a good flick before seeing it bounce and roll towards the arranged marbles. It connected as all the marbles went spinning off. She turned away to head back to the end of the line while the marbles got rearranged. How they rearranged themselves, she'll find out soon enough.

Nebula felt good about today, she was mostly on the bench last term, but now she got this. She waited for her turn before picking out the first blue one in the chest. "Professor, are you sure it doesn't matter what we pick? Or is that just to calm our nerves?" She had second thoughts when picking one, they were all so pretty! Her eyes were all about the eye candy today as she stood in line behind Harvey.

"So, you're just going to ignore me? Or you worried I'll psyche you out?" She teased Harvey. "I know you got this." Then turning to Saina, "Hey girl, you all right? Here's hoping we'll be off the bench this year." Now she just had to wait her turn to approach the white line. But that was okay, she took her time studying how Rajan positioned himself before shooting his shot.

So Tyler spent most of his time sitting during the games last year. Now he wanted a taste of the action, but he decided to go with Gobstones. Outside those casual games, he was basically going to be winging it. "Professor, do we get to keep some of these marbles after the tryouts?" Because how rude of Professor Menon to keep them all to himself. He had to have been a charitable professor too, right?

After waiting on their response, he took his time looking through one of the marbles. That purple one with the swirls looked so interesting to him.

**The Narrator** · 09-13-2026, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

Rajan had played enough Gobstones for Ravenclaw by now that he didn't need to be nervous.

Yet there he stood, arms loosely folded as Professor Menon explained the rules, he found himself mentally calculating approximately seventeen different ways he could embarrass himself. Missing completely was the obvious one. Somehow sending his marble backward was less probable, but Rajan wasn't ruling anything out. He had a talent for discovering new possibilities.

His attention shifted to Professor Menon when the instructions began. Regular marbles instead of Gobstones. Brilliant. At least if a shot went horribly wrong, he wouldn't also spend the rest of the day smelling like he'd been standing beside something left to ferment since the summer solstice.

When his turn came, Rajan approached the chest and spent far too long considering the options before reminding himself that Professor Menon had just said it didn't matter which one he chose.

So he grabbed one at random.

"Okay," he murmured, moving toward the white line and rolling the marble between his fingers. He glanced toward the formation ahead, narrowed his eyes, and adjusted his stance.

Rajan crouched slightly and sent the marble toward the cluster, hoping it would hit something. Preferably several somethings.

This shiny marble was full of swirls and curls (whatever rhymed, right?) of cloud over yellow. Once they shot their shot, the marble bounced a few times before smoothing down edging against the middle, causing the rest of the marbles to react by moving about into the tiny holes.

It was a strike!

The marbles returned soon after, changing into the shape of a circle. Care to go for another shot, Rajan?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

Miguel had been looking forward to this.

He'd spent his first year going from what are Gobstones? to earning himself a reserve spot on Hufflepuff's team, and now he was back with considerably more confidence. He'd grown up playing las canicas, after all. Take away the foul-smelling liquid and Gobstones suddenly felt a lot more familiar, which is why Professor Menon's announcement that they'd be using ordinary marbles earned an immediate grin from him.

He listened closely to the rest of the instructions, bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet as he studied the arrangement. It reminded him of bowling, just without the pins. Or maybe something more nautical, like firing a tiny cannon at an enemy fleet.

When his turn arrived, he eagerly plunged a hand into the chest.

"Ooh, this one!"

Had Professor Menon specifically said the appearance made absolutely no difference? Yes. Did Miguel still choose one he thought looked cool? Also yes.

He stepped up to the line, crouched, and held the marble between his fingers as he eyed the cluster ahead. Then he flicked it forward, watching eagerly to see how much damage he could do.

Eager as can be, the shot reflected this enthusiasm. With enough force, the shot went cleanly through the middle, sending 6 of the 10 marbles into the tiny holes. Good first try!

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Harvey was used to it, the waiting in the Hall, the chatter - nervous, mainly - the new hopefuls fidgeting. Him? He wasn’t nervous since this was his third go around for Gobstones tryouts. He stood in line mainly with his arms folded across his chest oozing what he hoped was a calm demeanour. Because this Ravenclaw really was calm and confident. Once in the Arena, he kept up this demeanour, observing those who executed their tryouts before him. Many were impressive - especially those that were returning - others… well, they clearly needed Grandpa Forsfelle to coach them.

Then came his turn after Miguel.

Harv gave Menon a grin then selected a marble. Also, how considerate of the man to substitute marbles to save them all the hassle of having extra laundry to complete. The marble he selected was transparent with a gold lightning bolt in. Very pretty.

The third year stepped up to the indicated line. Keeping his eyes on the marbles arranged neatly before him, he sent the marble flying towards the set with precision. Keeping his eyes on the target was a strategic tactic which he had learnt from his grandpa. To date, it served him well.

Listen to your elders, they say. The marble flew, bouncing a few times, hitting against the left side of the marbles, which proceeded to knock 7 in total. Leaving 3 in the forefront free to claim. Easy shot, right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Saina, to say the least, had been one of those who were wracked with nerves. She hadn’t thought that she would try out for the House team this year, but here she was wringing her hands and trying not to pass out. Gobstones was actually becoming somewhat important to her and she was now hoping to up her status as a Reserve Player.

As the group was ushered into the Arena, the second year gave Professor Menon a half hearted smile. If she made the team again, no doubt he would receive a wide one once her trepidation lifted. A marble was randomly selected; it turned out to be one completely in moss-green colour. She watched the others ahead of her - especially her fellow Ravenclaws which included Rajan and Harvey - as the marble was twirled in her dominant hand.

When her turn came, Sai took a deep breath, bent herself in almost a low bow then released the marble.

A good attempt as made, as the marble smoothly went down the line. At a slower pace than the rest, the shot was clean as it hit against the middle of the marbles. The force affect the 4 marbles in the back to fall into the holes. 6 remaining left!

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwaysSnapesGirl

Just like last year when she had tried out for Quidditch, Beatrice was nervous. And maybe it was weird that she wasn't trying out for that sport again, she wasn't sure, but hopefully it would be fine. Quidditch had been fun, and it was so, so, SO cool that her house had won the cup and everything. Even though she was just a reserve and hadn't played very much in any actual games, so she wasn't sure she could actually take credit for any of it.

But Quidditch had also been lowkey terrifying too sometimes. And she wasn't sure she wanted to do it all again.

So she was here. Not that there was a requirement to do one sport if you weren't doing the other one, but... Well, it was sorta a self-imposed requirement. Maybe she'd be terrible and not make the team at all, in which case, maybe sports weren't her thing, and she'd have to find something else. But nonetheless... she wanted to give it a try.

She'd been shifting her weight nervously from foot to foot while waiting, and it was a relief when they were finally allowed in by Professor Menon. There would still be some waiting for her turn, but at least now there were others taking their turns ahead of her, so she had something to focus on besides her nerves.

Bea watched intently as Rajan, her housemate Miguel, Harvey, and then Saina each took their turn. Which...then meant it was her turn.

Eep.

She peered into the chest of marbles and, after a brief pause, selected a bright yellow marble. The professor had said the appearance wouldn't affect anything, but it was a little bit important to her. Maybe, since it was one of her house colors, it would be lucky.

Then she stepped up to the designated line and released her marble, just hoping it would hit at least one.

Careful what you wish for, it may or may not come true. The marble swirled to the left and right, it looked like it may miss the marbles but it managed to edge against the far right arrangement. Sending 2 in the back into the holes. 8 remains now!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

Mira stood waiting in the hall alongside Harvey, Beatrice, Saina, Rajan and Miguel feeling super nervous, but trying to give off the sense that she was calm and collected at her first sport tryout ever. She had never tried out for either Gobstones or Quidditch so this was a first, evidenced by her continous glancing around at her peers for guidence when they finally entered the arena.

Mira listened intently as Professor Menon's gave them tryout instructions, scared to miss something important. To pick a marble from a chest, walk up to the designated line, and just give it your best toss, and see how many marbles you hit seemed simple enough. Mira was very pleased that she didn't need to go first. She could watch the more experienced ones when they released their marbles for tips.

Too soon it became her turn. "Yikes!", she squeaked out quite audibly as she rushed up to the marble chest, and peered down into it. So many marbles to choose from. Selecting a dark blue, and silvery marble that shined nicely at her, Mira then walked up to the designated line. She aimed carefully before she released her marble hoping to the gobstones gods above that she at least would hit one marble, and not miss them all together by a long shot.

Hope springs eternal. The shot hit the marbles, swirling them around the circle before returning. About 4 fell into the holes, but the remain 6 were left scattered. A challenging pattern left to attempt, but anything is possible!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

Zen felt a certain way when she arrived for tryouts. Her dad wasn't there to run it anymore, even though she respected Professor Menon... her dad did everything better in her eyes. It also didn't help that she wouldn't see Idris and Paul in the crowd this year. But her boyfriend Diego and friend Vi sitting in the seatings did help a bit of the pain as she gave them a small smile from the line. She also gave Miguel a thumbs up before he went to take his shot.

Then it was her turn, she thanked Menon for the marble. She didn't look at the marble's design, she wanted to get this over with. Adjusting it between her forefinger and thumb, she felt the texture before she walked up to the line. Force of the marble over direction, she recounted from earlier practices.

Zen gave it a good flick before seeing it bounce and roll towards the arranged marbles. It connected as all the marbles went spinning off. She turned away to head back to the end of the line while the marbles got rearranged. How they rearranged themselves, she'll find out soon enough.

Once Zen returned to the front of the line, their next arrangement would resemble a star. Looks pretty tough!

sweetpinkpixie · 09-14-2026, 01:48 AM

As satisfying as it was seeing so many younger students gathered for Gobstones tryouts, Nyle couldn't help the more somber hang of his shoulders.

One last time.

Nyle lingered near the back of the line for a moment, hands tucked into his robes as he looked over the hopeful faces around him. Some he'd spent time mentoring over the past term or two — showing them how to judge a shot, when to take an extremely calculated risk, and most importantly... how to laugh when a perfectly reasonable strategy ended with a Gobstone splattering someone directly in the face.

He hoped he'd managed to kindle something in them. Something that would remain after he was gone from these stone corridors. An interest. A fondness for the sport. The sort of spark that made someone want to keep playing and not give up even when the odds were stacked against them and they were covered in foul smelling goo.

It certainly helped that the Junior Firecrabs had ended his final season with the team victoriously. He glanced toward the arena, where the familiar triangular arrangement of marbles waited beyond the line. It would be nice to graduate with Hufflepuff in first place.

Assuming, of course, that he made the team again.

His stomach gave a small, thoroughly unhelpful twist that, thankfully, did not encourage his pre-tryout banana to make an appearance.

The lanky blond exhaled through his nose and gave himself a full-body shake. There was no point worrying about it before he'd even picked up a gobstone. The seventh year was always particularly good at giving advice... and not the best at taking his own.

He stepped forward when the line began to move, rubbing his palms together once before reaching into the box. His fingers moved through the marbles until he selected one at random, lifting it into the light for a brief inspection ― though he really was not sure what he was looking for, if anything.

With a faint smile, Nyle tucked it into his palm and waited his turn ― and quietly cheered on housemates Beatrice and Miguel, of course. When it came, the Hufflepuff stepped over the line and rolled his shoulders once, Gobstone nestled carefully between his index and middle fingers. He studied the arrangement ahead of him for a few seconds, gauging the distance and angle before drawing his arm back. With one final breath, he released the stone with a smooth, confident flick of his wrist ― more fast-growing vine ~~that may or may not have ransacked the Hufflepuff common room~~ than a seedling beginning to poke out of the soil ― and watched closely as it skimmed across the wood toward the clustered marbles...

*Nordic Witch* · 09-14-2026, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Narrator

Hope springs eternal. The shot hit the marbles, swirling them around the circle before returning. About 4 fell into the holes, but the remain 6 were left scattered. A challenging pattern left to attempt, but anything is possible!

Watching how her marble shot forward, and hit the marbles where 4 of them actually fell down into holes made Mira beam with pride as she started to jump up and down on the spot, and chiming out totally exstatic "I did it! I hit 4 marbles." Yes, she knew she hadn't hit all of them, but this was her first ever attempt at the sport so give a girl some credit.

There were still 6 marbles on the court, still scattered about, but Mira felt a little more confident that she would at least be able to hit maybe 3 of them into holes with her next marble toss. It required aiming and thought she knew as she studied the challenging pattern of marbles.

When it was her turn again, Mira picked another dark blue, and silvery marble from the chest. It was best not to change a lucky marble. Going up to the designated line she aimed carefully again, and released her new marble with a little more force this time. Maybe more force would help with hitting more marbles in one turn?

FearlessLeader19 · 09-14-2026, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

Listen to your elders, they say. The marble flew, bouncing a few times, hitting against the left side of the marbles, which proceeded to knock 7 in total. Leaving 3 in the forefront free to claim. Easy shot, right?

Nebula’s words jolted him out of his thoughts, most of which were about strategy. “You should definitely choose the prettiest marble of the bunch. Like I’d tell your dad, the prettiest marble for the prettiest girl.” And then enjoy watching Mr. Curious’ eyes flash and Grandma Sterope looking like she wanted to hex him into oblivion. But he did mean it when he told Neb she deserved the nice looking marbles. “Ignore you? Please, who can ignore you with your loud mouth?” Laughing, he nudged her with his shoulder. She’d know he was teasing her. “Yup, thanks.’’ Harv did a little hair flip. “You too, maybe more than me.” No one should ever underestimate Nebula Curious. Now he took the time to look around at the hopefuls. There was a lot more now that there had been when he initially showed up at the arena. He flashed them all a chill smile.

And now that he had taken that shot…

Harv was truly unsurprised that he had hit seven. He eyed the three unlucky ones, attempting to brainstorm how he would have possibly hit them all with another shot. True, he’d have to join the line again but still…. maybe the next time he’d have better luck.

Anyway, at least for now while he waited, he’d get to watch the others - particularly Neb and Saina. He knew both girls were keen on moving up from being reserves.

Then, before he knew it, it was his turn again. After selecting another marble, he stepped up to the starting point. Eyes on the prize, the Ravenclaw took another well-aimed go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

A good attempt as made, as the marble smoothly went down the line. At a slower pace than the rest, the shot was clean as it hit against the middle of the marbles. The force affect the 4 marbles in the back to fall into the holes. 6 remaining left!

Sai had given nervous smiles to the others had joined the group. Yes, she knew they could tell her feelings, just as she recognised the nervousness in some. With the exception of Harvey - who seemed so laidback and confident - and Nebula, whose chattering made her smile.

“Fingers crossed for the both of us,’’ Sai replied to Nebula. In the process she held up a hand, middle and index fingers interlocked. “You ought to teach me your secret about how to not be so nervous.” Because Sai felt like she would pass out right there and then.

For her first attempt, Saina was quite displeased with the pace at which the marble rolled down the line. And even more displeased when she discovered it only hit four of the ten targets. Rude. The second year definitely needed a do over. But first… how did Nebula do? If she was going to have another try, Sai was sticking close to her. And Harvey.

QueenPhoenix · 09-20-2026, 10:08 PM

OWL year behind her and it was time for Kara to focus on Gobstones again and perchance bringing the Gobstones cup back to Gryffindor. Or perhaps it was merely a fluke that her house had won early in her education? Not seeing any familiar housemates, her eyes went to the arenas wondering if Diego was there?

Maybe it was a good thing with no friends watching. She could focus on her form, something that was severely lacking in her last few matches with both Gryffindor and the Junior Hippogriffs. She still needed to make time to meet with her new Head of House. Something she was seriously dreading. It wasn't anything against Professor Voss, but Kara was a creature of habit and it had taken her five years to feel comfortable with Professor Feirgrund.

Stepping forward once it was her turn, she observed the arrangement for a split second but being how she was never the overthinker, she tossed it without too much more thought and waited, not even realizing she'd been holding her breath.

Charely Potter · 09-20-2026, 11:24 PM

Kraetos was observing the students as they gave their best shot with the marbles. No mess, no foul play here. The true goo can be left during practices, but that was neither here or now. To answer some of the burning questions, "Nope, it doesn't matter. To keep things fair and all, everything is based on your dexterity and mental capacity, so some of you feel better playing with a pretty one, and others prefer to not waste the energy deciding on one."

Keeping the marbles? "We'll see..." Depending on how well everyone cooperates. If he said they could keep them now, some may just pocket them all. Keeping things in control. "Everyone, you're doing great. Keep it up!" He said. Looking over to the stands where a few people were indeed spectating, including a Professor. Huh, guess even spectators could use a chaperone.

OOC: Howdy! Given the site issues, you have an extra couple days to post here. You're free to submit as many as the guidelines allow for tryouts.

**The Narrator** · 09-20-2026, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

As satisfying as it was seeing so many younger students gathered for Gobstones tryouts, Nyle couldn't help the more somber hang of his shoulders.

One last time.

Nyle lingered near the back of the line for a moment, hands tucked into his robes as he looked over the hopeful faces around him. Some he'd spent time mentoring over the past term or two — showing them how to judge a shot, when to take an extremely calculated risk, and most importantly... how to laugh when a perfectly reasonable strategy ended with a Gobstone splattering someone directly in the face.

He hoped he'd managed to kindle something in them. Something that would remain after he was gone from these stone corridors. An interest. A fondness for the sport. The sort of spark that made someone want to keep playing and not give up even when the odds were stacked against them and they were covered in foul smelling goo.

It certainly helped that the Junior Firecrabs had ended his final season with the team victoriously. He glanced toward the arena, where the familiar triangular arrangement of marbles waited beyond the line. It would be nice to graduate with Hufflepuff in first place.

Assuming, of course, that he made the team again.

His stomach gave a small, thoroughly unhelpful twist that, thankfully, did not encourage his pre-tryout banana to make an appearance.

The lanky blond exhaled through his nose and gave himself a full-body shake. There was no point worrying about it before he'd even picked up a gobstone. The seventh year was always particularly good at giving advice... and not the best at taking his own.

He stepped forward when the line began to move, rubbing his palms together once before reaching into the box. His fingers moved through the marbles until he selected one at random, lifting it into the light for a brief inspection ― though he really was not sure what he was looking for, if anything.

With a faint smile, Nyle tucked it into his palm and waited his turn ― and quietly cheered on housemates Beatrice and Miguel, of course. When it came, the Hufflepuff stepped over the line and rolled his shoulders once, Gobstone nestled carefully between his index and middle fingers. He studied the arrangement ahead of him for a few seconds, gauging the distance and angle before drawing his arm back. With one final breath, he released the stone with a smooth, confident flick of his wrist ― more fast-growing vine ~~that may or may not have ransacked the Hufflepuff common room~~ than a seedling beginning to poke out of the soil ― and watched closely as it skimmed across the wood toward the clustered marbles...

An expert, this one. The presentation. The subtle and smoothness of the marble as it rolled ahead. It curved with the edges before sinking towards the middle.

COLLIDE

The marbles went into every direction within the circle before falling into the hole... all but one. The lone marble was on the edge of the hole. It looked to be just a breath away from falling in. You got this?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

Watching how her marble shot forward, and hit the marbles where 4 of them actually fell down into holes made Mira beam with pride as she started to jump up and down on the spot, and chiming out totally exstatic "I did it! I hit 4 marbles." Yes, she knew she hadn't hit all of them, but this was her first ever attempt at the sport so give a girl some credit.

There were still 6 marbles on the court, still scattered about, but Mira felt a little more confident that she would at least be able to hit maybe 3 of them into holes with her next marble toss. It required aiming and thought she knew as she studied the challenging pattern of marbles.

When it was her turn again, Mira picked another dark blue, and silvery marble from the chest. It was best not to change a lucky marble. Going up to the designated line she aimed carefully again, and released her new marble with a little more force this time. Maybe more force would help with hitting more marbles in one turn?

This shot had more force in it for sure. A little too much, but the intention was there as it rounded the remaining marbles.

Four seemed to be their number, as two remained for them to hit now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Nebula’s words jolted him out of his thoughts, most of which were about strategy. “You should definitely choose the prettiest marble of the bunch. Like I’d tell your dad, the prettiest marble for the prettiest girl.” And then enjoy watching Mr. Curious’ eyes flash and Grandma Sterope looking like she wanted to hex him into oblivion. But he did mean it when he told Neb she deserved the nice looking marbles. “Ignore you? Please, who can ignore you with your loud mouth?” Laughing, he nudged her with his shoulder. She’d know he was teasing her. “Yup, thanks.’’ Harv did a little hair flip. “You too, maybe more than me.” No one should ever underestimate Nebula Curious. Now he took the time to look around at the hopefuls. There was a lot more now that there had been when he initially showed up at the arena. He flashed them all a chill smile.

And now that he had taken that shot…

Harv was truly unsurprised that he had hit seven. He eyed the three unlucky ones, attempting to brainstorm how he would have possibly hit them all with another shot. True, he’d have to join the line again but still…. maybe the next time he’d have better luck.

Anyway, at least for now while he waited, he’d get to watch the others - particularly Neb and Saina. He knew both girls were keen on moving up from being reserves.

Then, before he knew it, it was his turn again. After selecting another marble, he stepped up to the starting point. Eyes on the prize, the Ravenclaw took another well-aimed go.

Well-aimed, more like well intended... no wait, it actually was good. The marble at first hit the edge of one of the three. But the momentum caused the other two to spin the opposite direction.

One down... two down... three.

The marbles reset, this time in the shape of a Diamond.

Quote:

Originally Posted by QueenPhoenix

OWL year behind her and it was time for Kara to focus on Gobstones again and perchance bringing the Gobstones cup back to Gryffindor. Or perhaps it was merely a fluke that her house had won early in her education? Not seeing any familiar housemates, her eyes went to the arenas wondering if Diego was there?

Maybe it was a good thing with no friends watching. She could focus on her form, something that was severely lacking in her last few matches with both Gryffindor and the Junior Hippogriffs. She still needed to make time to meet with her new Head of House. Something she was seriously dreading. It wasn't anything against Professor Voss, but Kara was a creature of habit and it had taken her five years to feel comfortable with Professor Feirgrund.

Stepping forward once it was her turn, she observed the arrangement for a split second but being how she was never the overthinker, she tossed it without too much more thought and waited, not even realizing she'd been holding her breath.

Overthinking has its strengths and its weakness. What would win out today? Let's see...

The toss didn't have any well intention, it skipped a few times hitting one of the marbles before going out of bounds. The marbles reacted from the impact going down the hole...

Leaving just one remaining. 9 out 10 completed, not bad. Care to try again?

sweetpinkpixie · 09-21-2026, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

An expert, this one. The presentation. The subtle and smoothness of the marble as it rolled ahead. It curved with the edges before sinking towards the middle.

COLLIDE

The marbles went into every direction within the circle before falling into the hole... all but one. The lone marble was on the edge of the hole. It looked to be just a breath away from falling in. You got this?

His face lit up radiantly, the sort of expression that suggested he'd momentarily forgotten all of his self-doubts and there were other people in the room who might be watching. His gaze darted between the scattered marbles and the lone survivor perched precariously at the edge of the hole.

"Come on now..." he murmured under his breath, leaning forward.

Then, with all the seriousness of someone attempting a perfectly legitimate Gobstones technique, Nyle pursed his lips together and blew a careful puff of air toward the marble.

It didn't move. Because of course it wouldn't move.

He considered, briefly, asking 'please' of it ― as though the marble might simply respond to politeness ― before chuckling to himself and retrieving another marble. Outside encouragement it was. He stepped back to the line, took aim, and sent the new marble skimming toward the lone survivor, hoping the impact would be just enough to send it tumbling the rest of the way in.

*Nordic Witch* · 09-21-2026, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

This shot had more force in it for sure. A little too much, but the intention was there as it rounded the remaining marbles.

Four seemed to be their number, as two remained for them to hit now.

Mira looked on with anticipation, biting on her bottom lip as she watched how her marble fared this time. It seemed it hit two marbles, but the force made it round the rest of them. "Yikes, so too much force is not the right way to go?" Mira hummed thoughtfully to herself wishing that she had someone to discuss tactics with for her next shot. This was her first time, so she was new at this, and all shots played were really a case of trail and error for her.

Mirabelle spared glances around at the other players shots hoping to spot some tips. A senior boy seemed to be flicking his wrist when he released his marble to skim across the court. Was that a good method? Overthinking didn't help so Mira walked up, grabbed a new marble from the chest, this time a shiny golden one before awaiting her turn.

When it became her turn, Mira walked up to the designated line, and tossed the marble without too much thought, but she did aim it toward her two elusive marbles, hoping this time as it skimmed across the court that it would hit true.

FearlessLeader19 · Today, 02:48 PM

Success!

Harv straightened up, his demeanour calm as usual and a small smile playing on his face. When he started out with Gobstones all those years ago, he hadn’t any idea that he would have been so good at it. True, there was much, much more to learn but he was under excellent mentorship. A quick look around told him that Saina was watching him - perhaps he was imagining it - a little wistfully. Harv offered her an encouraging smile; he knew what it meant to want to be good at something but felt like you weren’t even remotely close as yet. “You should try again. And again. As much time as it takes.” Yep, those were the words he’d tell anyone who needed motivation.

He himself? The third year had a goal - to send all the marbles flying in one go. So he selected another from the box. Twirling it between his thumb and index fingers, he felt his mind whiffle from one bit of strategic information to another. Settling on one, Harv took his best shot: instead of aiming for the marble that formed the very front of the diamond, he flicked his marble with an aim for the middle. In his head, if it hit the middle, the group would end up whizzing in all directions.

Squeee!

Look at Harvey go!

Saina was in complete awe and admiration. Her Housemate made Gobstones look so easy, maybe she ought to look up to him as a mentor. It was clear that a lot could be learnt from him. His encouragement helped too. Sai knew that she should not feel down easily so the words were exactly what she needed to get her butt back into gear.

With renewed purpose, she reached out to grab Neb’s hand. “Let’s try again! Also, I have a feeling that Harvey is definitely going to make the team again.” And they should remember that was their goal too - minus being stuck as reserves, however.

And so when Saina’s turn came once more, she took a deep breath before taking aim at the group of marbles in the best manner that she possibly could.

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