∞ 65: Upon the smoldering battlefield [voice]

[chikaidestroyer]

Status reports, everyone. Let's try to account for as many as we can.

If you know of any casualties or disappearances, please note them as well. They need to be kept track of in case the Malnosso decided to act while we were ... preoccupied.

Congratulations are in order. We've survived without losing the village. Now it's time to recover and aid the wounded.

If there are still any able bodies available, I would like a sweep of the perimeter done for any signs of the intruders. Feathers, clothing, armor -- if it's available, it must be studied.

...Please also be aware that the New Feather cycle, if it has returned to normal, will occur beginning tomorrow. Explain the situation to the best of your ability. Newcomers need to know that this isn't the usual state of the village.

Comments

Oh dear. Super-filter is on.

[chikaidestroyer]

...This is the first I have heard of. But considering what was done to the sacrifice, the use of blood may be important to their kind.

What were you able to notice about the way he used his blood? I presume there wasn't much the General was willing to divulge.

Uberfiltered

[herotypical]

He controlled it. Magic, I'd assume. The dark kind. First, he used it to temporarily fuse my weapon and hand to him. Then, when the ground was covered with it? He made it slick like ice. Major hazard.

Uberfiltered. Made in Germany, so you know it's gotta be good.

[chikaidestroyer]

[He's silent for a moment. Her observation about it being magic has him wondering...] Did he produce any other effects with it?

Uberfiltered. Precise and efficiently so.

[herotypical]

An...earthquake sort of thing. And I think he could've done more but...to be honest? I wasn't really into giving him a chance. [She hesitates, as though she wants to say more but isn't sure if she should.]

Uberfiltered. By the makers of Shamwow and Slap Chop.

[chikaidestroyer]

Now if only he had set his blood on fire, I might be a little more firm on my hypothesis. It sounds as if he was able to produce the effects of elemental magic with his blood. ...It would make sense, with what we had seen of the hybrids...

Was there anything else? Since you were able to engage in battle with the General for that long, your perspective is unique amongst us.

Uberfiltered. Act now and get a second filter for no extra cost!

[herotypical]

There was fire--he shot it or threw it or something. But things were busy, I didn't really see if it was a blood thing or not.

It's not exactly useful, I guess. But the guy? He had a lot of conviction. I'm talking something like straight up faith or belief. Maybe something stronger because he clung to it even while he--well--even while he died.

Uberfiltered. Just pay separate shipping and handling!

[chikaidestroyer]

Understandable. If you recall any other specifics, I would be interested in hearing about them.

Convictions... So they definitely have something resembling society out there. Where there is society, there is conflict. And thus there is organized religion. [He pauses.] Did he speak only for himself, or for his troops as well?

Uberfiltered. CALL IN THE NEXT TEN MINUTES!

[herotypical]

He certainly was trying to speak for his troops--but that doesn't mean jack. Crazy homicidal leaders aren't much on the democratic policy-making. That was my impression, at least.

Uberfiltered. And we'll throw in a mini-filter while supplies last!

[chikaidestroyer]

My understanding is that the soldiers did not say anything, though I cannot speak for every instance. Either they were threatened into silence or he ordered them to stay quiet; the latter would show that they are just as loyal to him as he is to their "cause."

I have heard others had encounters with the General. He certainly didn't go down easily.

Uberfiltered. All for the low low cost of $7.99!

[herotypical]

It wasn't easy and I'm definitely of the opinion that plenty of folks softened him up, for me. But in the end? I got him to a point where I could get at his wings. That's what did it.

Uberfiltered. You can't beat a price like that! Act now!

[chikaidestroyer]

And so, once again, the wings are the weak point. Another similarity between us and then. So far, it's the only notable similarity we have with the intruders and the Malnosso. What the wings are is still up for debate.

I commend you for your victory. My only wish is that his death had come sooner, if simply so we could see if the troops would have continued attacking or retreated under duress.

Uberfiltered. I'm stunned that we sustained that for so long. o_o

[herotypical]

I think I was lucky. The fight could've easily ended up the other way around, with me having a case of no-wings.

Uberfiltered. ...So am I. XD I think it says something about infomercials.

[chikaidestroyer]

Perhaps so. But don't sell yourself short in any case.

If you have any questions, or any observations that you remember later, please contact me. I imagine we will all be seeking answers after this ordeal.

Uberfiltered. That they're brainwashing us?

[herotypical]

I've been feeding you a whole lot of information. It wouldn't go to amiss if I could get some face-time with you. Kinda worrying, to only talk to a guy when the stuff is disastrously hitting the fan.

Uberfiltered. Well, it's definitely showing. *looks back at the subject threads*

[chikaidestroyer]

Certainly; a proper introduction is long overdue. I try to make myself available if anyone has questions.

[He won't say anything to the last remark. He's kinda used to being under the radar until he needs to exert ... er, leadership.]

Uberfiltered.

[herotypical]

Would now be too soon?

Uberfiltered.

[chikaidestroyer]

Not at all. Where would you like to meet?

Uberfiltered.

[herotypical]

Normally I'd pick a nice in-between spot, but I'm trying not to get on Doctor McCoy's bad side. He's put a pretty big fat veto on unnecessary travel. Would you mind coming to house forty-seven?

Uberfiltered. ---> [action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Of course. I will be there shortly.

[Well. The house isn't that far from the shops, at least. So his traveling over there doesn't take too long by horse. He dismounts before walking up to the door to knock.]

[action--thrown in for free!]

[herotypical]

[So Buffy has chosen to interpret bed rest rather loosely. Apparently, for her, it means that she can walk all around the house and get up to answer the door. Therefore, it takes a while for it to swing open.

Leaning gingerly against the opened door is Buffy--five-foot-three, petite, and covered in bruises and cuts that are healing too slowly for her tastes.]

Howdy.

[action--the gift that keeps on giving!]

[chikaidestroyer]

[So this is the girl who managed to kill the General. Her appearance certainly isn't that of a warrior, at first glance. Especially when you're a tall guy looking down upon ... well, a tiny thing like Buffy.]

Miss Buffy, if I recall. A pleasure to meet you. [Even if, you know, you look a little beat up at the moment.]

[action--the gift that I regifted last year!]

[herotypical]

I'd say the pleasure's all mine...except, honestly? Not much pleasure left, here. Just discomfort and stiffness and oh-god-my-bones. Still, you should've seen the other guy. I definitely came out the lucky one.

[Shuffling aside now, to let her guest in.]