The whistling sound was quite clearly intended to sound like a birdcall. And it wasn't, perhaps, unconvincing. There were all manner of nocturnal avians out in the wilderness. It was easy enough to believe that most people wouldn't pay it any notice.

Velvetica smirked.

She wasn't most people. Understanding potential signals by enemies was an inportant part of military command, and she knew quite well that there were no birds that emerged at night that made such a sound.

They'd telegraphed their attack without even knowing it.

"That whistle is our enemy, there's no doubt. Steady. Wait for my signal."

As the effigies fell, crushed and destroyed, the bait simultaneously rage-inducing and tantalizing for a cult, they began to emerge.

From rocky outcroppings, from dark spots, they came.

They were cloaked, many of them clad in leather but some showing steel beneath, hoods concealing everything but a skull-like mask carved from wood. that hid their facial features. There were quite a few of them, casting a wide net in a bid to surround those who had travelled into their territory and shown such disrespect to their blasphemous idols.

It wasn't a particularly impressive strategy, but Velvetica could see how it could be effective. These dark warriors with masks depicting a skeletal rictus, emerging from the shadows, seemingly from all directions. The average guard or merchant caravan would undeniably be terrified, as would the typical townsfolk from the region. Perhaps they would fear being surrounded by a pack of revenants or some other manner of undead.

Even if the illusion didn't last very long, the shocking first impression was enough to give their enemy the advantage.

At least, against their usual targets.

"Once our forward team strikes the first blow, I will give the order to strike," Velvetica said, calmly, "We will crush them swiftly and without mercy, in the name of the Goddesses and of Velt. Ready arms."

The blonde placed a hand on the hilt of her blade.

[@Raineh Daze][@Rin][@AzureKnight][@Psyker Landshark][@The Otter][@VKAllen][@Eisenhorn][@Crimson Paladin][@Conscripts][@HereComesTheSnow][@Octo][@PigeonOfAstora]