Re: [buffywantswillow] OT: The calling of a new slayer

[StephenBooth@xxxxxxxxxxx]

On Mon, 05 Jun 2000 01:39:56 -0000, you wrote:

>I'm curious about how a new slayer is called. I'm working on a story 
>and would like some input on this topic. My dilemma is that in the 
>movie (if memory serves) it was mentioned that Buffy was called later 
>than normal (was older than most when called). Yet in the series we 
>have Kendra and every indication is that she knew before she was 
>called and had been training since she was young. If there is 
>foreknowledge of who the next slayer will be why wasn't Buffy told?  
>And what would happen if a slayer-to-be is killed through some 
>accident or even a deliberate act. For instance, what if Kendra had 
>been killed in an automobile accident a few days before Buffy 
>died/drowned. Is there an alternate slayer list? Maybe that was the 
>situation with Buffy - the primary slayer-to-be was incapacitated so 
>Buffy was pressed into action. Anybody else have any input on this 
>topic - Please?
>

As I understand it there are a number of potential slayers, most
of whom are in training. The Watchers Council have some way to
identify them and also ways to locate the one who becomes the
Slayer on the death of the previous one. These methods are not
100% hence Buffy not being identified as a potential slayer or as
the actual slayer until some time after she gained the abilities
(I have an image of her, whilst at Hemry, accidentally throwing
another cheer leader accross the gym (much as in 'Witch' when she
is under the effects of the Bloodstone Vengence Spell) when she
gains the powers of the slayer but before being approached by
Merrick).

I guess if a slayer in waiting was killed then the power would
just go to another when the Slayer died.

A thought I find interesting is what would happen if a trained
slayer in waiting never got called? Is there an upper age which
once she is past a slayer will not be called? Buffy has been the
Slayer for 4 years. Kendra lasted less than a year. I have
heard comments to the effect that slayers life expectancy once
they assume the role can be measured in months! Buffy herself
has indicated that no slayer has ever made it past 25. So the
attrition rate amongst slayers must be fairly high and hence the
number of slayers in waiting must also be quite high (we have
seen that the council are quite cavalier with the life of the
slayer, something they would not be if there was a very limited
supply of potential slayers). If there were say 30 slayers in
waiting at any fgiven time and on average a slayer on active duty
survived 6 months then there is a good chance that a slayer in
waiting would make it to 25 before being called. What would
happen to her?

Stephen
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