[sblock=Elyan]Replying to your question re: can a bard maintain Inspire Courage in subsequent rounds and still attack, my reply is yes he can attack while using Inspire Courage. Some of the bardic music effects like fascinate or countersong seem to imply that the bard maintain concentration (and thus must spend a standard action per round to maintain), but my take is that Inspire Courage is one of the few abilities that doesn't take concentration to maintain. Plus, Inspire Courage does last 5 rounds after the bard stops singing. If you know of errata or a rules clarification that says the bard must maintain concentration to use Inspire Courage, I'd be interested to see it, but it still wouldn't effect my decision above. Elyan can attack and maintain this particular ability.[/sblock]
Elyan launches into a strident song of fire and flame meant to bolster his allies' courage. Drawn of the arcane, the song is powerful and fills the trophy room with its fiery embrace, quelling some of Calcryx's ice and cold. The bard otherwise stands his ground where he is while continuing to sing for the moment.
Taking a five foot step backward away from the dragon so as not to draw the beast's ire, Kaeleen intones words of power over her dagger. Coupled with two deft hand motions that draw an invisible sigil in the air an inch above the dagger's blade, Kaeleen's spell forms and settles into the weapon, which thereupon shines with a holy aura. Her backward movement costs Karl the opportunity to flank Calcryx, but removes the risk that her spellcasting would attract the fledgling dragon's vile attention.
Karl, not best pleased that his tactical advantage flew south, grimaces as Kaeleen moves away but presses his attack. Karl's aim is no truer than before; his attack swings wide and misses.
Grotzkoshter is driven into a fury of whirling flesh and steel by Elyan's song. Swinging his great axe in an arc of death, the half-orc crashes the mighty axe into Calcryx's skull for 17 points of damage. Bone is laid bare beneath the small dragon's hide and Calcryx screeches in pain and rage, but nevertheless refuses to falter. The dragon inhales a deep breath and emits a frosty cone of ice and winter white hoar that settles like a chill mantle into the very bones of Grotzkoshter, Meepo, and Elyan. Grotzkoshter and Meepo take the worst of things, each suffering 5 points of damage. Elyan, however, hears the dragon rumbling and dodges aside and takes 2 points of damage. Meepo, who earlier had benefitted from Kaeleen's healing touch, had been laying on the stone floor, is now covered in frost so thick that his limbs are encased in ice covered by a layer of white hoar. The temperature in the trophy room likewise drops another 10 degrees.
Initiative:
Elyan 20
Kaeleen 12
Karl 12
Grotzkoshter 12
Calcryx 11
