I didn't want to post this in the IC thread because I still do not have regular internet access, and since I go back to work tomorrow it'll probably be another week before I can get back here.
Anyway, I was thinking that if Baern moved up to square I11, the entire battlefield would be within his range. Even if he just sat back and cast Grasping Shards at random points in the enemy hoard, some of them would have to hit, thus slowing the enemy advance just a bit.
That's assuming they're not all minions. If that's the case, then, as an at-will ranged burst, Grasping Shards is all the better.
Again, that's what *I* would like to do... only I won't be here to do it. I guess the rest is in your hands.