By the way, Lyra still has a move action to take after killing the monster (she doesn't have to escape from something that's dead).<br/><br/>Also, one note on the monster's AC: Generally, monsters will have low to moderate AC.  Tentacles get a size bonus to AC, but lose it if they're grappling someone, as they're a much more stationary target.  At this level, tentacles grappling someone will usually have between 9 and 12 AC, the monster itself will have between 12 and 15, and tentacles not grappling someone will have between 14 and 16.<br/><br/>Finally, Tess killed a tentacle (8 damage, so 4 to the main body), and her cleave hit for 10.  It's not down yet, but it's obvious it's hurt, and the smite evil is effective against it.