Atsila eases her way into position, noting that the giant scorpions seem easily done-for with the force that is bearing down on them.  From where she stands, however, she has reached a new vantage point on this outcropping of stacked rocks and her position may offer her a new perspective...<br/>[Atsila can roll perception and knowledge: history or dungeoneering]<br/><br/>Melody, not willing to charge in outright, takes the careful opportunity to flank the Paladin as another scorpion moves to challenge his glistening, sweaty, and gore-spreading authority.  [considering it a readied action since the one he hit was dead as a proverbial doornail, but there are moooore]  The next scorpion, unfazed by its broodmate's efficient end, moves into position with its claws snapping at the ready, coiling its tail in a tell-tale indication of its unfriendly intentions.  Melody can, however, take a stab at it--<br/>[next action, post 1 attack for this round and it can be circled around for a single backstab OR a full attack from the side OR assist of Pallam.]<br/><br/>Meanwhile, back at the caravan, Esame can see that the battle looks to be panning out favorably... but the fellow caravaneers are giving a few cries of surprise.  Their attention seems to be on the sandstorm, from which a single flash of lightning can be seen as the sandstorm seems to be rising quickly, a few dust-devil whirlwinds making their way harmlessly into the plain to toy with sagebrush and loose debris.<br/>[knowledge nature, or local, or survival would be good here.  Any or all]<br/><br/>(End of round 1.  One Archer is inspired, all have good morale.  Melee NPCs are moving to join in, archers are switching to simple melee weapons.  Paladin has an adjacent monster ready to engage him, the third is moving as if to engage NPCs.)