Defensive posture, feet braced as I slide onto the back foot. Empty hands with arms conspicuously posed as if they
could do anything.
(Not sure I could parry a sword, properly, with either pick or knife (or "please 'scuse me a moment" and rumage for
either hammer), and I
am probably not as nimble as I could be with the pack on my back, but get into a bracing posture. In particular I want to be ready to dodge away, especially in the direction away from any Dustanised projectile, but that's for me to know and
the attacker to not be entirely sure about.)
If it's a single bandit, he has ought to now realise that his trap has acted to get a lot of people mad at him (he might not have realised this, with maybe just two people originally near his trap, a now with Dustan's threat he might have second thoughts). If there
are more, unseen, and they have their ranged bead on us already, it'd be equally foolhardy to get into a arse-kicking contest before we actually know what we're up against, ourselves.
"
Listen to him. Or don't, but then I promise you *all* a surprise."
(Cold-reading with the '*all*'. Unless he's a hermit bandit, he'll at least have a camp of fellow bandits/wannabees to worry about, if not backup here, so might as well fake this 'knowledge'.)
Ummm, or maybe (After seeing Tohil's intentions...) If Tohil reacts first, just dodge to draw attention, if I get to do my bit first then (add) "
Brother Tohil! Save it for the others!", but still dodge to the side and then go for my knife to back up that other attack (or go for anyone else who jumps down) whilst this new distraction happens.