[The shifting nature of Howl's form keeps Estinien off balance. After all, when he'd aimed this shot, he was not mentally accomodating for the presence of these great talons. He was aiming for a wing, but as he plummets towards Howl, the wizard has tilted so that Estinien's strike is destined for his center. To make use of those talons, no doubt, though that isn't the main thing causing Estinien's hesitation.
He tries to soften his blow at the last moment, to avoid running Howl completely through with his spear, but the Stardiver is already in motion. Even if he manages to keep his lance blow from being as devastating as it could be, the flare of draconic aether that detonates upon Howl is its own kind of vicious.
And, as it turns out, Estinien's hesitation only costs him in the end. That moment of worry prevents him from clearing Howl's reach as quickly as he might have, and one of the talons closes around his waist.]
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He tries to soften his blow at the last moment, to avoid running Howl completely through with his spear, but the Stardiver is already in motion. Even if he manages to keep his lance blow from being as devastating as it could be, the flare of draconic aether that detonates upon Howl is its own kind of vicious.
And, as it turns out, Estinien's hesitation only costs him in the end. That moment of worry prevents him from clearing Howl's reach as quickly as he might have, and one of the talons closes around his waist.]