don't worry, I don't make folks take rolls in-order (I actually have a DM that'll do that :o but he's pretty solid otherwise, so we just write it up as a quirk and move on)
You pick up on some figures rustling around in the shrubbery -- they look to be a trio of dark-clad elves positioning themselves to set an ambush, along with a giant spider that seems a bit...confused.
To that, two step forward, one blocking the road in front and the the other blocking the road behind -- the one in front looks to be a lass with a spider following reluctantly behind her, and the one in back looks to be a lad in matching garb
The lad in back draws his sword, a rather fat-looking rapier-like piece, first, glaring at Tharvyrion "Hmph! What makes you think a whelp of a city-slicker like you can fight?" to which the elf tax collector draws his rapier and buckler in reply. The elfess hears this and draws her sword as well...(initiative time)
You pull out a small mirror and chant a few words in elvish, and a slight glow appears around Tharvyrion in your eyes. (you might want to let him know what you want him to do, too :)
He parries your blade with his rather easily. The elfess, having noticed your casting, steps in and tries to strike you from behind with a thrust of her own, Shal...
The elfess crumples, dropping her sword as her knees buckle and she spasms violently from the shock. She pitches forward abruptly as her knees hit the ground and topples sideways limply.
The spider sinks its fangs into the elfess quite hungrily, pumping venomous spider-spit into her body to the tune of a plaintive "Noooo...no...why me..." from the elfess
The elfess expires altogether from the bite, the shock of it too much for her already crippled body to withstand. Her eyes roll back as the spider feasts on her....
As Shal slowly sinks to his own knees, he unleashes a bolt of lightning at the elf who struck him down, striking the elf bandit and sending the man staggering backwards, both their swords falling from their hands as the bandit-elf crumples against a tree...