The panther nods and makes a dash for the cane sword, but is abruptly stopped by the appearance of larger, more heftier tendrils--these ones with massive jagged spikes at the end that look like they'd be nasty to get stabbed by. They jab at the panther, halting its progress, and it takes a hard slice on one leg, forcing it to retreat. The big tendrils are rapidly approaching you both, and you don't get hardly any warning before one of them stabs right through your shoulder.

The large, hulking figure does not respond.