Remember how much those much those last few dex points tend to count toward uber-dodge. It makes a visible difference if you can reduce their dex just 5 points. Laborious lament on the right reportoire (not sure what the bards was) does -12 dex right there. Add in -10 from hamstring and it's looking good.

There's also the added bonus that a key skill works better on people with lower dex - dirt kick. I would have aimed for eyejab or dirt kicking on Kostyan just because it is so detrimental to his build. (stops stsf charging, re-engaging, disarm, weapon handling, etc) rather than hoping he got knocked out. Too many allies nearby to wake him.

Yhorian