"You should bring your weapon too, if it wouldn't slow you down."

Swords, maces, knives, everything from Thedas still works here if everything else fails and they absolutely have to get close.

"Abby, you said the thing grabbed you but you were able to hack your way free? We wanna make sure everyone has something to hurt it with up close."

She leaves unsaid that chances are high that if this thing grabs anyone, they're probably done for. But if there's a miniscule chance they can get away, they should be prepared to fight for their lives.