Mid-Morning - Day 1 - Batbolg

Lord of Autumn - Scanning the surroundings, you decide that you might be able to get a better vantage point by scaling the nearest, most stable-looking, building.  With cat-like grace, you scale the remnants of what you suppose must have once been a local shop.  By fortune, the edifice seems secure enough to hold your weight.  Keeping a low profile, you carefully traverse the site and reach a jutting ledge.

Gazing around, you catch sight of a vast market square sprawling below, shadowed by a towering temple.  Your suspicions are confirmed, as a small gathering of Fomorians bickers with each other at the base of the temple steps.  A cluster of pitiable Svirfneblin is kept chained nearby, appearing despondent.

Suddenly, your attention is piqued as you observe a group of tiny Svirfneblin frantically tugging on their chains, their faces contorted with fear.  The Fomorians, who were previously confident and composed, now cast anxious glances at each other, hesitant to approach the once-glorious temple.  You can sense that something is amiss and has disturbed the group.  Despite their efforts to silence the commotion, the Fomorians lead the trembling Svirfneblin slaves away from the entrance and further into the depths of Cendriane.

You cannot help but wonder what terror the group must have stumbled upon, that it would strike fear even into the hearts of the fearsome Fomorians.

"I ain't going no way near some undead, cursed city.  No sirrr."  Tegid's words echo in your mind.  "They'll rot your face righ' off, if you lettum.  The ghosties tha' is."  Despite the kobold's warning, you know that your mission is paramount.  Besides, perhaps the temple will offer the answers you seek.

Faila stands over Meresaa, taut and snarling, predatory yellow eyes flitting back and forth over the whole room, looking as if she is ready to spring at a moment's notice. As the barks and howls fill the air out the temple, she bares long teeth and shrieks and snarls in reply, with aggressive honks like any enraged goose splitting the air and drowning out the barks.

Wisdom saving throw: 26

Initiative: 20

Wis save: 5
Initiative: 11

Boyd draws his dagger and staggers backward, away from the barking. His head spins on a swivel, trying and failing to perceive any threat in the surrounding darkness. His heartrate rises and he begins to look something like a cornered street dog with fear on his face and his small but magical dagger raised out in front of him.

Nikita is overwhelmed by the sheer number of foes and threats.  She feels as if she is running through the twisted wastes of Iuz's blasted land once more.  From unseen, unnatural foes surrounding her and her allies in every direction.  Shuddering in fear, she stands rooted to the spot.

Nikita's WIS Save:  9
Nikita's Initiative:  (also) 9
(If necessary) Thumbtack's WIS Save:  1d20+1 = 6 + 1 = 7

Unfocused eyes roll around, blinking frequently, before finally alighting on Faila's alien form. Meresaa, thoroughly confused, pushes herself up onto hands and knees and tries to steady herself for a moment.

What she was able to keep down while being transported between planes suddenly comes surging back in a violent spatter across the flagstones as she collapses back to her elbows, efforts to regain equilibrium as well as her feet temporarily stymied.

WIS save: 10
Initiative: 15

Like a leaf caped crusader, the Lord of Autumn surveys the scene below from his vantage point. A confident nod is issued in response to the observed change in mood amongst the monstrosities and gnomes, and he backs away from the vantage point slowly so that he's out of view. His cloak flutters anxiously, as if waiting for the firbolg to issue his next command. As if he too sensed their excitement, the Lord of Autumn cracks a wicked grin and raises his arm out in front of him. His fingers come together and he allows but a single moment of silence before...

*SNAP*

As his fingers produce the thunderous crack, the leaves at his back almost seem to giggle as they ceremoniously drop to his ankles. His legs now standing in a pile of vibrant leaves rustling with energy, he whispers, "Be ready, my friends..."

Clearing his throat now, the Lord of Autumn takes a deep breath and begins to bellow at the top of his lungs. His tongue is harsh, loud, guttoral, and unlike the musical whimsey from that of crakespeak.

Yelling in Giant:

The massive firbolg draws a javelin from his pack, and as he does so, a handful of leaves begins to dance about its tip.

Temple Tussle - Surprise Round & Round #1 - Initiative

With a low growl, the two large hounds dart out from the shadows and take off in hot pursuit of the fleeing Aruum.  Their fur bristles with malice, their eyes gleaming with wicked intelligence.  The sound of their snarling and baying echoes off the crumbling walls of the ancient temple, and the air is thick with the stench of their fetid breath.  As they race after their prey, they move with a frightening speed and grace, their long, sinewy legs propelling them forward with an otherworldly swiftness.  In the dim light, their eyes seem to glow like fiery coals, and their teeth glint wickedly in the darkness.

Aruum screams in terror as the hounds close in on him, their glowing eyes fixated on their prey.  Driven mad with panic, he stumbles and falls, his heart racing as he scrambles to get back on his feet.  But the hounds are quick, relentless in their pursuit.  The little goblin reaches a hand out toward both Faila and Meresaa.  "Helps!" he begs, but it is too late and the hounds fall upon him.  In the shadows, Boyd and Nikita watch on in horror, too frightened to act, hidden yet helpless to intervene.

Hounds

#1 - The first hound lunges forward with a bone-chilling snarl, its razor-sharp fangs bared and ready to rip into Aruum's leg.

• Attack: 8

Thankfully, the goblin's luck holds as the beast's jaws snap shut on empty air.

#2 - With a savage snarl, the second hound leaps at the defenseless Aruum, its razor-sharp teeth bared in a menacing display.

• Attack: 8 ((are you kidding me DnDB?!))

The little goblin cries out in terror as the hound's powerful jaws close in, but somehow he manages to roll out of the way just in time, escaping the hound's deadly strike by mere inches.  Gasping for air, Aruum scrambles to his feet, wiping sweat from his brow as he gazes desperately at Faila. "F-found dogsies," he manages to gasp out between panicked breaths.

Battlemap:

Initiative Order:

1. Meresaa - 21 - Dark Blue Gun Symbol
2. Faila - 20 - Pink Staff Symbol
3. Hound #1 - 19 - Black Dog Symbol
4. Aruum - 18 - Pale Orange Treasure Symbol
5. Hound #2 - 16 - Black Dog Symbol
6. Boyd (Hidden + Frightened) - 11 - Tan Dagger Symbol
7. Nikita (Hidden + Frightened) & Thumbtack - 9 - Purple Wand Symbol ((Currently Thumbtack is perched on Nikita's shoulder))

Meresaa - Your head still feels groggy from the poison in your veins.  Perhaps this might, in part, be the reason you were unaffected by the hounds' baying.  You catch sight of Aruum slowly backing away from two large, vicious hounds.  He has implored you for aid, what do you do?

Mid-Morning - Day 1 - Autumn's Fury

Lord of Autumn - With a deafening crack that reverberates through the air, the thunder announces your presence.  The ground trembles as the Svirfneblin fall to their knees in reverence, their faces pressed to the earth in submission.  Meanwhile, the Fomorians, no less intimidated, cease their quarreling and exchange fearful glances.  As they behold you in all your splendour, the sun radiating behind you like a halo, they can only gasp in awe, mistaking you for a divine being.  They shuffle awkwardly, forcing their leader forward to address you.

Hearing his terrified cries, Meresaa looks up and gasps "NO!" as the hounds pounce on the gerblin. She struggles to her feet and stumbles forward several paces as she fumbles around in the pockets of her robe. Two items emerge: her trusty multitool and an oddly-shaped handheld device with exposed gears and short antennae. She flips a small mirror out of her multitool and quickly catches the light just right to reflect it down on a confused Aruum. The other bauble she spends a few moments fussing over, trying to make it work.

Movement: standing from prone and 15ft toward Aruum putting her 30ft away
Action: putting the finishing touches on her new eldritch cannon
Bonus: cast sanctuary on Aruum - WIS save DC 15 to make further attacks on him

Faila whirls around at the sound of Aruum's cries, a defiant scream of rage echoing from her long scaly throat and reverberating through the temple. In a flurry of colorful feathers, she launches herself across the paved stones, her clawed feet picking up horrifying speed as she aims straight for the nearest hound, leaping into the air past the panicked Aruum, and coming down with long open jaws and slashing clawed hands down on the canine.

Pounce.
Strength save DC 12 or be knocked prone.

Multiattack.
Bite:
Attack: 8 Damage: 10

Claw 1:
Attack: 18 Damage: 10

Claw 2:
Attack: 20 Damage: 7

Temple Tussle - Round #1 - Meresaa & Faila's Turns

Meresaa's Turn

With a great effort, Meresaa shakes off the debilitating poison coursing through her body and rises, lurching forward 15ft.  She withdraws a strange contraption with short antennae and exposed mechanical gears and levels it at the cowering Aruum.  The device's mirror reflects a golden beam of sunlight, engulfing the goblin in a protective, radiant aura.

Gazing in wonder at his radiant limbs, Aruum stands tall and proclaims himself, "Aruum Golds-goblin!"  Before fixing a baleful glare at the menacing hounds.

Meresaa - Please make an insight check.

Faila's Turn

For a fleeting moment, Aruum's mind is lost in blissful delight at his newfound golden hue.  But his reverie is abruptly interrupted by a sudden burst of movement -- a blur of colour darting past him.  Faila, now the fierce protector, lunges towards the nearest hound, her lithe form propelled by an explosive burst of energy.

• Strength Saving Throw: 12

Regrettably, the hound remains steadfast in its position as Faila springs towards it, showing no signs of being affected by the intrusion.  Faila's claws fiercely rake across its face and upper torso, yet they seem to be ineffective as the creature appears immune to her attacks.  Despite the fact that two of the blows land on the beast, no trace of blood is drawn.

• You are able to tell that the hound has the following damage immunities: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks that aren't Silvered

Hound #1's Turn

Unfazed by Faila's attack, the hound advances towards Aruum with its fiery gaze fixed on him.  With its sharp claws extended, the beast lunges forward, attempting to strike at the goblin.

• Wisdom Saving Throw against sanctuary: 2 (Nat 1 rolled)

Enthralled by the radiance of Aruum's newly acquired golden glow, the hound opts not to assail the goblin.  Instead, its attention turns towards Faila, snapping at her throat.

• Attack: 15, Damage: 7 (piercing)

The hound lunges forward, biting into Faila's left shoulder and drawing blood.  The beast seems to relish in the taste, its gaze intensifying as it savours the metallic tang.

Aruum's Turn

Crowned with a halo of sunlight, Aruum the Bold puffs out his regal chest and gazes upon his injured companion with great anguish.  "NO!" he cries out.  "Not Faila Golds-giver! Die, ye dastardly dogsies!"

Aruum snarls with fury as he thrusts his hands forward, thumbs pressed tightly together and eyes rolled back in his head.  With a guttural roar, he commands the fire to manifest in his palms, its heat and energy building to a searing intensity.  In a burst of flame and sparks, he releases the fire from his fingertips, sending a thin sheet of scorching flames towards his targets.

• Burning Hands (Level 2): Damage: 14 (fire) 
  • Hound #1 Dexterity Saving Throw: 8 (fail)
  • Hound #2 Dexterity Saving Throw: 12 (fail)
• Wild Magic Surge: 16 (nope)

Caught off guard by the sudden eruption of flames from the goblin's hands, the hounds are unable to evade the searing onslaught.  Their fur ignites and their flesh sizzles as they writhe in pain, unleashing pitiful cries and howls of agony.

Hound #2's Turn

With a pained yelp, the second hound leaps towards Aruum, driven by its agony and anger.

• Wisdom Saving Throw against sanctuary: 16

It viciously bites at the emboldened goblin.

• Attack: 19, Damage: 14 (ouch)

The hound sinks its teeth into Aruum's outstretched arms, causing the goblin to let out a piercing scream.  With savage ferocity, the hound shakes its head, treating Aruum like a mere plaything.  Its razor-sharp fangs rip into Aruum's skin, tearing his arms apart, crushing bones and splintering them into pieces.  Aruum's eyes fill with tears, but his courage remains unbroken.

Boyd -  You sense fear sweeping over you like a tumultuous wave.  Yet you refuse to succumb to its grip and stand resolute.  Your gaze never wavers as the hounds pounce upon Aruum and Faila, fully aware that you must not fail your companions in their time of need.  It falls to you to act, it is your turn.

Battlemap:

Seeing Aruum spring into action, Meresaa raises a hand and begins to shout a warning to the diminutive fellow but is caught thoroughly off-guard by his actions. Her jaw drops. A moment later she begins to laugh at the ridiculousness of her assumption that any creature that survived in a place such as this would be defenseless.

Insight: 7

Boyd freezes in fear as these human-faced wolves gnash and tear at the little goblin, but Aruum's piercing scream snaps him out of it. Still panicked, but now determined to fight instead of fly, Boyd moves six paces to the west, being very careful not to fall into the cursed water.

"Hang in there, Aruum Golden-Hands!" Boyd yells in Goblin as he rears back like javelin thrower and hucks Meresaa's dagger with sufficient force but questionable aim.

Attack, at disadvantage because of the range, at hound #2: Attack: 8 Damage: 16

Sneak attack from an ally being next the enemy

((It's almost certainly a miss anyway, but if it somehow hits it's -9 dmg because I had no sneak attack. Also, it is magic piercing if it hits because it's Meresaa's special magic dagger she gave me.))

Nikita and Thumbtack both shake free of the hounds' fearful baying, but find themselves far from the melee at the temple's southern edge.

"Fire seems to work," she murmurs to herself, having seen Aruum's flames damage the dogs but Faila in dinosaur form have no effect with her attacks.

She begins to hum softly and her steps become lighter and more flowing as she draws her rapier despite realizing it by itself will do no good in this fight.  With her other hand she calls forth a ball of flame just behind the hounds, next to both ((see edited map below)).

Bonus Action:  Nikita starts her bladesong:
- Lasts 1 minute (10 rounds)
- AC goes from 16 to 21.
- Speed goes from 30' to 40'.
- Advantage on Acrobatics checks.
- CON Saves to maintain concentration go from +2 to +7.

Movement and Free Action:  Nikita lopes northwest, then north along the path between the pools ((40', see edited map below)), taking care to avoid whatever had attacked Meresaa.  She draws her rapier in one hand, a plan forming in her mind despite knowing the blade itself will be ineffective.

Action:  Nikita holds out her free hand and casts (and concentrates on) Flaming Sphere (range 60') and a small ball of fire appears just behind both hound (see edited map below)).  Any creature ending their turn adjacent to the fire (as both currently are) take 2d6 fire damage or half on a successful DC15 DEX Save.  On her subsequent turns, Nikita can also (as a bonus action) ram the Flaming Sphere into an enemy forcing the same DEX Save and damage.

Thumbtack considers flying by to help against hound #2 but is too recently recovered from fright to leave Nikita's shoulder.  Instead, she nervously tries to look around and listen for additional enemies.  Thumbtack Perception:  12

(Note - this map does not reflect Boyd's movement which occurred just before Nikita's)

Shaking the last of the daze from her head, Meresaa notes Nikita's approach and takes some quick visual measurements and mental calculations before nodding to herself. She waves her multitool over her head mutters a few words as she cast bless on Faila, Aruum, and Nikita (+1d4 to all attack rolls and saving throws).

Meressa clambers up the steps toward the fray, steeling herself as the last few days have been the most violent of her life by far.

She reaches (what looks like) a brazier behind Faila and Aruum just as she finishes the final adjustment of her new toy and flips the switch, turning it on. As it sputters and whirs, her eyes dance with delight and a seemingly untimely smile crosses her face. She looks to the friends in front of her to see if it worked...

Faila, Aruum, Meressa and the protector cannon itself each get 6 temp hp.

Suddenly, her own proximity to the hounds dawns on her and tears her back from her silent revelry and she takes a few large steps back away from the creatures (back onto the steps she just climbed).

The coiling, flapping beast that is Faila lets out another furious screech as she is unable to damage the hound she attacked. Instead, she turns and latches onto the other hound, the one that just bit Aruum, all of her feathers flaring out, trying to grapple it with both claws and her teeth. If she's able to get a grip, she drags it away from the goblin and towards Boyd, keeping her claws gouged into it to keep it from escaping.

Multiattack (Grapple attempt Strength checks instead of attacks):

22 + 4 (Bless)

6 + 1 (Bless)

21 + 4 (Bless)

The Lord of Autumn listens silently to the Formorian leader as he speaks on behalf of the others. The firbolg makes no gesture nor movement save but one moment where he tilts his head on his side, as if catching an important detail amid the cacophony of grunts, growls, and guttural noises.

After the leader of the pack finishes, the Lord of Autumn straightens up from a battle ready posture to that of standing at attention. Pivoting the javelin such that it is now held much like a ceremonial spear, the firbolg gives it a quick thwack upon the stone ruins. The leaves once dancing about the weapon fall back to the pile at his feat. Another thwack, and the entirety of the pile begins to whirl about him, giving onlookers a view as if he was caught in a vibrant vortex of oranges, browns, and auburns. One-by-one, as the leaves swirl, the leaves from the pack begin to form his cloak once more. Starting with the shoulders, the leaves swarm quickly, filling out his cloak in but seconds. Once fully formed, the cloak begins to bellow as if it has a life of its own, sweeping far out in front of him dramatically and whipping to-and-fro in the non-existent breeze.

The firbolg speaks loudly again in Giant, though this time with a different tone to the dialect from before:

The firbolg shifts himself from standing at attention to that of a more restful posture with his legs spread out and arms crossed behind his back, allowing his muscular chest now prominently juts out from his shoulders. He speaks in giant once more, keeping his tone firm:

Persuasion Check (to see if they would offer any information about what they are doing in the area or insight they'd be willing to share about Cendriane): 14

Temple Tussle - Round #1 - Boyd & Nikita's Turns

Meresaa's Insight check:

Boyd's Turn

With his magically enchanted dagger in hand, Boyd hurls it towards the nearest hound. However, to his dismay, the attack misses its mark by a wide margin, sailing high over the hound's head before arcing back towards him like a boomerang.

Nikita's Turn

((Bearing in mind I tend to use the 5-10 rule for diagonal movement.))

With the feline grace, Nikita propels herself forward, her sinewy figure gliding lithely towards the snarling hounds.  Her slender hand rises, tracing an arc through the air, as a ball of searing flame begins to take shape behind the beasts.  The sphere flickers and dances, a swirling vortex of crimson and gold, as it grows in size, pulsing with intense heat.  The hounds, caught off guard by the sudden appearance of this fiery orb, recoil and snarl, their hackles raised in fear and defiance.

Nikita - Please can you make an insight check?

Thumbtack effortlessly glides next to Nikita as she advances, her attention fixed on the flaming sphere taking form behind the hounds.  "Remind me to never get on your bad side," she quietly remarks with admiration.

"I cannot sense any other foes in the immediate vicinity," Thumbtack communicates telepathically to Nikita, her mental voice tinged with uncertainty. "Yet, I cannot confirm if the chambers where Aruum encountered the hounds have any lurking threats.  I could investigate further if you wish?"

Battlemap:

Nikita Insight:  12

To Thumbtack, she thinks:  I would indeed like to know who or what is back there, but my opinion is that it is too risky for any of us to venture there alone.