Date: 12th of Flamerul 1502 DR
Party: Mila, Lady Valentina, Sir Sunbeam (Orri), Lady Death (Maze), Myself
Today's assignment seemed simple enough. We gathered at a farm located at 123 Goat Lane. A name that, after some discussion, we learned was inspired by the owner's prized goat. Ephemerals have rather curious naming conventions at times.
Our task was straightforward: determine what had been killing the livestock and eliminate the threat. The halfling farmer informed us the culprits were land sharks. Sunbeam appeared particularly troubled by the notion of sharks swimming through the earth, though whether he eventually understood or simply accepted the explanation remains uncertain. Regardless, we set off to investigate.
It did not take long to find the burrows scattered throughout the fields. After a brief moment to prepare ourselves, several young bulettes burst from beneath the ground. They emerged with startling speed, leaping directly at different members of our party and dealing considerable harm before disappearing beneath the earth once more.
I remained aloft and concealed for much of the engagement, offering support where opportunities presented themselves. Still, I could not help but feel rather ineffective. Their tactic of striking before retreating underground was frustratingly familiar. I employ much the same strategy, only my escape lies in the sky rather than beneath the soil.
After a prolonged struggle, we managed to dispatch the young bulettes. In the distance, however, we noticed an enormous burrow. Considerably larger than the others. None of us felt particularly eager to discover its owner while already exhausted, so we agreed to return to the farmhouse and recover our strength.
The halfling family had prepared tea and lunch while we rested. Given the size of the home, most of my companions found themselves stooping beneath the beams or squeezing into chairs built for smaller folk. I, on the other hand, found it quite comfortable. There are advantages to being small.
Our respite was brief.
A tremendous impact shook the house as the carcass of a cow slammed into the exterior wall.
The others took precious moments to stand, duck beneath the doorway, and squeeze outside. I required no such effort. Being small has many advantages.
The owner of the enormous burrow had found us.
Whether driven by hunger or anger over the deaths of the younger bulettes, the creature attacked with startling ferocity.
The battle that followed was far more dangerous than the first. Sunbeam and Lady Death each suffered devastating blows, collapsing motionless onto the ground. Seeing them fall filled me with a concern I had not expected. My attention shifted from defeating the creature to ensuring my companions survived it.
Calling upon the magic of my fey heritage, I bound the beast within fits of uncontrollable laughter. While it writhed helplessly, I hurried between my companions, administering the healing potions I had carried for just such an occasion.
Victory did not come easily. The fight became a careful rhythm: keep the beast distracted, restore those who had fallen, and allow the others to capitalize whenever the creature collapsed under the enchantment. Eventually, through persistence more than elegance, we brought it down.
When the dust settled, we were all left exhausted, shaken, and, thankfully, alive.
The halfling family was every bit as relieved as we were once we confirmed there would be no more "land sharks" threatening their farm. They thanked us warmly, rewarding us with what coin and provisions they could spare.
Another task completed.
Another step toward proving that I belong among adventurers.
