Thank you so much for helping us finishing this out! Good luck in your future endeavors!

Seeing that Janira is okay for the moment Ruzz leaves the minotaur corpse and comes to her side. He remains silent, standing in support of his cohort without saying anything.

I believe Roxxie already reported it

Ruzz takes his time to cross over the injured halfling and shrugs as he looks to the others. He takes a moment to check the minotaur to see if it has hoarded anything that might be useful to this situation.

With a growl Ruzz points the burning hands wand across the water at the Minotaur and fires off a blast. (should have 2 more left after this one as I only used it once)

Burning Hands Damage: 3d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 4) = 7

Seeing that the creature is stunned Ruzz reaches through his arcane bonded object and pulls out the spell "Grease" casting it directly on the ground under the Behemoth. Ruzz stays on the other side of the water from the big angry looking bull.

I would like it directly under the Minotaur so no one else slips when they approach it

I've used two full rounds to run if I couldn't have made it this far please let me know how many squares I need to move back. If you need to roll acrobatics or whatever I can. I double checked for any references to the log or ground but there were none. Just lemme knew what you want me to do and I'll do it. :)

Seeing the halfling go down Ruzz keeps running, straight across the log and to the other side of the water.

Little legs pumping as hard as they can Ruzz tries to keep up with the larger folk.

Use my standard as a move action and come up behind the others

With a nod Ruzz falls into lock step behind the party waiting for them to move out.

[OOC] I've been trying to edit my post but having web trouble
I moved up but was too far to have any hope of hitting him.[OOC]

Ruzz grumbles about this job never mentioning murdering people minding their own business in their own homes and throws a ball of acid at the unfortunately stupid humanoid.

Acid Splash: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Ruzz curses his aim but is actually glad to have missed this poor unfortunate creature.

I've already made the decision to leave it behind for fear of a curse so I feel like it would be appropriate for me to take it at this point as we've moved on. Ruzz doesn't trust some magical items found in a cursed cave full of undead and corpses.

At the sudden explosion of ultra violence Ruzz barks in surprise. He looks at the remaining kobold and yells at it in Draconic.

If Ruzz is unable to talk sense into the remaining Kobald. He'll throw an acid splash at it. Lemme know what if anything you want me to roll first

Ruzz gives Cynan a clap and says "It looks like it was made for you!' Before he can go on Cynan is running away. Ruzz sighs and follows the party at the very back, waiting for the last person to go on before he follows. He doesn't touch the pearl for fear it is cursed.

Not my intention Viperia I just thought it might be preferable to all of us standing around and doing nothing while we watch undead on ice. I'll withdraw and leave the rest of the fight to you.

Ruzz very carefully takes a five foot step back and tries to keep calm as the undead get closer.

"Hey, you guys think zombies like card tricks?"

With my next turn if the zombie manages to engage me I'll withdraw with my full round, if not I'll have to see what's going on

My plan is to blast these guys with my wand until they're dead or one of them gets up. If I back up we could spend 7 or 8 turns watching them flail in the grease ;) if you want me to pull back I will though.

The gnome sees an opening with everyone else fooling around with petty life preservation and runs between legs and around butts to get to the front. Confident in his grease spell Ruzz unleashes a burning hands with a few fancy words and finger waggling. The 15 foot cone is laid down in such a way so as to engulf both of the struggling zombies.

Burning Hands Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Ruzz seems rather disappointed by the lack luster display of fire and looks like he's about to jump on the zombies to finish them off with his hands alone.

Grease lasts for a full minute, I have a wand of flaming hands, want me to just stand here blasting them until they get up or I run out? They get to roll a reflex save for half of 1 damage btw lol, not sure if that is true when they're on the ground

Ruzz sighs as the combat seems to come to a stand still. He prepares to cast grease the moment Urushi steps back out of the opening to the question mark or beyond in the 10x10 square that would cover the entrance and the monsters before it.

I've got a couple of flaming hands to drop on these suckers if I can get a good shot without harming a teammate

I'm willing to do a knowledge roll, would arcana be appropriate since Necromancy is involved? Also I think the GM was hinting that some items in the bag left to us might be useful here

Couldn't have happened to a better pair!

Ruzz fires off another acid orb at the purple zombie then runs back down the tunnel slipping into the c back, giggling all the while.

"You folks are a bucket o fun don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise!"

Ranged Touch Attack[/Dice: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Ruzz looks rather excited but also frustrated that he hasn't got a good shot at anything. With all the big folk blocking the way and none of them following the advice to make a bottle neck he could fill with fire the gnome just sighs and steps forward once more to throw a glob of acid at the purple zombie to the right of Urushi.

Acid Splash: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Ruzz giggles with glee at all the chaos as someone runs past him. He mumbled the arcane words for another acid orb and tosses it at the purple zombie again.

Acid Splash: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

"Wooo! That one looks better!"

The gnome runs back into the previous cavern squealing in delight the entire way as he thinks about his next spell!

Ruzz moves up behind Yaerstenn and prepares an action to cast acid splash on any target that might stumble into his range and arc of fire.

Ruzz grins a bit at the altar then motions to the figure worshipping in the water.

"Maybe you can pray to his god, this place seems to be holy to him as well so perhaps we might gain additional blessings? Otherwise I'm ready to move when everyone else is."

Ruzz points down the tunnel to the east and motions to everyone else.

"Based on the scent I'm guessing we've got something dead down that way, should we check that out first?"

Ruzz waits to see if anything happens. He smiles a bit at the idea of people performing rituals that they don't understand or necessarily believe in.

Ruzz considers the gillman's words and nods sage-like. He keeps his mouth shut as he's never been known to be a diplomat and he fears saying the wrong thing in this situation.

Ruzz looks confused and doesn't seem to understand how he can listen to the water if he is deaf. He just keeps a smile on his face and nods.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Ruzz waves to the gillman with a huge smile and waves with both arms. The gnome barks a greeting but doesn't come any closer.

"Howdy there how are you! Sorry to interrupt your uhh ... Whatever you were doing!"

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

The gnome seems otherwise oblivious to anything else going on.

Ruzz hangs back and looks at the city from afar. Hearing the others say it is a model of the city the gnome seems to grow concerned. He takes a closer look at it while keeping an eye on the resident of the pool.

"Maybe it's a model for planning an invasion of the city?"

Ruzz is hard to pull away from the cave with the symbols but he reluctantly falls into line at the very back. He keeps his eyes peeled for anything trying to sneak up from behind.

Ruzz shares what he can figure out with the others once he is certain of the meaning. He looks around the area in confusion as to why these inscriptions woukd be found in a place like this.

"Did anyone else figure out anything?"

Ruzz takes his time to look over the inscriptions to see if he can puzzle out their meaning.

Linguistics checks are secret roles so I'll let you do that. My modifier is +8

The gnome seemed to hope that maybe the others would find a way across that didn't include him jumping. With a sigh he launches his pack across the gap and then winds up for a run and jump.

Acrobatics: 1d20 - 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) - 4 + 1 + 2 = 0

Sadly the gnome trips on a rock well before the lip of the ledge and tumbles over into the water artlessly. He comes up in the water spurting and coughing. His blue beard dye leaks into the water revealing white hair underneath. With a great deal of struggle the gnome tries to find a rope up to the other side or at least out of the water in general.

Swim: 1d20 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) - 2 + 1 = 13

Managing to swim over to the rope Ruzz struggles further in his attempt to climb out with an his gear soaking wet. Finding that the rope is gone as the group hauled it to with Urushi the gnome only sighs and clings to the rocks.

Some what worried for the annoying little woman Ruzz looks through her pack to see if there might be anything useful for this situation. Unless anyone else objects he takes the wand of burning hands and the scroll of mage armor but leaves the rest. Seeing nothing very useful for this particular scenario and knowing that he isn't well equiped to be helpful he sits down out of the way and removes his hat. Sweat from the strenuous journey beads his forehead as he collapses the top hat and snatches off his bright blue wig. Revealing that he is indeed bald the gnome stores his costume safely away and watches in silence.

"There is a small bundle of cloth at the bottom there Urushi! You should at least try and grab it before you come back up, you're already wet anyway!"

In an attempt to be helpful Ruzz casts "light" on a pebble and drops it into the water to light up the cloth for those without dark vision to see better.

Ruzz considers taking extreme action but decided there are likely more dangerous threats before then than bugs. Instead of casting something more flashy the gnome holds up both hands and begins to cast Ray of Frost. With an elaborate but well practiced gesture followed by a single arcane key word the gnome creates a freezing cold ray and sweeps it through the cloud of insects without any threat to those still inside. With that done he backs off ten feet to the west to avoid becoming dinner.

Ray of Frost. Ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 211d3 ⇒ 1

The gnome looks at all the big burly human type folk. He grins and pulls his sack over to him and sets out a few items on the ground. He sets out five days worth of fire wood, ten torches,a bullseye lantern, three canteens, an iron cooking pot, and 50 ft of hemp rope.

"My motto is always be prepared! In my experience humans always forget they can't see in the dark! If any of you want to take any of this you are welcome to it for free! I had most of it carried here by a friendly man with a hair lip named ... That's not important! Anything that is unwanted I will have stored in my quarters at the lodge for later. Would this be acceptable dear Janira?"

With that settled Ruzz talks to the friendly bar maid about selling some meal tickets back to her in exchange for trail rations, apparently Ruzz hoped their mission wouldn't take them far from civilization!

I got carried away, please anyone feel free to take that if it need it just let me know so I can mark it off my sheet. I will sell back the poor meals and buy 5 gnome sized rations

Ruzz watches Yaerstenn as he speaks and then jumps up with eyes wide when the pouch starts to move on its own. Instead of fear they are full of scholarly intrigue and Ruzz cannot help but come over and assist the man with cleaning up the mess. While he is helping he waves his hands in the air over the pouch trying to detect any subtle changes in viscosity or temperature.

"Surely trail rations that move on their own accord are exceptionally rejuvenating to the body!"

With a wink to the older man the gnome goes back to listening when the floor is clear. His eyes dart back and forth looking for another thing to go moving on its own around the interesting fellow.

Ruzz gets his adventuring gear from behind the bar and leaves it near the insufferable half thing for inspection. Thinking about the moon out loud the wizard goes over a few possibilities that occur to him.

"The most obvious solution is the tides. When the moon is at its fullest the high tides are the highest! If there is indeed water in the cave system it may only be accessible during the highest of tides. If this were the case then new moons would also see our fishy friends arrival but they do not. It is possible they simple aren't seen because the lack of moon light makes them harder to spot. . . Second theory is that they are performing some sort of sacrificial or occult ritual that is tied to the phases of the moon! The moon plays many roles in different cults and religions. My third theory is that they are paying taxes or dues to something or someone in the cave system that are due every full moon. This is perhaps the most bleak option as anything that could demand tribute from gillmen so far away is likely to be powerful indeed. I am excited to find out which it is and would be even more delighted if all my theories are wrong!"

The gnome, having made his contribution to the group think, sits at a table near by and listens patiently to the others suggestions.

You're excused even if it never improves. I hope you feel better soon! We're in this together no worries!

The gnome looks flabbergasted but says nothing, he can recognize there is no way to put a positive spin on this so he simple keeps his mouth shut and hopes his extravagant blue beard hides his blush of shame completely.

I thought gillmen had to stay close to water or they died, how long can they go in a deep dark cave without any water?

Ruzz paces away quickly without waiting for his answer and mutters to himself under his breath while shuffling cards for comfort. He stands close enough away to hear the conversation but far enough away so as to fade into the background as much as a gnome with a blue beard and outrageously colorful outfit can melt into the background in a place like this.

There we go I asked an intelligent question now I have successfully drawn attention away from my early blunders. . .

Ruzz waves his hands towards Cynan as both an apology and a rejection of his offer. With the revelation of the floating eye familiar Ruzz is completely distracted from his previous fears and finds himself jumping down to take a closer look at the familiar.

This is a truly amazing bond you have forged! Is it your own eye transmogrified into a sentient being or did you sacrifice your own eye to give this beauty a home?

Before he can get an answer the door crashes open and Ruzz let's out a squeal of terror fit for the pig that is this pub's name sake. He listens to half of the oration hiding under the very table that Kreighton is standing upon. For the other half he is trying to sneak out from under it without his master noticing he was hiding to begin with, very unsuccessfully.

Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Kortos Mountains? Gah does this mean we're going to have to take a ship, over water, in the ocean?! Me?!

The gnome is already starting to look sea sick just thinking about it. He climbs back under the table and starts to do breathing exercises to control his nausea. In through the nose, out through the mouth!

Ruzz climbs back up into the bar with a huff after having his cleaning alcohol taken away. He cleans up his mess and places the deck of gag fourtune telling cards back onto the bar top after making certain it is as dry and possible and gives the vishkanya a child like smile. Always eager to see others do their own tricks, especially card tricks, Ruzz draws a card. Being sure to hide the card from all the mundane methods of observation he can think of he takes a peek to see it is the jester card.

I'm ready good Vipers, please perform your trick at your leisure!"

The gnome tries to pay full attention to what is going on with his mundane senses but he finds Cynan eating rather distracting and keeps casting a side long glance at him to make sure the oaf doesn't accidentally grab Ruzz's leg and start chowing down with wreckless abandonment.

With a smile Ruzz climbs behind the bar and takes three metal drink shaking cups and a few olives. He motions to the bartender implying he won't hurt anything he's not willing to pay for and climbs up into a stool again. He does a standard cup and balls routine, hiding the olives under the cups only to make them disappear. Finally for the grand finale he puts all the olives under all three cups stacked one on top the other.

With a smile Ruzz says some mysterious magic words and snatches a sleeping rat from it's hiding place under the bar and replaces the olives with it before it can protest, using his words to hide any squeaking the animal might try. With a flourish the gnome uncovers the animal only for it to lunge at him with furry in its eyes!

Ruzz falls back reflexively, casting feather fall on the rat to slow it down before it can fall upon him. As the gnome crashes into the ground a confetti popper explodes sending a shower of rainbow colored paper into the air. Ruzz swats the rat sending it sailing in slow motion over the entire room with a very confused look in its face. Behind the bar Ruzz frantically cleans his hands with some strong alcohol, shuddering in disgust.

"I knew I shouldn't have used an amateur animal, always use professional! Always! Yeck!"

The gnome notices the old human as he walks up and jumps down from stool to the floor below. He laughs as if the frosty gentleman said something hopelessly hilarious and replies, "It's okay good sir, most people have a hard time following themselves! After all every time you try to watch your back there you are looking over your shoulder! If you were good at it there might be cause for concern!"

After hearing the man's name the magician bows then bows again and reaches way up to offer his ungloved hands for a shake! "Pleasure to meet you Yaerstenn! It's also my honor to meet Elias the ever remindful! I'll just assume they're your invisible imaginary friend, alter ego, resident haunt, familiar, angelic overseer, or demonic informant! I don't judge! You can call me Ruzz and you're perfectly correct about why I'm here! I like you already I do, infact I'd say you're just the type of person I'd like almost to the last de-tail!" The gnome bows a few more times after shaking or not shaking the old man's hand as the case may be.

He goes silent when the others introduce themselves, inwardly shocked he didn't notice them before now. Ruzz dusts himself off and bows a few dozen more times to everyone else but pointed doesn't say anything or touch anyone else. The little gnome pulls a silvery necklace out from the neck of his robes that has a charm shaped the "Liberties Edge" logo.

Ruzz has the put on speech pattern we might recognize as a southern carnival barker with the voice of a 9 year old boy. More specific point of reference would be "Lil' Gideon" from Gravity Falls but less over the top cuteness

Standing on a bar stool to command the attention of an early morning serving maid with nothing better to do is a flamboyantly dressed gnome. He speaks softly to the woman so as not to disturb the sleeping drunkards but he seems to entertain her all the same. He silently shuffles a deck of fourtune reading cards and has her pick one seemingly at random.

He takes her card, a beautiful blindfolded angel holding a sword in one hand and a set of scales in the other, and sets it on the bar. With a flourish of the deck he shows her that all the other cards are totally unique and then has her place her card back into the deck face down. With a skillful but silent shuffle Ruzz asks her to flip the top card back over revealing it to be Justice, her card, once more.

With a smile he flips it over and places it on the bar face down. Unbeknownst to her he uses years of slight of hand training to deal the second card from the top facedown instead. It looks just the same to her and when she flips the card on to top it is once again her card! Ruzz goes through this act until all but the last card is on the bar.

When she flips the card this time it is the death card. He winks at her to dispell any fear this may cause and slides his hand across the card, laying a palmed Justice card over it so perfectly it appears to the maid that the Death card transforms before her very eyes. Before she can react he scoops up the cards and slides them into his traveling robes so swiftly they seem to disappear all together.

With a bit of a bow the magician almost stumbles and falls off the rickety bar stool before catching him on the bar. He blushes slightly and shrugs, his aged gnome voice cracking into a high pitch. "That was almost perfect you have to admit!"