We're clearly meant to follow the trail. This isn't a sandbox game where we can stroll around, it is a module adventure with a linked set of encounters. We have to follow more or less from A to B.<br/><br/>We have three votes in favour of a short rest so to move onto the next stage those that are injured need to take their short rest and regain HP's. Then we should follow the trail.<br/><br/>Across a tabletop this conversation would be a minute or two and the DM could give us a nudge if we dithered like say we found Gundren's monographed handkerchief beside the tracks. PBP unfortunately it can drag out a week with everyone waiting for someone else to move things forward and by that time interest can wane and the game fizzles. We actually have done well to get through the first combat. My last three attempts all ended on the second turn of the first fight.