Rose looks to Burgee to await his decision. I can heal it if you want. But know that I won't have any more magic at my disposal until we rest if I do. But if you feel we need its help then I'll heal it. Just give the wor . 

Rose will wait on Burgees choice. Should he choose to spare the creature she will heal it using her final spell slot for Cure wounds at 2nd lvl since that's all she has left. 12

If Burgee chooses not to save the creature she will simply finish the job with a hammer to the head, not wanting to leave it suffering. Attack: 21 Damage: 11

Paavu squints at the flames, then nodded to himself; understanding or believing then to understand the nature of the fire. "More potent than the usual though," He murmurs to himself. Still, realizing time to be of the essence, more or less, the goliath began hacking at any nearby flooring and dying plant growth with a handaxe. Once he got a sizeable chunk of either that he need not immediately worry about burning himself, the slow and annoying arduous task of carrying it back down to dumb in the snow outside is done.

Each time he gets down, Yue kicks on fresh extra snow immediately onto the flames to make sure there's no second trap door spider.

If, however, it looks as if the flooring can't be removed without weakening it too much for traversal, he experiments using the pieces of the stone wall that fell back into the tower(and even breaking off more) to smother out the flames. Or at least, give it material that it wouldn't be able to eat through quite easily as wood and slow its progress further.

If THAT too isn't an option or doesn't work, a by then royally agitated goliath focused on checking the tower for the dragon's tower. An easy enough task, or so he believed, as the creatures legendary habit of basking on their goods was not without its credit.

(To DM: Let me know if I need any checks need to be made for the above. He will actively search of Dragon Booty if none isn't obviously around in the top of the tower)

Burgee looks to Rose and the others and then back to the drow. "Our word was given time and again." He pointed up toward Paavu. "The one there was your best hope, for his word is unyielding. Yet each time our word is offered, you offer none of your own, nor your assistance." He looks back to Rose. "I know not. This one is deceitful. She does not seem to offer help nor value her own life. Even if she were to offer something, I do not know how it could be trusted." He glances up toward the goliath. "Grant her your mercy if you like."

"It would be my last bit of magic, but I could attempt to compel truth from the creature. Then we could ask it questions and there's a chance we can be assured it is not lying to us. I'm curious if we did have it lead us if it would lead us to an ambush. Or if it knows where the Spider is now."

Paavu see's the fire before him, and determines there's no shrubbery or other such flammable things nearby, and the speed of the fire is due to the lack of flammability of the stone itself. And any attempt to dismantle the floor of an already unstable tower... So he takes one of the crumbled stones, tossing it onto the fire, in hopes of smothering it, only for that gust of wind to blow it farther out.. immediately starting to eat  at the nearby sackcloth. Paavu, in a moment of inspiration and panic.. jumps on the fire, to smother the flame, his large body covering it entirely. His hand patting the flame on the cloth as hard as he could. And after a moment or two of extremely hot discomfort, suffering (4) damage, the flame is smothered out.

After a moment of rolling around to smother it, he recovers, and gets up, intent on finding what all this effort has led them to. 

Down below, the creature sighs in frustration. Yes. You keep making offers when I have already made one. And it is the only one I will accept. I have even acquiesced the pact. Yet you all keep spouting the same thing I have already said, as if it hasn't already been said! I will lead you to the map, in the spiders possession, in return for aid. Or you can not aid me and be lost. I care not which. If you have not payed attention to my offer of assistance then than is your own fault bird brain. And I am not a Drow, Look at me!  

Back with Paavu.... with the fire finally out, he begins to look around, and see's several bits of things htat look like they could contain treasure, goign immediately for the sterotypical chest... he finds An old wooden chest broken open on the tower floor holds the last of a dead mans treasure: 230 GP, four silver goblets set with moonstones (60 gp each), a scroll of misty step, and a scroll of lightning bolt. Beneath the coins is a rusty old battleaxe of dwarven manufacture. Runes in Dwarvish on the axe head read, “Hew,” and the rust is misleading. As he notices this, he notices the pile of coins leading from it are softly pouring out of the sack where the fire had burned a small hole. Looking at it, he realizes this must be the treasure that had been stolen from Gwen and Co.... that.. or just a dragons hoard in general. When counted later, the group would discover it contained (5701) GP.

Apart from the axe, which Paavu took a special interest in, and even hooked onto his belt after some inspection, the rest Paavu had packed away from what had filled the chest without too much thought. The others would be told, and coin distributed the next time they rest. Then, his eyes fell upon the sack, and even at a passing once over of its contents within, one goliath was left gobstrucked for a good minute. Then he sighed and rubbed at his neck. "That carriage would've sure been nice." He muttered grumpily as he looked around for anything to patch the sack hole.

If possible, though perhaps a bit awkward, he would divide the coin up between the broken open chest and the sack, assuming enough of the former's base was intact to actually act as just open topped container. But if not, he packs as much as he can into his pack, and head down to alert the others of the finding. He progresses slowly, that is, if only to delay another encounter with the misshapen creature with the others. 

Rose looks to the others, not seeing a decision in sight she finally sighs amd says Cirrus its a good idea, but save your magic. I'll heal it, but just be ready to strike it down if it tries anything. And as for you Rose turns to adress the former drow. I would hope you're smart enough not to try anything while so out numbered. You fulfill your end of the bargain, and when this is all set and done we'll let you go. Now don't squirm. Rose places a hand on the creatures leg and let's the last of her healing magic enter its body, silently praying she doesn't regret this choice. (See healing from above) Once the creature has been healed she stands back up and says. We need to catch up with that map. So you best lead the way. Pavuu! Get back down here! Time to play some catch up!

Rose's compassion calms Burgee and he remembers himself outside of these recent skirmishes. His heart warms and he returns to Rose's side. "Sorry Rose, my emotions lead me away from logic." He gives an eye to the creature. "Rose has granted you mercy, and my word you still have if you will help us," he says as his demeanor softens; Rose's actions helping Burgee see a more compassionate side of life. His grip on his weapon relaxes slightly and he tries to see some glimmer of hope that the creature will not betray them all.

The creature rises and TPK's everyone the creature doesn't stir immediately. It takes nearly a full minute  before it starts moving as it was just n a state of paralysis from shock. But eventually it does stir, into a sitting position as Paavu does whatever Paavu does above. Finally we come to an accord. I had already laid down the proposition, yet everyone just kept starting it over. All you had to say was yes or no. Not repeat what I said already. Any which way.. I shall do as needed. One way or another, either I will die, or you will. If you have any unfinished business here, I would suggest you deal with it. Time is short, and the master has grown hasty. And there is little here of worth. I am at your mercy. the words coming out simultaneously sincere and Sinister.

Above, Paavu uses the lid of the battered chest as a scoop-hold, and, dipping it in like a net into solid water, and is able to safely contain 1501 pieces of the gold, though he wouldn't know that until it was counted. Gwen is happy to see the situation over, but says So.. what now? Do we just press on, or will we rest yet again? I think we're all due for a rest. she says, avoiding admitting the party was weak, so as to not give the creature ideas.

Plans?

Rose considers it for a moment but finally says If we need further healing I'll need a rest. A full proper one. But I'm not keen to pet our enemy get even further ahead. I can press on, but if our friend here gets itself hurt I won't be able to aid it. I'll leave the decision up to the group but I can press on if need be.

Paavu eventually makes his way down. Yue joins him at the bottom, and together the two walk upon the others just in time to see not only the creature alive, but quite less impaired then the last time. That, and catch the last words about a rest. Of the call for him last, he had not responded to Rose's perhaps temporary worry. The whole delicate operation of getting coin into the lid he now carried made it quite difficult to warrant bothering with words...

"Rest..." He parrots quietly, tilting his head downward in thought. Then, he looked over to the creature, squinting at it a moment, and searching his memory for any recollection of one of its kind. Certainly not in a direct fight given its skills, though... mayhaps not. One former master did have a unique "collection" of fighters at their disposal.

Paavu grimaced at the thought, but pressed beyond it. Eventually...

History: 20.

Something comes together, eliciting a tired groan out of the goliath. "I thought I recognized one of you." He lets out a harsh chuckle. "Doppleganger... Been years, but you never quite forget the story of a friends 'unique' conquest, if you could call it that. Said that-" Paavu catches himself, and then shook his head. "Matters not. We'd gain a few extra hours in leaving now, but no more. Better we play it safe. Rest here, and then leave at dawn." 

Paavu looks off in the direction the dragon had flown off to. "The beast  -- the Dragon, will not return to this nest, if it is wise. Though while it lives, we will certainly have another enemy to contend with in the future. Tomorrows problem." He looks back down to the others, or more specifically at Gwen. "It seemed dragon had you and yours coin. More is up top, but will need to be divided in separate bags to be remotely carry it all. Paavu has gathered what can. You and others will have to get the rest. I would suggest doing so now." Paavu then turns to the creature. "Do you have a name by which we would call it. I'm aware they are largely meaningless to you. But, Paavu would address the with some respect, over crass insults."

"Finally, something Burgee can agree on," Burgee says as Paavu mentions rest. "I will be of more service to all if I could just take some time to gather myself. The day has pushed me beyond my reason," he says, as he glances up at Paavu, knowing he'd been hasty with his words earlier. The fact that they'd come all this way, suffered through several battles, all to find the map is still not here was hard for the bird to bear. And thinking back on the insufferable dwarf droning on about it pushed him a touch further. But Rose's kindness had calmed him and the thought of a rest gave him comfort, even if the rest was yet to come.

I will update as soon as my computer stops being stupid.

Addressing the group, "If we are resting, do we have any more questions for the creature? Since I'm getting my magic back anyway, it's not really a waste anymore if I tried to coax the truth from it." Regardless if the response, Cirrus tells the doppelgänger, "Congratulations, creature. You have earned a fractions of our trust. A miracle, given what you have attempted to do to us. Not that believe you will appreciate that sentiment."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If they want to ask questions, then he will add "Before you lead us onward, why don't we get to know each other a bit better," he says, barely hiding his sarcasm. He will cast Zone of Truth on it. It must succeed on a DC 13 CHA Save, or become unable to lie.

I know whether the creature succeeds or fails on its saving throw.

If it succeeds, Cirrus will inform the group that his magic was unable to force the truth from the creature. Regardless of if it fails or not Cirrus will begin the questioning by asking it if there is a trap waiting for us at the place it is planning to take us.

The doppel looks at Paavu with an eerie smile. Indeed. I am such a creature. We are ostracized from your society because of our abilities. If you pay enough, I'd be willing to become a 'conquest' giant. But it seems you are all set on resting. And I... am not in disagreement with this. I have been healed, yet I still retain wounds. So, let us be about it. If you have a location in mind, by all means, else we will shack up in my nearby ruins. Gwen pipes in, saying I think I prefer our usual place. It seems the safest place to be, that or.. in the tower, and we do as planned before with a birds eye view.

Regardless of what you all decide, in regards to shacking up, you all gain 400 exp. And the Doppel doesn't do much more than sit still. Very still. It makes no attempt to speak to anyone, though it would respond if spoken to. Cirrus speaking first when they reach wherever they intend to rest... (ZoT Save: 11)

 Failing the save, its eyes meet Cirrus with an eerie smile. I don't know. And to address your question giant. I am known as Genome. My intentions depend on the outcome. I will side with the winner. There is no other way.

Eventually, eight hours or so pass, and night cloaks the world. The  cold weather hasn't changed much aside from dropping a few degrees after the sun has set. You can all choose to set out now, or at first light. During this time, Gwen hums a soft tune, raising everyone's spirits, aiding in their healing (Song of rest bonus  - If you or any friendly creatures who can hear your performance regain hit points at the end of the short rest by spending one or more Hit Dice, each of those creatures regains an extra 1d6 hit points.) Singing a plaintive note of life at sea, love long lost, and sad reunions, as well as new discoveries.

((I will respond to any  RP 'during the rest' and when you are done with any 'rest RP' please note at te end of the post you're ready to proceed and we will begin the next leg of the hunt))

Paavu at least appeared to think over Cirrus request for a few moments, and half-way tuned out the rest to follow. "... Unless the magic compels one affected to speak, and not just simply answer truthfully when it happens to say anything at all, then Paavu would not bother. This one is even less interested if words can still be bent to fool such magics." He admits frankly. "And as Paavu was not paid to torture out answers, this one will not bother. His unkind words and threats not withstanding." He sighed at that last admission. "We will sleep in shifts, and you will be present at all times, (*insert any name given by creature*). You will also remain unbound. While Paavu could demand you enter a smaller form to make attempts to transform out of it painful upon being bound, again, it is an excessive that he will not demand." He adds.

If anyone else wishes to ask questions and magic, Paavu will not interefere in the process. He would only remind after it for people to work together in obtaining the rest of Gwen's group gold before the party head back to the house to rest and divvy up spoils. Before sleep claims him in the evening, Paavu spends what remaining hours of daylight is left going over the more subtler maneuvers with Yue, readying her for future conflicts. And while he had half a mind to explore the rest of the village to further aid in her training, one encounter with fishing spiders and ashy undeads had been enough for the male.

That, and at some point right before sleeping that evening, he asks the doppelganger, "Despite your expectations of how things are to be, Paavu would ask this all the same. Say we succeed and you are to live to see it... What are your plans, my... presumably, fellow mercenary, going by what I know of your people."

"I will carry what I can," Burgee says in reply to Paavu's request to gather the cache found in the tower. [OOC: Will leave amount to Mem/DM]  As they approach the house, Burgee begins yawning, exhausted from the days activities. He finds a quiet place in a corner and sits a moment while digging through his pack for a bite to eat. As he gains just a little more energy he looks to the group, "I would prefer some rest before my watch if that suits." He continues yawning. "Wake me in a few ho..u..r...zzzzz."

The darkness comes on him quickly as he falls into a fitful sleep. The woman visiting him, coming to him as a storm. His dreams howled and screamed. And then he caught a glimpse. As he fell to the depths of the sea, a calm came and he saw a vision of hope, but only momentarily before tentacles shot out from her and her face quickly aged and he was gathered up and it was dark. The rest of his sleep passed uneventfully and when he awoke for his rest he only vaguely recalled his dreams, uncertain that they were even there, just knowing, somehow, he owed her. He reached his hand into his coat pocket and rubbed the stick, the one piece that he held onto when the rest of the staff shattered. As he rubbed the splinter he could feel the storm rage within. He relaxed. He felt renewed. He would take his watch with renewed eyes and hope. 

And as the new days sun begins to peak over the horizon, he feels a slight energy as his new staff seems to momentarily intertwine with the weave. (Regain Charges: 8)

 (I'm trying to keep up but things are really busy.)

Will be updating tonight, allowing any extra time, before proceeding. As it will begin the next phase of travel.

As everyone starts to settle in, Paavu asks the creature about their plans while the zone of truth still holds up. It doesn't answer immediately, clearly never having thought about alternative possibilities. I do not believe that will be the outcome. And whether you succeed or not, I will likely die. But to humor your question.... I would be out of work, and expectant of reprisal. I've killed many in the name of the spider afterall. But should I not watch my lifesblood leak out into the infinium. Hmm..... I would probably seek employment elsewhere. It is the fate of my kind to never be the face of change, but always the gears, after all. And that is the long and short of it. My skills make many wish to possess them. 

The night goes on mostly uneventfully, aside from Burgee having semi-sweet dreams. Paavu's night is darkness. He does not dream, he does not rouse. His rest is neither healthy nor harmful. It's just sleep - effectively time travelling, as the moment his eyes close, he wakes up to the sun glaring through the tiny, tiny cracks of the 'safe' house. Gwens sleep is tight, but restful enough, though she does kick out a few times during the night from pain-echoes. In Cirrus' dreams however, he see's a split reality. As if he's on the border of two dimensions, his left eye seeing what he assumes to be where he came from, while the other see's the current reality. Both are showing his two friends, the druid, and the other goliath. In one eye, he see's that after his disappearance, the selfsame blizzard that struck that night also hit the other realm. However, his friends had been caught unawares in their planning and slow attacks, and by the morning, had suffered the same fate as the Hobgoblins.... Freezing to death outside, and becoming buried in the snow. If Cirrus had still been there.....

Rose's dreams however, were even worse. She found herself, and Gwen on a field of rolling hills. The woods are far off, and the moon is shining brightly. You both seem to be talking about something, and both are smiling. You notice she's wearing a tuxedo-dress of some kind, while you are wearing your armor, albeit decorated with the trappings of a white, frilly dress and some sort of crown. Both of you are laughing under the light of a pure-white Selune. But as the dream goes on, the moon slowly fills with red, as if it were the base of a glass tipped at an angle.... and filling. As dream-Rose stares at this, it seems only a moment has passed, before she hears Gwen screaming, as the form of a massive spider bites down into her neck, venom flowing through her swiftly paling body. The spider cocooning her even as it waits to feast.

Rose charges, a battlecry leaving her lips, when she realizes she hasn't moved at all, her body is frozen... and all she can do is watch as the spider begins to feast.... and when she wakes up... it's morning, and all is quiet.

-----------------Feel free to RP, anything that happens after this line is what happens when the party gets ready to go and leaves the town.---------------------

When everything is said and done in Thundertree, whether it be others gathering gold or scrounging for food in the forest nearby.  Eventually you all make your way out of town. The spiders had returned to their nest but you all go around them... seeing no point in fighting unnecessarily. Once past it.. On the east side of town, the lane opens up to form a small square. Several ruined buildings surround the south side of the square, but a larger, intact structure to the north looks like a barracks. One lane leads southeast, another heads southwest around the hill in the middle of the town, and a third way meanders north. In the middle of the square, leaning to one side ever so slightly, is a weathered wooden statue of a warrior clutching a spear and shield.

Genome, clearly bored, regales you with a brief history lesson... It depicts an old hero of Neverwinter named Palien, who supposedly defeated several monsters in Neverwinter Wood when Thundertree was first founded. However, thats when the ash zombies attacked, as I'm sure you found out, they're quite a handful.

The group walking past an old garrison building that is in complete dissarray. But once past it, you all find yourselves on a new trail. (will be posting more but I need to read up, so FEEL FREE TO POST)