Out of Character: I updated my gold with payments for fort upkeep. I'm also making rolls for the guard dogs' hit points. There isn't a 2D8 +4 option so I'm rolling 1D8 +2 six times which will give me the same result.
In Character: "OK" says Zork simply knowing that in addition to the city and whomever else he also has to watch his back.
You all head out of town and head towards the west. As you get about half a mile out of town the forest starts and soon becomes think making you have to carefully chose where you are riding. You can see on average 30 to 40 feet ahead as the trees add gloom to the day and the sunlight does not make it all the way to the ground. There is a lot of old leaves twigs and branches that can make some of the travel slow going.
As we travel Zork will have one dog covering both forward flanks ahead so they can both smell and detect anyone hiding in the forest.
Durgan rides behind Sessativa, who is behind Zork. As the lead clears a path through the trees, they follow. They both prepare spells more suited to fighting evil that the city life they had for the last few weeks, and both are glad to be adventuring again, though Durgan still worries about the state of the house.
Wearing his Helm of Brilliance, Durgan is ready to cast Daylight if it gets particularly dark. Just mention how many opals I spend.
Out of Character: Here is the number of gems on your helm sorry for the delay on it. 9 Diamonds - prismactic spray (As the seventh level illusionist spell), 17 rubies - wall of fire (As the 5th level druid spell), 25 fire opals - fireball (As the third level magic user spell), and 37 opals - light (As the first level cleric spell), the helm is a +2 for sale value, when stuck by bright sunlight it will send forth reflective rays in all directions from its crown like spikes set with gems, It also glows with a bluish light when undead are 30 feet of it this light causes pain and 1-6 damage to all such creatures save skeletons and zombies, the wearer may command any sword they wield to become a sword of flame this is in addition to any other properties the sword has, the wearer may produce flame as if they were a fifth level druid, the wearer is protected just as if a double fire resistance ring were worn but this can not be further augmented.
In Character: The going is slow but you are making progress. It is soon mid day and the forest so far is quiet save from birds and small animals.
"No sign of ruins yet, perhaps it's time for a meal."
Climbing a tree, Durgan checks the position of the sun and the town behind them to ensure they're going the right way.
Zork looks for a protective place where he can see all the angles and gives his animals a rest. He allows them to search the area for signs of a meal or anyone lurking.
Durgan I need you to roll a couple d6s and d12s to see how successful you are at climbing and seeing your surroundings enough to get a good fix on your route.
Zork you are able to find a place that is a bit defensible at a fallen tree that crosses the path a little to the left of your position. From here your dogs go out to see if they can find a quick meal. You do not hear any shouts or screams from anyone close by. IF someone was your dogs would have found them.