Arista inclines her head at Kaelen’s caution, meeting his gaze with a measured nod. “Agreed,” she says simply. “All the coin and valor in the world won’t help if we’re half-starved or falling ill before we even set eyes on the keep. I agree that we must see that we’re properly supplied—rations, medicines, the basics—so we’re as ready for the journey as we are for a fight.”

The Townmaster turns to leave, ending with, “You’ll find your lodgings here are paid for the night, as well as basic meals for tonight and tomorrow. If you need more time in town before heading out, you will need to cover that. I can be reached at Town Hall.”

After pleasantries are exchanged with the Townmaster, Torban speaks up. “So talking about logistics, I can get us a deal on animals and feed. I know a guy.”

"That would be much appreciated, Torban. Making our resources stretch further will do nothing but allow us to be better prepared." Mathias says.  "That being said, I would like to be there to see the animals in question before making any formal deals."

Turning to his new companions, Mathias asks, "Is there any part of provisioning that any of you have particularly strong interest or potential skill in?"

You begin hammering out the logistics of supplying the mission. In talking to Torban, you realize there are four trips to be made:

Torban’s Parents farm, to meet a guy about some mules and a cart; (39gp)

A Dry goods and general equipment store to stock the cart. (103.4gp)

Specialty tool vendors, (90gp)

One or more churches for Healing equipment (65 gp)

I’d like to know the general plan, are you splitting up or not, that sort of thing. Any personal shopping?

post is done.

Arista gives a small nod to the group, rolling her shoulders in a casual shrug. “I’ve got my own set of carpenter’s tools, but that’s about all I bring to the table where crafting’s concerned. I can haul and keep an eye on our gear, though.” She glances over at Mathias. “I’ll come with you to meet the ‘guy’ and see the mules—you probably need help handling the cart once we’ve got it. After that, I’ll head to the dry goods store and load up whatever we buy.”

(How do we keep track of the supplies? I suggest one of us adds the stuff we buy to their inventory and organizes it. I don't mind doing that if you all prefer, or if someone wants to offer themselves up I'm more than happy to let them take care of it.)

Asariel heads to one of the local churches to purchase the healing equipment. As a thank you for their assistance, he performs a dance occasionally playing his fiddle (see Lindsey Stirling for logistics on the fiddle combined with dancing) based around one of their key teachings (their choice). Any tips he might receive from the dance (and any discount they might give for it) are given back to the church as a donation.

As the group discusses their preparations, Kaelen speaks up in his usual calm tone. “I’ll check the cart. If it’s going to slow us down or break the first time we hit rough terrain, I’d rather know now.” His pale eyes shift toward the market, already considering where to go next. “I’ll also visit the dry goods store and the tool vendors—best to have what we need before we leave civilization behind.” He pauses briefly, then adds, “I can adapt my skills as needed. After a long rest, I can attune myself to different tools—if we’re short on expertise, I can pick up what’s lacking.” He says it as a simple fact, no pride or embellishment, just another piece of practical knowledge to be used. 

Mathias nods. "How ever many of want to come to inspect the cart is fine by me, my primary interest is the state of the animals that we would be purchasing.  After that, I'm happy to accompany anyone who thinks having an extra pair of hands around is a good thing."

[[ With my absence I want to get you on the road sooner rather than later, so I will speed this up. ]]

Torban’s Parents’s Farm:

You arrive at the farm in the mid afternoon. It’s a well tended farm just outside of the dense parts of the town.

Torban asks you all to wait near the side of the farmhouse, while he goes and gets the cart. He wheels up a cart. It doesn’t look good at first glance mismatched wood of various ages make up the thing. . The cart is old and weathered, or at least some parts of it are. The cargo area and drivers seat, for instance. Upon a close inspection, the functional areas, the moving parts are well maintained, the replaced parts are likely not due to neglect but just frugally replacement of broken or worn parts proactively. This is a solid cart, more like a roofless wagon. Torban says it’s his parents old cart, they replaced it this spring but its looks have turned off buyers for it.   It even has a cloth shade to keep the sun off the cargo. They don’t want a lot, just 5 gold if we can spare it. 

As far as the mules, once your business with the cart finishes, a shady looking young man pulls 4 stubborn uncooperative mules down the lane leading to the farm. Torban introduces Chester, owner of the mules. Mathias you inspect, and speak to the mules. It becomes clear, while largely heathy and well-fed, Chester is trying to sell the mules cheap for behavior problems he is causing by mistreatment and beating the mules. You pressure Chester, and he agrees to sell the lot of mules for 16 gp.

Kaelen is pleasantly surprised by the quality of the cart and mules, gaining a new respect for Torban though he is sure most of it is coincidence.

Mathias assures the mules that they will no longer be mistreated once they are free of this troublesome Chester fellow and continues to have idle conversation with mules after the group departs. 

The mules are pretty talkative for domestic animals once you get away from Chester. They ask about the work you need and think draft work in shifts will be a nice change.  They are concerned with feed quality. All except Gomez. Gomez the mule is kinda really interested in how much rest periods he can get. Jordan, the one who seems in charge, apologizes for Gomez, promising that he will do his work when asked.

Asariel: You smartly check the vibes on the two main churches, and while both have music as part of their services, Melora’s temple looks like the better option, even if they are less likely to trade money for services.

You can get a 25% discount on the anti-toxin and healers kits with a DC 18 Performance Check. Take advantage for a well applied skill.

You are offered a cache of 4 healing potions and 2 antitoxins for no cost if you agree to carry back tales of the state of nature along the trail.

If anyone went straight to the dry goods vendor to start putting together the order instead of getting the mules and cart, feel free to describe a haggling strategy and what social skill you are using to try to earn a discount.  DC 15 for a 10% discount.

Kel leans lazily against the counter, drumming his fingers on the worn wood as he flashes the dry goods vendor his most disarming grin. “Now come on, bach, let’s be reasonable ‘ere. We’re takin’ this lot off your hands in one go—tent stakes, canvas, trail rations, a barrel o’ fresh water, proper rope, ‘cause let’s face it, that rope you tried to sell me earlier wouldn’t hold a nervous cat, let alone a man dangling over a ravine—” He pauses, glancing toward his companion(s) with a knowing look. “An’ you’re tellin’ me that after all that, you still can’t shave a few silvers off the price?”

He sighs theatrically, pushing back from the counter with an air of exaggerated disappointment. “Y’know, I was gonna put in a good word for you back at the tavern—tell folk you were a fair dealer, a friend to weary travelers, a man of principle an’ generosity.” He wags a finger. “But if you’d rather be known as the fella who charged honest folk a small fortune for the privilege of not starvin’ in the wilderness, well… I suppose I can keep me mouth shut.”

Kel flashes another grin, all mischief and easy charm, before slapping a palm against the counter. “So what do you say, friend? Make us a deal worth singin’ about, eh?”

Arista stands off to the side while Mathias negotiates for the mules, letting him do the talking. Once Chester begrudgingly hands over the reins, she steps forward and pats each animal’s neck in turn, murmuring wordless reassurances. Though she doesn’t have the druid’s knack for speaking with them, a gentle touch and an offered handful of feed seems to put the mules more at ease. She lingers long enough to show them none of the group intends to continue Chester’s harsh treatment.

Later, at the general store, Arista keeps busy loading the newly purchased supplies onto the cart. She hoists sacks of grain and crates of goods with practiced efficiency, occasionally glancing up as Kelwin tries to charm a discount from the vendor. Stepping in only when asked, she remains content to let others handle the finer points of haggling while she shoulders the heavier tasks, readying the party’s gear for the road ahead.

If no one cares to input on the specialty vendors, the extra kits and mirrors are PHB prices.

Please mention if anyone wants to visit or search for any other businesses in the burgeoning town.

The attempt to to haggle on the dry goods was successful, the merchant, a ruddy faced dwarf is glad to do business, especially since you are willing to do some of the work yourselves, sparing his son, who while willing, has not yet come into the burly lifting physique so common in dwarves.

The merchant does push back on the more disparaging comments about his merchandise, as he is proud of the wares he selects.

Kaelen will weigh in to inspect the tool kits for quality before they buy.

Perception: 13