Johannes specially trained Warhorse is called Silverfoot.
Before I introduce them in the game thread, the rest of you are welcome to name your mounts in this thread!
Maybe it will help move things along if I give a list of ‘to do’ and ‘plot element’ stuff?
Off the top of my head, we have:
-
why does John Smith ‘recognise’ Dorric, but Dorric has never met John? (plot element)
-
Dale needs to load his Clerical spells (vital)
-
Plixican can choose his preferred animal friend(s) (useful)
-
the party are to travel to Freeport and deliver soap samples to Elros (plot element)
-
on the way Plixican can gather flavourings (useful)
-
the party can think of names for soap (for both male and female customers) (optional)
-
the party can think of names for their mounts (optional)
Ah, I prefer the wild dog. Sorry, I was under the impression I’d have to wait and see what animals we met 
What’s my horse look like?
Thank you and yes, plot summaries are helpful.
No worries - I’m just trying to simplify things a bit!
It’s a large chestnut Rouncey.
Hit points 12; +15% defence (i.e. roughly like leather armour); does not fight itself. As you don’t have riding skills, you’ll need to dismount to fight.
This is helpful stuff and will be used in the game thread. 
Plixocan’s pony is named Fourfoot. When he gets a wild dog with my spell, he plans to name it Spot, regardless of whether the wild dog actually has any spots. He can occasionally be found giggling to himself over this fine joke.
Gaerfindel. That is to say, (as far as I’m able to determine), Red Hair. Get it?
Dale will prepare an extra Cure Light Wounds with his new spell slot.
Quentin makes an Animal Lore skill roll.
He is 55% to succeed,
He needs 1-11 on a d20, and rolls an 8 = success.
Plixican casts Animal Friendship on a Wild Dog (which may be able to resist the spell.)
He is 85% to succeed,
He needs 1-17 on a d20, and rolls an 16 = success.
Plixican, you choose three words of command for your dog e.g.:
- heel (dog follows you)
- attack (dog attacks anyone you point at)
- guard (dog guards anyone you point at)
- track (dog tries to follow tracks N.B. It’s not a breed that is much good at this)
- flee (dog hides until called again)
You may like to name your dog too!
Ooops - of course the dog is called Spot!
I hadn’t realised until I typed it that the farewell is reminiscent of Gandalf telling Bilbo and the Dwarves that he can’t come with them into Mirkwood - honestly, that wasn’t planned!
Heel, Attack and Guard, please.
During fights, my general strategy will be to have Spot guard the spellcasters, rather than have him jump into fights first up.
Command words noted, thank you.
Plixican knows from the Arena combats that Spot is a useful bodyguard / blocker, not a front-rank Fighter.
A blow that would slay Spot would be dismissed by Quentin as ‘just a scratch*!’
*Quite a big scratch - but you see what I mean. 
Plixican also knows that once he goes up a couple of levels he can ‘trade in’ Spot for a bigger Animal Friend, if desired.
Dorric prefers not to get too attached to his work animals. He will call his horse, “Horse” until a proper name presents itself.
Gentlemen,
I’m travelling today, but will post as soon as practical.
Now you’re heading into the Wilderness, so would you like to check your Skills and tell me:
- any precautions you’ll take on the road
- anything you’ll quickly do if you see something up ahead
As scout I’ll be moving silently and hiding a lot (as possible with a horse.) At any rate I should be at the front of the party so that I can quickly scope out locations when necessary. Warning the party of any dangers, looking for traps and then getting out of the way so that the real fighters can get down to the business of protecting the group is going to be my priority. If we meet people who don’t seem to be an immediate threat I am happy to act as the groups spokesperson.