Provisions

“Never leave Angbar without stocking up on provisions.”
-common hill dwarf wisdom

Apples, pears, leg of mutton—these are just some of the provisions that Aventurians pack for long journeys. Good planning is crucial, as climate and other factors cause certain provisions to spoil quickly, and some tasty morsels tend to develop a life of their own…

Suitable provisions, such as dried meat and dried fruit of all kinds, do not spoil quickly. Fishmongers swear by salt pickled fish, which remains edible for many days on the road. Twice baked bread is very resistant to Mishkara’s Pelt (spoilage) and goes well with dried meat or fresh soup. All such provisions take up less space and sate the hunger (if not the palate). They also help reduce the need to hunt or stop at taverns and spend hard earned money on overpriced meals. Many adventurers also pack herbs and spices because they like to cook for themselves and don’t want to live on pickled provisions for weeks on end. Salt, sugar, coriander, honey, and even exotic powders are frequent additions, to put the finishing touches on a roast, a soup, or other dishes.

Besides food, travelers must also consider taking water or wineskins. Without supplies of either, travelers must boil their drinking water, which can lead to additional delays on the road. Some people like to add herbs to the mix, to quench their thirst or to relieve minor ailments.

“My favorite provision comes from my homeland of Weiden. This knackwurst with garlic is simply delicious.”

— Brother Hilbert of Auen, Blessed One of Peraine

“I prefer fresh food when traveling. Mint water and a few nuts and berries suffice for me.”

— Layariel Treetopglint, elven wyldrunner

“Sausage is the most important meal of the day. No provision package is complete without a good, hard cured sausage. Beer is good, too, but water will do in a pinch.”

— Arbosh son of Angrax, forge dwarf master smith

“Dates are important. Oh, and flat bread, too.”

— Mirhiban al’Orhima, Tulamydian fire mage

“Plotzinger dotzen. If you’ve never tried Plotzinger dotzen, you’re missing out. They are just so delicious.”

— Rowena of the Transweal, Bornish cat witch

“When I’m traveling, I eat quite differently from when I am home in Thorwal. I would never start a journey without a good supply of stockfish and a small bottle of Prem Fire.”

— Tjalva Garheltsdottir, Hetja of Prem

“You guys are too picky. I am more than happy with the standard fare: sausage, cheese, bread, maybe some honey, and a few eggs.”

— Geron Bladebreaker, mercenary

“Well, we all have different tastes, after all. But, Layariel? Mint water? Really? That is disgusting.”

— Brother Hilbert of Auen, Blessed One of Peraine