Once you've chosen your elite fighting force, it's time to equip them properly. You can trade items between two units, or if you have the Transporter, you can give, take, or sell items to him. If you have status-altering items (such as a Heaven Seal or Goddess Icon), you can use them during this stage as well.

Be sure to bring along everything you need. Plan carefully to make sure you are carrying the right supplies. A strong weapon does no good in the hands of a unit you did not choose for battle. Likewise, you may not have time to reach a Vendor or get within range of a healer if you are in trouble, so give all of your characters a means for healing themselves.