To get health and battle items easily, go around and collect more people to put on the train. Then go on the train and make them join your party. Use them to make things such as Cheese, Roasted Chicken and Improved Bombs. To swindle some free items, get Polly and/or Ferdinand to accompany you on your journey. When you are on the train, add them to your party. Press Triangle and go to character. Go to them and use their ability to gain free items. Parn is also a good character to get. Put him in your party, and if your better character dies, use his special ability to leave a dungeon for free.