Elmar Barthen

Elmar Barthen was the proprietor of Barthen's Provisions, the largest trading post in Phandalin, in the late 15 century DR.

Description
Elmar was aging and slender with a balding head. He was said to be a kind man.

Relationships
He employed two local lads, Ander and Thistle, and was quite attached to his ox, Vincent.

He had good business relationships with Harbin Wester and the agents of Dagult Neverember rebuilding Leilon, particularly the gnome goatherd Pinchwit Wigglehoof. He had contacts with wealthy merchants in Waterdeep with whom he could connect local sellers for major sales.

History
In 1491 DR, Barthen and others of the village were constantly harassed by the Redbrands, which made local trade more difficult. He was willing to share information with anybody who wished to sort the Redbrands out.

During this time, a dwarf explorer and friend of Elmar named Gundren Rockseeker believed he had located the Wave Echo Cave. Elmar was excited by the potential discovery, and Gundren had hired a new group of adventurers to bring his wagon full of equipment from Neverwinter to Phandalin, specifically to Barthen's store. Gundren let the proprietor know that he would meet him at the store before the adventurers, and that Barthen would agree to handover 10 gp each. However, Gundren never arrived.

By 1496 DR, Barthen had closed his store and moved on from Phandalin.