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 a good business relationship with Phandalin's Townmaster, Harbin Wester, and helped Harbin and his half-brother, Tibor Wester, to circumvent Neverwinter taxes by transporting supplies to the latter's logging business. Elmar also worked with agents of Dagult Neverember as they rebuilt Leilon, particularly the gnome goatherd Pinchwit Wigglehoof. His contacts with wealthy merchants in Waterdeep allowed him to broker major sales for local sellers from Phandalin and Leilon.

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.