Barthen's Provision

From the Book ...



Barthen's is the biggest trading post in Phandalin. Its shelves stock most ordinary goods and supplies, including backpacks, bedrolls, rope, and rations.

The place is open from sunup to sundown. Barthen's does not stock weapons or armor, but characters can purchase other adventuring gear here, with the exception of items that cost more than 25 gp.

Characters in need of weapons or armor are directed to the Lionshield Coster.

The proprietor is Elmar Barthen a lean and balding human male shopkeeper of fifty years with a kindly manner. He employs a couple of young clerks (Ander and Thistle) who help load and unload wagons, and who wait on customers when Barthen isn't around. Delivering the Supplies.

If the characters began play with the "Meet Me in Phandalin" adventure hook, their orders are to deliver the wagon of supplies to Barthen's. Barthen pays the agreed amount (10 gp to each character) and takes possession of the wagon and its supplies.

If the characters tell him of Gundren Rockseeker's capture, Barthen is saddened by the news and encourages the party to find and rescue the dwarf. He considers Gundren Rockseeker a friend and was excited by talk of discovering the lost mine of The Phandelver's Pact in the nearby hills.

If the party hasn't learned details of the mine from Sildar Hallwinter a character who succeeds on a DC 15 Intelligence (History) check can relate the information from the first two paragraphs of the "Background" section at the start of the adventure.

Barthen also mentions that two more Rockseeker brothers, Nundro Rockseeker and Tharden Rockseeker, are camped somewhere outside town.

Barthen hasn't seen them in a tenday and expects the brothers to return "any day now" to resupply. What Barthen doesn't know is that Tharden is dead and Nundro is a prisoner in the mine. See part 4, the "Wave Echo Cave" section, for more information.

Barthen's News If the characters ask Barthen how business is going, the shopkeeper tells them that The Redbrands are making it hard on everyone, shaking down local businesses and flouting the townmaster's authority.
If the characters seem of a mind to do something about it, he tells them that the Redbrands frequent The Sleeping Giant tap house.

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Description Outside (no picture)
North of the Stonehill Inn, at the start of the Triboar trail, you find a small wooden building with the words 'Barthen's Provision' carved above the door. The front of the shop has one large window and one door. The window is kept clean and you can see that this seems to be a tidy concern.

Description Inside (picture only)
You open the door and you hear the sound of a tinkling bell you pushed as you came in. Inside, it smells mainly of wood, leather, and wax - quite an earthy but pleasant smell. Mos goods are propped up along long shelves along the wall, and there is a simple, homemade table also laden with goods in the middle. The shut door behind the counter must go to the storeroom at the back of the shop, you presume. There are no clients in the shop at the moment.

Owner and Assistants

Elmar Barthen - Elmar and his young clarks are under there.

The shopowner is arranging a few things on the shelves as you come in at the back of the shop. Two young employees are helping him to unload large card boxes full of ropes of different lengths. You deem that the older man is in his 50s. He is bald, not much fat on him. He wears a pepper and salt mustache and a small short beard. First, he does not see you enter as he concentrates on his task.
Finally, he turns round:
'Ander, Thistle, you finish up the display and make sure the shorter ropes at the front. Good lads.' Hi! My name is Elmar, Elmar Barthen. What can I do for you? Are you looking for something in particular? We might have it!'