Elmar Barthen is a jolly old fellow that runs the general store of Barthen's Provisons, he is quite cheerful as he runs his store and talking to him reveals a story or two of the town and surrounding areas. He may reveal some secrets on alternative ways to fight enemies and complete quests be it hearing how adventurers used gear in their previous time here at Phandalin. Equiring more about other adventures it is recommended to either use one of the sidekicks that can be used when there is only one player or in harder quests.