Barthen's Provisions
A wooden sign painted with the image of a wagonload of supplies indicates that the building ahead of you is a trading post and general store. While still small, the building is one of the largest stores in Steppehaven, standing at only a single story tall but with high ceilings.
A bell chimes as you swing the door of the building and enter a surprisingly cramped interior. Every corner of the store is occupied with goods, and supplies are stacked all the way to the ceiling. A barrel holds an assortment of farming tools like rakes, pitchforks, hoes and shovels, while construction tools like hammers, nails, and handsaws line one of the shelves, next to boxes of tallow candles and an assortment of lanterns. Stacks of shirts and pants are neatly folded alongside blankets and bedrolls and rolls of rope. Behind the shop counter, a sliding ladder offers access to rows of stacked crates in the upper rafters.
At the sound of the bell, the head of a nearsighted human man pop's up. Taking you into focus he shouts "Welcome to Barthen's provisions! I'm sure we've got whatever you need- give me just a moment and I'll be right with you!"
Purpose / Function
Barthen's is the biggest trading post in Steppehaven. It's shelves stock most ordinary goods and supplies, including backpacks, bedrolls, rope, and rations. It is open from sunup to sundown, and is locked overnight. Barthen's does not stock weapons or armor, but characters can purchase other adventuring gear here, with the exception of items with a value of more than 25gp.
Alterations
Barthen's has grown slightly from its original construction. While not able to enlarge it's footprint, the building was forced to expand slightly upward to hold more supplies in stock. It now stores the recently delivered merchandise in the upper rafters, up a short ladder, until it is time to be put out on the floor for sale. With the downturn of trade, Barthen is currently overstocked on many of his supplies.
Architecture
Barthen's is a rectangular building with wooden walls and ceilings around a single large storeroom. A shop clerk's counter sits at the back of the store, while rows of shelves, crates, and barrels occupy the floorspace, filled with the various goods Barthen stocks. At the back of the store, a ladder leads up to the attic crawlspace where more crates of supplies are stored. A pair of large display windows at the front offer visitors a glimpse into the store and advertise its stock.
Defenses
Barthen's has no real security to speak of other than the locks on its doors. Its display windows are large and could be easily shattered to break in, and even the doors themselves are not particularly strong and could likely be kicked off their hinges. Barthen relies upon the general security of the town for his store's defense.
History
Barthen's provisions has been a staple of the Steppehaven community for decades, and is the default general store for the citizens of the town. Elmar purchased the business from its previous owners shortly before their death, and has run it since then.
Tourism
As the primary store through which the town receives supplies from the outside world, Barthen's receives a fair amount of daily patronage. This is typically limited to local townsfolk coming in to buy the necessities of life, such as farmers looking for new tools, local tanners or blacksmiths buying raw materials they can't get from the town itself, and the occasional wandering merchant or traveler in search of provisions.
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