Elgath ' s Provisions Elgath ' s Provisions was a shop located in the city of Archenbridge in Archendale in the Dalelands . It sold overland travelling supplies and was found on Urserpent Street , in the eastern part of the city . History . Elgath ' s Provisions was founded in the late 1340s DR . It was originally aimed at equipping miners , but later expanded to provide for merchant s and adventurer s , who form the majority of its customers by 1370 DR . Famed traveler Volothamp Geddarm once visited the store , and wrote of it in " Volo ' s Guide to the Dalelands " . Description . The store had an unimpressive entry , forcing shoppers to make their way through a long and narrow aisle of shelved foodstuffs before they could reach the more spacious and well - stocked backroom . Despite that , it was kept very clean and highly organized . The place was well - lit by hanging lamps and skylights . A pair of discreet signs warned any potential thieves that the skylights are guarded . Services . Elgath ' s Provisions sold all kinds of supplies and gear for overland travel , from such basics as map s , pack s , rations , rope , sledge s , tent s , to large items like carts , river skiffs that were kept hanging from the rafters , whole suits of armor and barding for mounts , and a full - size ninerunner sleigh for merchants . The rations tended to be bland , but freely admitted to be cooked to last long , not to taste great . Fortunately , the store also sold a number of hot sauces and salty fish - spice paste s to add flavor . Much of the food was stored in the store ' s specialty : bottles plugged with corks and packed into wooden frames filled with clay to make them almost unbreakable . The staff could quickly find any item that a customer wanted and they had in stock . If they did not , then Elgath boasted that he could locate one for sale within a day for no charge . For example , Volo tested the service by requesting a Thayan web - of - bells dancer ' s costume — by the next meal that day , Elgath had found a Sembian collector willing to part with a spare . He even offered to have a fast rider collect it , but Volo declined . For its extensive range of stock and great organization , Volo named Elgath ' s Provisions as probably the best small outfitter ' s shop in Faerûn . The staff were also known for efficiency and speedy service . However , it was expensive for it , with goods costing some 10 % more than normal . Activities . The store was kept scrupulously clean , with constant dusting . Young children were hired to run up and down a cart - and - ladder with mops and cloths to keep the shelves clean . Legends . Traveler ' s tales and Arkhenfolk told of people who , while pursued by their enemies or Archendale ' s Ridesmen , ran through the front door of Elgath ' s Provisions , purchased a disguise or weapon or whatever they needed at a trot , and then escaped out the back door with the goods ready , all without even slowing . If as true as was claimed , it attested to the staff ' s speed and efficiency . But the store was most notable for being haunted by its unusual resident , a wizard named Thendarion who was trapped in the form of a boot , lantern , knife , coil of rope or other things . It was unknown how he first came to Elgath ' s Provisions , but thereafter he lurked amongst the merchandise waiting to be bought and go on adventures . Thendarion always returned to the store , or was returned by annoyed customers — Elgath always gave a full refund . Though he did not like to speak of the matter , Elgath sought out mages to undo the curse and rid himself of Thendarion , but each effort did nothing but cost him .