Tier 2 – The Dark Auction of Eldoria (1)

**Tier 2 play**

In the high magic realm of Eldoria, where the skies shimmer with the hues of magic and the air is thick with the scent of adventure, a peculiar disturbance has rippled through the fabric of reality. Whispers of a dark auction house, hidden deep within the Infernal Bazaar, have reached the ears of the party. Here, souls—currency of the damned—are traded for power, secrets, and forbidden artifacts.

The party finds themselves in the bustling streets of Eldoria, where vibrant stalls overflow with enchanted items and exotic wares. However, a sense of foreboding hangs in the air as rumors of a powerful soul collector, known as Malakar the Soulbinder, circulate among the merchants. Malakar is said to possess a soul of immense power, one that could tip the balance of the ongoing war between the realms of light and darkness.

**Adventure Hook:**

The party is approached by a desperate figure, a former merchant named Elara, who has lost her sister to Malakar’s sinister dealings. She pleads for their help to infiltrate the auction house and retrieve her sister’s soul before it is sold to the highest bidder. Elara offers the party a magical map that reveals the hidden entrance to the auction house, located in the heart of the Infernal Bazaar.

**Setting the Scene:**

As the party navigates through the bazaar, they are met with a cacophony of sounds: the clinking of coins, the haggling of merchants, and the distant laughter of fiends. The air is thick with the aroma of spiced meats and the sweetness of enchanted fruits. Colorful banners flutter overhead, but the shadows seem to whisper secrets of despair and greed.

**Infiltration:**

To enter the auction house, the party must first gather information from the locals. They can choose to engage in social interactions, perhaps winning over a few informants with charm or intimidation. Alternatively, they might opt for stealth, sneaking through the back alleys to avoid the watchful eyes of Malakar’s guards.

Once inside, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The auction house is dimly lit, with flickering candles casting eerie shadows on the walls. A grand stage sits at the center, where souls are displayed in glass orbs, each one pulsating with a faint, ethereal glow. The air is thick with tension as bidders, both mortal and infernal, await the next item on the block.

**The Confrontation:**

As the party navigates the auction, they must confront Malakar the Soulbinder, a tall figure draped in dark robes, with eyes that glimmer like dying stars. He is flanked by two shadowy enforcers, ready to defend their master.

**Malakar the Soulbinder**

– **HP:** 80

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Soul Drain (Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d10 necrotic damage, and Malakar regains hit points equal to half the damage dealt.)

– **Special Ability:** Soul Auction (Once per encounter, Malakar can summon a spectral auctioneer to distract the party, imposing disadvantage on their next attack roll.)

**Resolution:**

The party must defeat Malakar and his enforcers to rescue Elara’s sister’s soul. They can choose to negotiate with Malakar, perhaps offering him something of value in exchange for the soul, or they can engage in a fierce battle.

Once they retrieve the soul, they must escape the auction house before the other bidders realize what has transpired. The adventure culminates in a thrilling chase through the bazaar, where the party can utilize their skills to evade capture and return Elara’s sister to safety.

**Conclusion:**

Upon their return, Elara rewards the party with a magical item of their choice from her collection, a token of gratitude for their bravery. The experience not only solidifies their reputation as heroes in Eldoria but also leaves them with lingering questions about the nature of souls and the dark forces that seek to exploit them.

Will they continue to delve into the mysteries of the Infernal Bazaar, or will they seek new adventures in the realms beyond? The choice is theirs, as the world of Eldoria awaits their next move.