Tier 2 – The Bargain Hunter’s Challenge

**Tier 2 play**

In the bustling magical city of Eldoria, where the streets shimmer with enchantment and the air is thick with the scent of spiced pastries, a peculiar event is about to unfold. The annual Arcane Bazaar, a grand market where merchants from across the realms gather to showcase their wares, is renowned for its incredible deals and rare artifacts. However, this year, whispers of a shadowy figure known only as "The Bargain Hunter" have begun circulating among the townsfolk. It is said that this elusive individual possesses the ability to manipulate prices and create illusions of value, leaving unsuspecting shoppers with empty pockets and regret.

Your party finds themselves amidst the vibrant stalls, where colorful banners flutter in the gentle breeze and the chatter of excited customers fills the air. As you navigate through the throngs of people, you notice a commotion near one of the larger stalls. A merchant, his face pale and frantic, is shouting about a cursed item that has been sold to an unwitting customer. The item—a seemingly ordinary enchanted mirror—has the power to reveal the true nature of any deal, but it also harbors a dark secret. Those who gaze into it may be drawn into a twisted reflection of their desires, facing their deepest fears and regrets.

Intrigued and sensing an adventure, your party decides to investigate the situation. The merchant explains that the mirror is missing, having been stolen by The Bargain Hunter, who intends to use its power to create chaos at the bazaar. He offers a handsome reward for its return, but warns that the hunter is cunning and has a knack for setting traps.

As your party delves deeper into the mystery, they must navigate a series of challenges, including:

1. **The Illusionary Stall**: A stall filled with fake magical items that deceive the senses. Players must make Wisdom saving throws to see through the illusions or risk wasting their gold on worthless trinkets.

2. **The Enchanted Maze**: A labyrinth created by The Bargain Hunter, where every turn leads to a new challenge. Players must work together to solve riddles and avoid traps that could ensnare them in endless loops.

3. **The Final Confrontation**: The party eventually tracks down The Bargain Hunter in a hidden alcove of the bazaar. Here, they must face him in a battle of wits and skill.

**Boss Enemy: The Bargain Hunter**

– **HP**: 80

– **AC**: 15

– **Attack**: Shadowy Blade (1d8 + 5 slashing damage)

– **Special Ability**: Illusory Bargain – Once per encounter, The Bargain Hunter can create an illusion of a powerful item that distracts and confuses the players. Those who fail a Wisdom saving throw (DC 15) are charmed for one round, believing they must pursue this illusory treasure.

As the party confronts The Bargain Hunter, they must not only defeat him but also uncover the truth behind his motives. Is he merely a thief, or does he have a deeper reason for his actions? Perhaps he seeks to expose the greed that plagues the bazaar or to teach the merchants a lesson about the true value of their goods.

In the end, your players will have the chance to reclaim the enchanted mirror, restore order to the bazaar, and perhaps learn a valuable lesson about the nature of deals and the importance of discernment in a world filled with illusions. Will they be able to outsmart The Bargain Hunter and return home with their pockets full of gold—or will they fall victim to his cunning schemes? The fate of the Arcane Bazaar rests in their hands!