Underground Auction

The Underground Auction takes place around twice a year in a new location each time. This year it will be held in the Theatre and Opera House in Ilia.
The auction is a honeypot for the mafia, thieves guild associates, appraisers with a keen eye for valuable artefacts, independent dealers and buyers, information brokers, pirates, antique collectors, treasure hunters and shadow bidders hired by important nobles and families who want to keep their reputations clean. There are also procurement specialists and investors rumoured to be bidding on behalf of the Guild Bank, and faux-buyers from the Merchant's Guild, placing bids and then dropping out with the sole purpose of keeping auction prices high to ensure the black market doesn't undercut legitimate businesses which could force the guild to lower market prices.
The auction is hosted by a charismatic and enigmatic figure called the Master of Shadows, who wears a mask and orchestrates the event with flair. Some participants also opt for wearing a mask to conceal their identity and keep their clandestine activities a secret.
During the first two days of the auction, the merchandise is brought out on display and appraisers, independent or otherwise can value the wears and validate their authenticity. Bidding takes place on the third day.
Category:Crime