CR 5 – Aberration – Capitalist Harbinger
Tier 2 play
**Monster Name:** Capitalist Harbinger
**Size, Type, Alignment:** Medium, Aberration, Chaotic Neutral
**Core Stats:** Armor Class (AC) 15, Hit Points (HP) 85, Speed 30 ft.
**Ability Scores:**
Strength 14 (+2),
Dexterity 16 (+3),
Constitution 14 (+2),
Intelligence 18 (+4),
Wisdom 12 (+1),
Charisma 16 (+3)
**Proficiencies:** Saving Throws: Intelligence +8, Charisma +6; Skills: Persuasion +6, Deception +6, Insight +4
Damage Resistances: Psychic; Damage Immunities: None; Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened
**Senses:** Darkvision 60 ft., Truesight 30 ft., Passive Perception 12
**Languages:** Common, Abyssal
**Challenge Rating (CR):** 5
**Special Abilities:**
– **Market Manipulation:** The Capitalist Harbinger can manipulate the battlefield, creating an area of economic instability. Creatures within a 20 ft. radius must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks until the end of their next turn.
– **Deceptive Bargain:** As an action, the Harbinger can offer a creature a chance to negotiate. If the creature accepts, it must make a DC 16 Intelligence saving throw or become charmed for 1 minute, during which it must obey the Harbinger's commands.
**Actions:**
– **Multiattack:** The Capitalist Harbinger makes two attacks with its Economic Strike.
– **Economic Strike:** Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) psychic damage. On a hit, the target must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or have its next attack roll reduced by 1d4.
– **Market Crash (Recharge 5-6):** The Harbinger creates a shockwave of economic chaos in a 30 ft. radius. Each creature within range must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 27 (6d8) psychic damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one.
**Description:** The Capitalist Harbinger is a manifestation of greed and ambition, often appearing in regions where power and wealth are pursued at any cost. Its form shifts subtly, reflecting the desires and fears of those nearby. Tactically, it uses its abilities to sow discord among its foes, exploiting weaknesses in their resolve. With a charismatic demeanor, it often engages in verbal manipulation before revealing its true nature, making it a foe that not only challenges physical might but also targets the psyche of its opponents.