CR 8 – Dragon – Market Wyrm

**Tier 2 play**

**Monster Name**: Market Wyrm

**Size, Type, Alignment**: Large Dragon, Chaotic Neutral

**Core Stats**: Armor Class (AC) 15, Hit Points (HP) 150, Speed 40 ft., fly 60 ft.

**Ability Scores**:

Strength 20 (+5),

Dexterity 14 (+2),

Constitution 18 (+4),

Intelligence 12 (+1),

Wisdom 16 (+3),

Charisma 18 (+4)

**Proficiencies**: Saving Throws: Dex +6, Con +8, Wis +7; Skills: Persuasion +8, Insight +7

Damage Resistances: Fire, Psychic; Damage Immunities: Poison; Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened

**Senses**: Darkvision 60 ft., Blindsight 10 ft., Passive Perception 17

**Languages**: Common, Draconic

**Challenge Rating (CR)**: 8

**Special Abilities**:

– **Market Manipulation**: Once per day, the Market Wyrm can create an illusory treasure hoard that distracts foes within a 30-foot radius. Affected creatures must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become charmed for 1 minute, seeing the illusory treasure as real.

– **Inflation Breath (Recharge 5-6)**: The Market Wyrm exhales a 30-foot cone of shimmering gold dust. Each creature in the area must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 36 (8d8) radiant damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Creatures that fail the save are blinded until the end of their next turn.

**Actions**:

– **Multiattack**: The Market Wyrm makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

– **Bite**: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 22 (3d10 + 5) piercing damage.

– **Claws**: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage.

– **Gold Rush (Recharge 4-6)**: The Market Wyrm can create a burst of golden coins in a 20-foot radius centered on itself. Each creature in that area must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw, taking 22 (4d10) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one. Additionally, affected creatures must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.

**Description**: The Market Wyrm is a cunning and chaotic dragon that thrives in the shifting tides of wealth and power. With scales that shimmer like gold and eyes that gleam with mischief, it delights in manipulating both treasure and traders. Found in the ruins of ancient marketplaces or atop piles of ill-gotten gains, the Market Wyrm uses its charm and illusions to confuse and control its foes, often leading them into traps of greed and desire. Its demeanor is playful yet dangerous, making it a formidable opponent for those who dare to challenge its reign over wealth.