CR 8 – Type – Dragon – Verdant Wyrm
**Tier 2 play**
**Monster Name:** Verdant Wyrm
**Size, Type, Alignment:** Large Dragon, Neutral Evil
**Core Stats:** Armor Class (AC): 15, Hit Points (HP): 150, Speed: 40 ft., Fly 60 ft.
**Ability Scores:**
Strength 18 (+4),
Dexterity 15 (+2),
Constitution 17 (+3),
Intelligence 12 (+1),
Wisdom 14 (+2),
Charisma 16 (+3)
**Proficiencies:** Saving Throws: Dex +6, Con +7, Wis +6; Skills: Perception +6, Stealth +6
Damage Resistances: Cold, Fire; Damage Immunities: Poison; Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened
**Senses:** Darkvision 60 ft., Tremorsense 60 ft., Passive Perception 16
**Languages:** Draconic, Elvish
**Challenge Rating (CR):** 8
**Special Abilities:**
– **Ensnaring Breath:** Once per short rest, the Verdant Wyrm can exhale a cloud of enchanting spores in a 30-ft. cone. Creatures must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed for 1 minute, allowing the wyrm to communicate telepathically with them.
– **Camouflage:** The wyrm can blend into natural surroundings, granting it advantage on Stealth checks made in forested areas.
**Actions:**
– **Multiattack:** The Verdant Wyrm makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.
– **Bite:** +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage.
– **Claws:** +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d4 + 4) slashing damage.
– **Spore Burst (Recharge 5-6):** The wyrm releases a burst of spores in a 15-ft. radius. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 36 (8d8) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
**Description:** The Verdant Wyrm is a cunning and deceptive dragon that dwells in lush forests and jungles, using its enchanting abilities to draw adventurers into a trap. With emerald scales that blend seamlessly into its surroundings, it often ambushes intruders. Its spores are said to derive from ancient magical flora, infusing the wyrm with powers that charm and confuse. Tactically, it prefers hit-and-run engagements, luring the unsuspecting into its territory before striking with lethal precision, all while maintaining the facade of nature’s beauty.