The NPC is actually a transformed dragon or a mimic who lures greedy adventurers into the lair to provide the "hoard" with fresh gear (and the dragon with a snack).
A former adventurer who lost his nerve but not his greed. He sneaks into lairs, scribbles a map of the gold piles and exit routes, and then sells them to "braver" souls for 10% of the haul. Sees what the dragon hoards, draws the maps NPC...
An artist who believes a dragon's hoard is the only subject worthy of his talent. He isn't there for the gold; he's there for the composition . Plot Twist Ideas The NPC is actually a transformed dragon or