Conner Bridgeforth
Lord
Conner Bridgeforth is a cunning political operator who thrives in the noble courts of Verbobonc, cloaking his ambitions beneath a facade of charm and unwavering loyalty. A slimy, clever, and cowardly manipulator, Conner has ingratiated himself into the political circles of Verbobonc, gathering secrets, steering conversations, and subtly advancing the agenda of the Cult of the Elder Elemental God. His skill in rumor-mongering and political sabotage makes him one of the cult’s most valuable assets within the city.
Description & Personality
The Serpent in the Court
- Appearance: A thin, wiry man in his early forties, Conner’s features are soft and unassuming. His dark brown hair is always neatly combed, and his fine clothing, though not ostentatious, is always of excellent quality. His hands are well-manicured, revealing his aristocratic tastes and lack of physical labor.
- Demeanor: Soft-spoken, optimistic, and unrelentingly verbose, Conner speaks as though he savors every word. His tone is often soothing and persuasive, but those who know him well recognize the carefully measured manipulation behind his words.
- Personality:
- Deceptive and calculating, Conner rarely says anything outright but implies much.
- Loyal only to himself, using the cult as a means to power.
- Avoids direct confrontation, always working through intermediaries and pawns.
- Expert in etiquette, easily maneuvering through noble gatherings and courtly functions.
'A noble's ear is a dangerous thing to possess, but an even greater weapon to wield."
History & Background
Rise Through Deception
Conner was born into a minor noble family in Verbobonc, where he quickly realized that power belonged to those who controlled information, not swords. As a young scribe in the Council of Lords, he learned how noble houses operated, how alliances shifted, and—most importantly—how to manipulate those around him.
His ability to steer political gossip into more favorable narratives earned him favors, and soon he transitioned from a mere scribe to a trusted consultant of various lords. His talent for destroying reputations without leaving a trace eventually brought him into contact with Lakash Quallad, a fellow schemer who recognized Conner’s potential and recruited him into the Cult of the Elder Elemental God.
"Power does not belong to those who rule—it belongs to those who advise the ruler."
Motivations & Ambitions
Power in the Shadows
Conner sees loyalty as a commodity to be traded rather than honored. His goal is not to rule but to control those who do. He believes that through manipulation and deception, he can shape the politics of Verbobonc to suit his ambitions. His motivations include:
- Expanding his influence in the Council of Lords to act as an untouchable political broker.
- Steering noble alliances toward pro-Cult policies by shaping their opinions through misinformation and political pressure.
- Maintaining his position as the Cult’s primary agent in Verbobonc without exposing himself.
- Eliminating or discrediting rivals through carefully placed rumors and forged evidence.
- Acquiring wealth through indirect means, such as insider trading, bribery, and leveraging political favors.
"Do not mistake my pleasant words for trust, nor my hospitality for friendship."
Political Relationships & Affiliations
Lakash Quallad – The Mastermind
- Conner’s primary patron and handler within the Cult of the Elder Elemental God.
- The two maintain a business-like partnership, with Lakash using Conner’s influence to further his hidden Temple objectives.
- Conner is aware that Lakash is dangerous, and thus, he takes great pains to keep his own ambitions concealed from his patron.
Lady Nysera Krivaltis – The Baroness of Nulb
- While they do not trust each other, Conner provides Nysera subtle political support in Verbobonc.
- He uses his noble connections to ensure Nysera’s ambitions in Nulb remain unchallenged by the Council.
- In return, Nysera feeds him information on the Cult’s dealings in Nulb.
The Council of Lords of Verbobonc
- Conner whispers in the ears of numerous nobles, ensuring that their fears, ambitions, and insecurities serve his needs.
- He is careful not to appear too influential, always presenting himself as a humble advisor and friend.
- His ability to steer council discussions away from exposing the Cult makes him an invaluable asset.
Sir Torvel Hawke – The Loyal Knight
- Sir Torvel is deeply suspicious of Conner and his ties to Lakash.
- Conner considers Sir Torvel a dangerous obstacle and has been planting false rumors to discredit him in court.
- He intends to frame Sir Torvel for treason at the right moment, removing him as a threat.
Lucius Graeme – The Whisper in the Dark
- Lucius Graeme serves as Conner’s primary contact with the Temple of Elemental Evil, acting as a courier and liaison between Conner and Hedrack , the cult’s high priest.
- Lucius, a cunning master of deception and chaos, delivers orders, intelligence, and resources to Conner, ensuring that political influence in Verbobonc aligns with the Temple’s goals.
- Their relationship is one of careful collaboration—Conner supplies Lucius with noble gossip, merchant disputes, and council rumors, while Lucius ensures Conner remains a well-funded and well-protected operative within the city.
- Under the alias “Aldren,” Lucius meets with Conner discreetly at Jylee’s Inn, exchanging cryptic letters and payments under the guise of casual merchant dealings.
- Lucius provides Conner with fabricated scandals and misinformation, which Conner then weaves into courtly whispers, subtly influencing political decisions in favor of the Temple’s greater schemes.
- Conner, in return, ensures that the Council of Lords never scrutinizes Lucius’ movements or disrupts the Cult’s operations in Nulb and beyond.
- Neither man fully trusts the other—Lucius sees Conner as a useful but expendable puppet, while Conner fears Lucius’ deep ties to the cult’s more violent enforcers.
"The greatest lies are whispered among fine wine and candlelight."
Base of Operations
Jylee's Inn, strategically located near the City Hall and the bustling C1-16 Civic Centre of Verbobonc, stands as a pinnacle of luxury and comfort within the city. Known for its exquisite architecture and superior service, the inn caters to nobility, high-ranking officials, and affluent merchants, making it a notable venue for both relaxation and strategic meetings.
Jylee’s Inn – The Den of Deception
- Conner frequents C3 Jylee’s Inn , a well-regarded establishment in Verbobonc’s upper districts.
- Here, he hosts private dinners for nobles, offering them fine wine, exotic dishes, and carefully tailored conversation.
- Many of Verbobonc’s wealthiest and most influential citizens have, at one point, shared a meal at Conner’s table, unknowingly feeding his web of secrets.
- A hidden chamber within his rented suite contains coded ledgers documenting his blackmail material and cult communications.
- Lucius Graeme often meets Conner at Jylee’s Inn, where they conduct their most sensitive dealings under the guise of business discussions.
Crimes & Scandals
Conner operates in the shadows, ensuring his name never appears in direct relation to any wrongdoing. His major involvements include:
- Framing Drinsal Burke: One of Conner’s agents, Vonden, orchestrated an illusion that cast suspicion on Drinsal Burke, an innocent merchant.
- Blackmailing Noble Houses: He has extensive knowledge of noble indiscretions, ensuring their compliance through subtle threats.
- Sponsoring Bandit Attacks: He secretly funds bandit raids on rival merchant interests, ensuring economic power remains in the hands of Cult-friendly merchants.
- Misinformation Warfare: By controlling court gossip, Conner is able to influence legal decisions, trade agreements, and diplomatic relationships.
Adventure Hooks
"The Blackmail Ledger"
A servant at Jylee’s Inn steals one of Conner’s ledgers and seeks the party’s help in exposing him before he can recover it.
"A Web of Lies"
A noble falsely accused of treason seeks the party’s aid in proving Conner orchestrated the smear campaign against him.
"An Invitation to Treason"
Conner attempts to recruit one of the adventurers into his political network, offering power and wealth—but at what cost?
"Loyalty is a currency, dear friend. And like any currency, it is best spent wisely and never given freely."
Lord Conner Bridgeforth (Human Aristocrat )
Medium Humanoid (Human), Neutral Evil
Armor Class 12 (Fine Clothing)
Hit Points 9 (2d8)
Speed 30 ft.
STR 12 (+1) | DEX 11 (+0) | CON 12 (+1) | INT 15 (+2) | WIS 17 (+3) | CHA 16 (+3)
Saving Throws Wis +5, Cha +5
Skills Arcana +5, Deception +6, Insight +5, Persuasion +6
Senses Passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Infernal, Elven
Abilities
Silver-Tongued Manipulator. Conner has advantage on Deception and Persuasion checks when influencing nobility or discussing politics.
Master of Misinformation. As a bonus action, Bridgeforth can implant a false rumor in a conversation. If he speaks with someone for at least 1 minute, they must succeed on a DC 14 Insight check or believe the rumor for 1d4 days.
Political Survivor. When targeted by social manipulation (bribery, blackmail, intimidation), Bridgeforth can use his reaction to make a DC 14 Persuasion or Deception check to deflect suspicion or redirect blame.
Actions
Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4+1) piercing damage.
Cunning Insult. Conner targets one creature he can see within 30 feet, forcing them to make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on their next attack roll or ability check.
Reactions
Feign Innocence. When an enemy attempts to expose Bridgeforth’s schemes, he can make a Deception check (DC 15) as a reaction. On a success, he convinces onlookers that he is innocent, shifting suspicion elsewhere.
Parry. The noble adds 2 to its AC against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the noble must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.
Possessions
- 4000 sp, Chrysoberyl (110 gp)
- Minor Magic Item (GM’s Choice, likely a ring or amulet)
- Well-tailored noble’s attire with hidden pockets
Comments