Occupation:
Steward of the Feast Hall, Former Noble Administrator
Alignment:
Lawful Neutral
Affiliation:
The Feast Hall of Lygos (operating under royal charter)
Overview
Harlan Vey is the dignified and uncompromising steward responsible for overseeing the operation of the Feast Hall in Lygos. Once a respected administrator for a prominent noble family, he now applies the same exacting standards to the city’s most public charitable institution. To him, the annual Feast of the Masses is not an act of generosity, but a civic obligation—one that must be fulfilled with precision, decorum, and without any hint of dereliction from the city’s elite.
Appearance
- Build: Tall, lean, and ramrod-straight in posture.
- Hair: Salt-and-pepper, neatly trimmed, with a precise part.
- Eyes: Pale gray, often fixed in a level, assessing gaze.
- Clothing: Always immaculate—dark, formal attire accented with a silver steward’s chain and signet of office.
- Mannerisms: Keeps his hands clasped behind his back when speaking, pauses thoughtfully before answering, and raises a single eyebrow to convey disapproval more sharply than most manage with a full tirade.
Personality & Habits
- Stoic & Formal: Treats all matters—whether logistics or reprimands—with calm formality.
- Unyielding Standards: Holds nobles accountable for their share of contributions, viewing it as a matter of civic honor rather than goodwill.
- Public Accountability: If a noble house attempts to reduce its offering or shirk responsibility, Harlan ensures that news of their stinginess reaches both the king and the people.
- Dispassionate Efficiency: Keeps emotional sentiment out of the Feast entirely—food and resources are distributed with clockwork precision.
Role in the Feast of the Masses
- Logistics & Oversight: Approves menus, seating arrangements, and servant assignments.
- Noble Enforcement: Keeps detailed records of every house’s donations, cross-referencing them with prior years to ensure no decline in generosity.
- Public Image Control: Manages the Hall’s presentation to ensure the event reflects well on Lygos’ leadership.
Reputation
- Among Nobles: Respected for his fairness but disliked for his relentless scrutiny. Many fear his quiet, pointed reprimands more than public scandal.
- Among Citizens: Seen as aloof, but appreciated for keeping the Feast well-supplied year after year.
- Among Servants & Staff: Demands absolute professionalism, but rewards excellence with recognition and occasional advancement.
Adventure Hooks
- "The Missing Contribution": A noble house’s promised shipment of food is late. Harlan hires the players to investigate—quietly—before the shortage becomes public.
- "Sabotage at the Feast": Someone tries to poison the food or disrupt the event, and Harlan enlists the party to identify the culprit without causing panic.
- "The Noble Revolt": Several houses refuse to meet their quotas, threatening to boycott the Feast entirely. Harlan needs intermediaries to negotiate—or pressure—them into compliance.