Lanod Neff
Lanod Neff grew up in Diamond Lake with his brother Allustan. The sons of the former Governor-Mayor, the boys, especially Lanod, abused their influence and lorded it over many of the townsfolk. After one such incident, where Lanod was caught with the wife of a mine manager, their parents shipped the boys off to the Free City.
While Allustan was enrolled in the University of Magical Arts, where he flourished, Lanod was placed in a plum assignment as a ranking deputy of the city watch in the Artisan's Quarter. This placement didn't stop or even slow his philandering nature, and he soon made a name for himself as a womanizer. Those nights that he didn't have a woman in tow, he'd head to the Old City and find one for hire. Still, he learned to avoid the troubles that he got into in Diamond Lake and maintain some discretion.
When his father began to think of retirement, he tried bringing both sons back to Diamond Lake to learn that Allustan had gotten himself embroiled with an adventuring group and was not available to return. He worked with the Free City government to make Lanod his successor, though even Lanod suspects that his father would have preferred leaving Allustan in charge.
Lanod had learned a lot about politics in the Free City and when his father finally retired, he was able to keep the mine managers in their place. The return of his brother Allustan, now a powerful mage, cemented his control of the town. He still enjoys the company of women, but has more discretion in his choices for companionship. He frequents the Emporium, coming to an agreement with Zalamandra that any attempt to influence or blackmail him would end poorly for her and her establishment.
Visitation with the governor-mayor is by appointment only, with an audience sometimes taking days to arrange. Neff is Allustan's brother, so if the wizard vouches for them by presenting a letter to that effect or if they are in his company), a meeting can usually be arranged on the day.
Neff himself has little time for strangers, and listens to appeals impatiently. He conflates the good of the people with the good of Lanod Neff with alarming certainty, to the point at which something that does not threaten him directly does not, in his view, threaten the community and is hence unworthy of swift action. He favors delaying tactics and excessive information gathering to direct action. Appeals to his vanity or sense of self-preservation have the best chance of success.
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