Galen Hayles

##### Personality

Galen Hayles is an atypical Tier 1 player. He does not care to compete for status but rather is focused on living in the moment. Well known for his jovial and gentle-hearted playful nature, he thrives on bringing laughter and joy to those around him.

Beneath his facade as a "professional prankster," Galen possesses a keen intellect and insightful nature befitting any Tier 1 player who grew up alongside a bloodline's ruling family. He deliberately downplays those talents though in order to be underestimated by others, but behind the scenes, he is a master of strategy and cunning. Galen's ability to see through situations and navigate complexities allows him to often outmaneuver his opponents, surprising them and leaving them in wondering how the subsequent events were a coincidence . . . when they are not too busy with laughing.

##### History

Galen is a childhood friend of both Lord Claudius Vek and Asher Niesh.

Growing up alongside the ruling family of a prestigious Tier 1 bloodline, Galen Hayles was the mischievous soul who brought laughter and good nature groans of amusement to the grand halls of his ancestral home. Everyone seem confidence that the Game would force Galen to outgrow his playful ways as he got older and this was a phase. Then, they thought he would outgrow it once he began attending school.

Galen remained true to his gentle-hearted nature. Rather than following the norms of Terroville Institute, he opted to forge his own path and even found others who were like him. He quickly became renowned as the school's practical jokester, leaving a trail of legendary pranks that are still talked about decades later. (It also helped that he and his could retreat to his "adopted" older brother, Lord Claudius Vek's conso when things got too rough with the school politics.)

One infamous prank involved Galen's mischievous manipulation of the alchemy class that he was repeating for the second time. While the students were brewing the assigned lion-voice potion, Galen opted brewed over a dozen other animal-voice potions, deliberately omitting assigned potion. With his wit and persuasion, he managed to convince an entire class of first-year students to drink the different concoctions, creating a chorus of unexpected and amusing animal sounds. It was just one of many pranks that showcased Galen's penchant for bringing joy and laughter to those around him.

Upon graduation, his aunt held hopes that the weight of serious responsibilities would help him focus on more pressing matters. However, Galen continued to excel in his duties while finding ample time to unleash his humorous antics, ensuring that laughter remained a constant presence.

Despite his playful nature, Galen's talents, intellect, and wisdom did not go unnoticed. He achieved the distinction of being named the heir presumptive for his bloodline, an honor bestowed upon him by his aunt Lady Hayles. However, even in that moment of recognition, Galen was not exempt from a touch of mischief. He now carries the distinction of being "promoted" and "corrected" in the same breath.

He briefly worked for a time in the Ministry of Magic, which is where the students first encountered him. His habit of covering for the academy students and helping them figure ways out of the tight spots earned him the name "Mr. Sneak Sneak". It is a nickname he looks upon fondly.

Affiliation: Hayles Bloodline