Rueben Gael

Rueben Gael is a captivatingly handsome, beautiful, and somewhat effeminate Harengon man dressed in practical finery. An elaborate cape sweeps behind him, while a feathered minstrel's cap leaves his long ears free to poke through. Fine leather boots, specially made for his digitgrade paws, complete the ensemble. He carries a rapier—the gentleman's weapon—and can play any string instrument, though his lute is his most treasured possession.

Rueben Gael was born in Neverwinter, heir to the noble House Gael and its merchant fleet of ships. His future seemed fixed: inherit the family business, preserve the house's name, and accept the wealth and duties placed before him. Rueben wanted none of it, least of all the shadier dealings conducted behind the fleet's respectable façade. He chose the entertainer's life instead, mastering song, dance, string instruments, and the social arts that came naturally to him.

His family answered with open disapproval and public shame. At last, they gave him an ultimatum: fall in line and become the noble Gael they expected, or be cut off and cast out. Rueben chose exile without hesitation. He left the family name behind as a source of privilege and kept it only as a name he could make his own.

When tales reached him of the white dragon Cryovain and the danger facing Phandalin, Rueben set out for the village with only his lute, rapier and garb in tow. He intends to aid the fight against the cruel creature through courage, performance, and whatever good company can keep frightened people standing. If fame, glory, and prestige follow, he will claim them on his own merits—not as an inheritance from House Gael.

Rueben is flamboyant, theatrical, and boisterous, filling quiet rooms with song, laughter, and sweeping gestures. He strides through life with unrelenting positivity, using music, dance, food, drink, and good company to lift the spirits of anyone within reach. He treats every entrance as a performance and every stranger as a potential friend. When challenged, he answers with a flourish, a raised glass, or a perfectly timed quip before reaching for his lute.