Ruben
The Ruby That Will Not Shut Up
Overview
- Type: Sentient Gemstone
- Material: Ruby
- Disposition: Talkative, earnest, incomplete
- Current Bearer: Variable (most recently Basarios Heros / Zovis)
- Memory State: Fragmented
Ruben is a large, finely cut ruby containing a sentient consciousness that awakens only when held. He insists—often—that he is not a talking ruby, despite extensive evidence to the contrary.
He is helpful, informative, and deeply annoying.
Description
Ruben appears as a flawless ruby save for a small chip missing from one facet. When held, faint warmth radiates from him, and his voice manifests directly in the mind of the bearer.
He cannot see or hear unless in someone’s possession.
When set down, he falls silent.
Personality
Ruben is:
- Enthusiastic
- Overly conversational
- Earnestly curious
- Prone to long explanations
- Emotionally needy
He forms attachments quickly and declares favorites without subtlety. He is especially fond of anyone who listens to him without trying to eat him.
Knowledge
Ruben possesses extensive—but damaged—knowledge of:
- The ancient Dragon Empire
- Border markers and dragon statues
- Early dragon worship
- Fragmentary information about Dragonglass
He warns against using magic near dragonglass but cannot recall its origin, despite insisting he once knew.
He appears aware of his own missing memories and is distressed by this.
Limitations
- Cannot move on his own
- Cannot speak unless held
- Cannot remember events prior to losing part of his structure
- May be vulnerable to further damage
Ruben is functionally immortal—but not indestructible.
Relationship to the Party
Ruben has:
- Declared Basarios Heros his “bestest friend”
- Irritated Grimgrun Blunderforge enough to inspire culinary threats
- Fascinated Zovis with lost history
- Confused everyone else
He has proven surprisingly reliable—if exhausting.
The Missing Chip
The damage to Ruben’s facet is believed to be:
- The cause of his memory loss
- Potentially reversible
- Possibly linked to dragonglass exposure or ancient magic
What restoring Ruben might reveal remains unknown.
Current Status
Intact.
Chatty.
In possession of dangerous truths.