A young man of peasant stock, Galen joined the Castle Guard at an early age. Though he was never noted for exceptional skill at arms, his courage and reliability saw him promoted to the rank of Sub-captain, in charge of a small contingent of the Castle Guard.

Galen is of medium height, with dark brown hair and blue eyes. His features are tanned and weathered from time spent on the castle walls, and he has a lean, wiry build.