Turpentine Dragons are named for the oil that covers their scales. This oil resembles turpentine in odor and is mildly toxic; it will not kill but it burns to the touch and will cause illness in anyone who ingests it. Turpentine Dragons roam in large packs, often stealing food from larger dragons, though they are able to hunt for themselves if necessary. Many other breeds consider Turpentine Dragons to be pests, so they primarily breed among themselves.

Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling’s wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.

Varion is the leader of the small Malainyar family. He is a capable leader and is great at finding excellent targets for his family to scavenge from. Scavenge, not steal. Varion would never approve of his family taking what is not theirs. But the larger dragons hardly need the scraps of food left after they are finished eating and Varion's family can't survive without it. Of course, the other dragons seem to consider it stealing, since they are quick to chase Varion and his family away.