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.

Justinian is a dragon who is very skilled in magic. He has a talent for it that he inherited from his parents. However, he is also convinced that he could be more powerful, if only his parents would teach him the secret arts they know. He does not believe that he is not ready for the more powerful magic like his parents tell him. He thinks they merely want to keep the magic for themselves. Therefore, he will go and learn the mysteries on his own and become the most powerful dragon he can. Then, he will show his parents that he was right all along.