Grave Dragons are not named for their connections to death or burial, but for the grave expression on their faces. This strange expression is used as a defense mechanism that causes fits of panic and terror in potential predators. Since they only eat ash and charcoal, they do not hunt. Grave Dragons are powerful fire-breathers and have been known to burn down forests and villages alike to make meals. It is believed that the markings on each Grave Dragon’s wings are the faces of those who have lost their lives in fires started by that dragon.

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.

Nobody would describe Branwen as a perfectionist. She bumbles through life, failing almost anything that comes her way, and always takes it with good graces, blaming only herself. Yet when she is alone, Branwen loathes herself, for not being able to work sixteen hour days and for not being able to push herself forward, no matter the obstacles. Every issue she faces she always attributes to a negative side of her personality, and a mantra that runs through her head is that if she was a better dragon, a stronger dragon, she would be able to achieve her goals. Other dragons however, are not put under this harsh viewpoint. If her friend fails a test, they were tired, or too busy, and their situation is entirely excusable, but if it is her then it is just her inner strength and lack of willpower that lets her down. Branwen loathes herself for every minute she wastes, and feels guilty in every second she takes for herself, as if she was a worthwhile person, she would be able to work harder.