Tri-Horn Wyverns are a mountainous species, living in high altitude areas among rocks and snow. The rough and rugged climate has bred a tough and hardened species, prepared to do battle with both the elements and other creatures. Their most distinctive feature is the three-horned crest mounted upon their head, for which they were named; these toughened spikes are powerful weapons, used to battle against predators, prey and fellow Tri-Horn Wyverns. Both males and females of this species fight for territory and resources, and wear scars with pride. However, Tri-Horn wyverns have a soft side beneath their many spikes. They work in loyal packs, of which they are deeply protective; if one can gain their trust, Tri-Horn wyverns can be powerful allies through the mountains.

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.

Tourmaline of the Gems was discovered as an egg by the human girl named Flight while the girl was playing with the Neotropical dragon named Vopentr, another dragon she'd raised. Flight brought the egg back to her home, a cave on the shore of the Lake of Elgar which is hidden within the Mountains of Elgar. Having already raised one Tri-horn Wyvern, Flight knew what to expect with Tourmaline of the Gems, and she wasn't disappointed. From the moment that the young dragon hatched, Tourmaline was vicious, both to her fellow littermates and to Flight. Her violent nature was considered an irritation to the older dragons Flight had raised, all of whom believed that Flight was in danger while with the Tri-horn. Despite their worries, however, Flight continued to raise both Tourmaline and her other littermates. When Tourmaline of the Gems grew up she fell in love with the previous Tri-horn raised by Flight: Andalusite of the Gems.