Seasonal Dragons take on the characteristics of the season during which they are born. Thus, eggs that are laid in spring match the pink flowers and green buds of spring, and those that are laid in the summer grow to depict the bright green of the forest trees and the yellow of the sun. Eggs laid in autumn display the bright colors of leaves falling from trees, and those that are laid during winter take on the appearance of the icy snow.

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.

The Curse of the Herbst is a sorrowful winter dragon, one of many on her owner's scroll to be cursed with an inbred status. This inbreeding was caused by a certain dragon named Herbst Tawarwaith in her lineage. She's constantly unpopular among her fellow dragons, looked down upon by the pretty lineaged dragons, and the boasting caveborns. She does not, whoever, blame Herbst for her suffering. Recently, she has found refuge in a clan for inbreds, named the Sufferers of Herbst, where she can be herself, and be free. She has even mothered a son, and taught him the importance of pride in who he is, not who everyone else wants him to be.