Red Dragons are similar to typical story book dragons. They shoot flames, can fly, etc. However, they aren’t evil creatures as depicted in myths and won’t go around raiding castles, killing knights, or kidnapping princesses. They live in a variety of habitats, from forests to coastlines to abandoned castles, usually in warm climates, and eat whatever living creatures they can find.

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.

Irli Brightflame had the potential to become an excellent warrior, but soon found that he had no taste for battle.  Instead, he decided he wanted to become Flowernest Weyr's primary hatchling tender, and so he did.  All of the hatchlings adore Irli, and he rarely has any problems with discipline.  Irli keeps the hatchlings amused by blowing smoke rings and telling them stories, and has remarkable patience with being used as a climbing structure.  Visiting dragons sometimes make fun of him for taking on a job more commonly associated with females and pinks, but always stop very quickly after a glare and a low growl from Irli.