Turpentine Dragons are named for the oil that covers their scales. This oil resembles turpentine in odor and is mildly toxic; it will not kill but it burns to the touch and will cause illness in anyone who ingests it. Turpentine Dragons roam in large packs, often stealing food from larger dragons, though they are able to hunt for themselves if necessary. Many other breeds consider Turpentine Dragons to be pests, so they primarily breed among themselves.

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.

Oil Face is a lonely dragon, one who doesn't seem to converse with anyone and can often be seen sulking in the forest. As is typical for his breed, most dragons tend to stay away from him, and being the only dragon of his breed in the Sanctuary, he has no other dragon to talk to. Oil Face wishes desperately for other dragons of his kind to come to the Sanctuary, but because none seems to, he spends his time sulking around.