Crimson Flare Pygmies are named after their small size and speed. They are fast and love to fly up and down in steep climbs and dives, giving the impression of a flare of color in the sky. These dragons travel in swarms during migration seasons and are very social. They live in tropical locations or wherever it is warm, and they are often seen near active volcanoes.

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.

Pygmy dragons are the smallest category of dragons, being on the same scale as domesticated animals. They are often found around concentrated populations of dragons, relying on their larger brethren to ward away potential predators and leave scraps. As such, the majority of a pygmy’s diet is scavenged. Due to their tiny size, pygmies do not breed with larger varieties of dragons.

When he was but an egg, Girandola was stolen away by one of the Caliph's alchemists, who hoped that studying the small dragon might inspire new explosives and decorative pyrotechnic devices. As Gira grew, though, it became increasingly clear that his small size did not make him a meek pet. Eventually, he had to be moved from the lab and into the palace's menagerie, where he was chained in an enclosure for all the Caliph's important guests to see. Gira would see flocks of his fellow dragons fly by above sometimes, and sigh sadly...until one day he became determined to escape. So it was that, late one night while the alchemist entertained a feast's guests with different-colored fires, this small dragon finally worked himself loose from his chains and rocketed up into the sky on his hitherto untested wings. The guests thought this was part of the show and clapped, and the Caliph and his alchemist did not dare correct them and show their shame. Now, Gira searches for his family.