Black Dragons are warriors. They are strong and capable in battles of force, but also ample magic users, capable of devastating opponents with their spells. Their bright eyes give them excellent night vision, which is why they generally hunt during the night.

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.

Velsig Darkfire is a warrior-mage mercenary who trades her services for treasure, usually aiding one faction of a conflict.  She doesn't care whether her chosen side is right or just—she's just in it for the treasure, and will even change sides if she gets a better offer.  The rarer the treasure, the more highly Velsig prizes it—she'll pass over a dozen sacks filled with gold coins from the current ruling kingdom to pounce on a worn copper coin from the lost city of the Unicorn Mage.

Velsig is charismatic, but unlikable.  She has no friends and cares little about the life and well-being of others, even laughing when watching allies come to harm.  Some have compared her to the malicious trickster Jalgafen, but at least Jalgafen has charm, while Velsig is as subtle and sophisticated as a brick.  In truth, she's only tolerated because her magic has been the deciding factor in several major battles—otherwise, she'd only be hired by the very desperate.