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.

Despite his oily skin that burns most other dragons, Dusker is actually relatively popular. Of his breed, his oily skin secretions are considered more mild, and he does work to mitigate what irritation it does cause. He's discovered that by rolling in clayey sands that line riverbanks, he can neutralize most of the irritating effects of his skin. He's also got charm and charisma going for him; he's friendly, if a little shy at times. He gets along well with other dragons—and for some reason, especially well with larger, typically more aggressive or violent breeds.