Shallow Water Dragons are found in tropical regions where the water is warm. They use their magic to hunt, using bubbles to capture small fish and animals. Their large, webbed feet make them excellent swimmers and they are able to move at very high speeds. Due to their bright color, these dragons are easily spotted in the lagoons where they live.

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.

Phirn is a dragon well known for her superstitions. She has made it her mission to get all the Shallow Water Dragons in Valkemare to splash in unison. If they do, according to her, an unknowable but wonderful blessing will be bestowed upon them. However, this goal has proven to be problematic. Where Phirn is from, the sight of a Shallow Water is a novelty. In fact, there are no other recorded instances of her species anywhere else for miles around. Phirn is well aware of this, and it doesn't seem to bother her. "I shall have to splash twice as hard, then," she declares, "to pull their weight!"

For over four years, Phirn had been splashing about in her little creek in the woods, and had seemingly accomplished nothing. However, one chilly November evening, a maniacal, screeching laughter was heard in the depths of the forest. No one has seen Phirn since.