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.

Avari is often outcast by her fellows, her cowardly and somewhat selfish nature giving way to her popular nickname, "Avari the Yellow-Bellied." She has become notorious for her past scandals, including stealing her meals from hatchlings, running away during battle, and pilfering the cave, wallowing in self-pity and begging for mercy once she has been apprehended. Avari's only saving grace is that, while her nature is self-serving and rather pathetic, she isn't very good at thieving or sneaking about so at the very least she is always made responsible for her actions.