Red Dragons are similar to typical story book dragons. They shoot flames, can fly, etc. However, they aren’t evil creatures as depicted in myths and won’t go around raiding castles, killing knights, or kidnapping princesses. They live in a variety of habitats, from forests to coastlines to abandoned castles, usually in warm climates, and eat whatever living creatures they can find.

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.

Hiff is, to all outward appearance, an amiable, affable red dragon.  She keeps Ordinary Weyr entertained on long winter nights by telling stories and blowing elaborate smoke rings. She's a complete pushover where hatchlings are concerned, and she wouldn't seem to have a mean or aggressive bone in her body.  Appearances can be deceptive, though—Hiff never talks about her life before she came to Ordinary Weyr, even to dispel some of the odd and disturbing rumors that are gradually coming to light.