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.

Since Winterfrosting was a tiny hatchling, her observing human (for some reason) thought she would make a good tax collector. Perhaps her shininess reminded him of coins or something. Perhaps he thought she looked tough enough. Anyway, without much idea what else to do, Winterfrosting gave a shrug and obeyed, finding government work under the region's king. She moseyed through towns once a month with a big box and steely gaze and was rather successful. However, she grew to dislike the job after a few decades. She has never asked for higher payment than the law states, but when the king decided to levy increased taxes, the angry humans directed their vitriol towards her, the collector. It doesn't help that they assume all dragons are greedy and want a pile of money to themselves. Some even began speaking of killing her. Winterfrosting eventually quit, wanting nothing to do with human financial matters—the job was too taxing.