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.

As the first dragon to break through his shell, Merapi chose to establish the residence of the herd near the volcano he is named for. Because of that, he fancies himself the leader of the herd, even though momentous decisions are actually made collectively.

Younger dragons think him old-fashioned, because of his staunch belief in the importance of seniority and his habit of hunting for the ladies, but they're actually impressed by his hunting prowess.