Heartseeker Dragons are very social creatures that emanate a sweet chocolatey scent. Their captivating perfume easily attracts adult dragons that don’t yet have a mate. Heartseekers use their keen sense of smell to detect solitary dragons and potential mates in the area. By rubbing their fins against objects such as trees and rocks, they leave a scent trail for the other dragons to follow to meet each other. Although these dragons are seen year-round, the scent of a Heartseeker becomes particularly potent during the middle of winter. During this time, a single Heartseeker may play matchmaker to dozens of dragons, but he will also choose a special mate of his own.

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.

Gladhand, along with five siblings, was raised by his father. Wanderlust settled in when he was young, and unlike his father, he could indulge in it. One morning, he announced he'd be leaving home to travel, and after approval from his father, he simply walked until he found a spot to hitchhike. Once Gladhand made it to the coast, he was amazed by the sight of the ocean and vowed to stay. He had few foraging and hunting skills and no way to pay for things, so he wound up working for a pecan farmer inland. He then found work as a mortician's aide, and he was well-liked because of his patience and aroma. After seven years, he quit the job when his friend impulsively decided to open a restaurant and asked for help, so he helped her. 38 years and many jobs later, Gladhand is back on the coast, as a cleaner. He may stick with it, or he may not, but he's sure the seaside is his home. Dragons around him observe him changing jobs, and many seem confused that "matchmaker" is not among them.