Royal Crimson Dragons are so named due to their massive size and confident, regal bearing. Most of the time they are laid back, ignoring non-prey creatures smaller than themselves, although they will occasionally take fresh kills from other dragons as a reminder of their place in the social order. Although there are few other dragons large enough to pose a threat to Royal Crimsons, they have little tolerance for potential rivals and will fiercely defend their territory from such intruders.

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.

Lady Scarlet Smith has royal blood in her veins. She was born in a cave full of glittering rubies, red-gold coins, and enchanted fire. It is too bad that she can't prove this to anyone. Taken to Wayside Haven as an egg, the same way many of the older residents ended up here, Lady Scarlet Smith has only a small comfortable cave with its own roasting station, but no real luxuries. As the mistress of Sunny Santiago, she never has to work but neither is she granted any real respect. Lady Scarlet Smith wants to change this. She plans to rediscover the secret of capturing enchanted fire to prove her royal heritage. With the fire on her side, she is sure that the rubies and red-gold coins will follow.