Storm-Rider Dragons are a coastal breed—though they can also be found in open plains, preferring the violent thunderstorms that usually occur in such areas. It is not known if the dragons create storms themselves with their electrical capabilities or if they simply magnify existing fronts; no matter the cause Storm-Riders can be seen tumbling through the worst of weather as if it were no more than a light breeze.

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.

Dim Terrors is a maker of novelty toys, most of which are designed to be waterproof, "just in case you want to play in rain, you know". His head is full of ideas, and after failure to impress people with inventions that turned out to not be terribly useful, for example, a pincer on a stick that's meant to help pick up small objects except just using one's mouth or hands takes way less time, he turned to creating fun little toys and gadgets. People often call his toys strange, but he asserts that that's only from one point of view. Somewhere in the world is a culture that has something similar and isn't seen as strange. Whatever people's feelings about Dim Terror's devices, he's quick at putting things together and a successful marketer. Oftentimes, instead of finding food himself, he can just trade his duck's neck whistle, wiggly wood alligator, rubber cockroach box, and other toys for some easy meals.