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.

Fiercely Protected was the second chief dragon of his clan. Trained as a hatchling by the original chief, he spent his whole life waiting and preparing to lead the clan. He didn't have to wait long, however: Almost immediately after he matured, Fiercely Protected was handed the full responsibilities of a leader. He handled this new pressure surprisingly well, managing the minimal duties well and at the same time setting aside time to converse with any dragon who would like to speak with him.

But eventually Fiercely Protected's fragile young mind began to crack. As he spent more time with his family, his forgotten (and occasionally ignored) responsibilities began to pile together, quickly catching up to the overburdened dragon. It was all too much for someone so inexperienced, and gradually the new chief's mind began to slip away. But before he lost it completely, Fiercely Protected pulled together enough sense to formally resign, forever giving up the position that had destroyed him.