Grave Dragons are not named for their connections to death or burial, but for the grave expression on their faces. This strange expression is used as a defense mechanism that causes fits of panic and terror in potential predators. Since they only eat ash and charcoal, they do not hunt. Grave Dragons are powerful fire-breathers and have been known to burn down forests and villages alike to make meals. It is believed that the markings on each Grave Dragon’s wings are the faces of those who have lost their lives in fires started by that dragon.

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.

Mother Mabuka, referred to Mabuka only by dragons that she considers her equal, is the feared ruler of a territory known only as the Fifth Realm. She's said to be the mother of all darkness in the world, considered the "end of all light," spoken about in hushed tones as the Grave dragon feeding on both ashes and also the fear of the people she burns. Sure, she might not act outwardly malicious—however, all dragons who live within her territory fear her, and those outside of it can only wonder why.

Deep within the Fifth Realm, she dwells in a cave called Mabuka's Den, and all dragons that enter it are said to leave it charred and burned, free of remorse or human sorrow. Dragons claim that her den is a mess of charcoal and the souls of those that she's scorched in order to create food.

Dragons outside of the Fifth Realm scoff and tell people that Mother Mabuka can't possibly be that horrifying. All those inside the Realm claim otherwise. No dragon's been brave enough to find out.