Turpentine Dragons are named for the oil that covers their scales. This oil resembles turpentine in odor and is mildly toxic; it will not kill but it burns to the touch and will cause illness in anyone who ingests it. Turpentine Dragons roam in large packs, often stealing food from larger dragons, though they are able to hunt for themselves if necessary. Many other breeds consider Turpentine Dragons to be pests, so they primarily breed among themselves.

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.

Sa'id is sociable, friendly, and enjoys company above all else. This is often hampered by the toxic oil that covers his body, a trait that he actively wishes he had been born without. The dragons of Damian's oasis often find it hard to interact with him without getting tackled in excitement. Despite this, he is considered a good luck charm for his companions, as something good always seems to happen to those who spend significant amounts of time with him, from random discoveries of treasure to large amounts of food. Sa'id himself seems oblivious to these occurrences, but not to the possibility that many of the dragons might only be using him.