Gemshard Dragons are small, gregarious, expressive easterns, living in large clans high in the jungle canopy. Their bodies are covered in tiny, gem-like scales that shimmer in direct light, and each dragon has a unique pattern of markings on the forked spade of its tail. Though Gemshard Easterns cannot fly, they often leap from springy branches high into the sky on sunny days and perform acrobatic spins and twirls to entertain themselves. When the weather turns foul, they pile up together on sturdy tree limbs and interlock the forks of their tails with others to keep warm and dry.

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.

Lakuak generally gets what she wants, and generally what she wants is to fork her tail with only the cutest male dragons in the colony come storm time. While the witless fellow usually doesn't object to this (the main point of weaving together instead of hiding somewhere dry is, after all, to build comradery), they soon regret the choice as Lakuak begins to play increasingly uncomfortable games of footsies and tangle the whiskers and spin the bottle except oh look there's only you and me to choose from muahaha. Ironically this lack of concern regarding public decency and personal space has driven away every male except the only one she won't date. The dragon in question is very cute and loyal and affectionate and desired by every single female EXCEPT Lakuak, who for one reason or another hisses and proclaims she'd rather date a dead squirrel then him when pressed.