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.

If there are rules for something, Noncompliant will break them, albeit likely unintentionally. The more exacting the standards, the more likely he is to disobey them. He can't read, he is unable to pronounce his own name, he can process telepathy but can't use it himself, and his mind wanders whenever he's lectured. He cheerily walks into dangerous areas and eats whatever shiny, crispy, or squishy thing he finds. The dragon, luckily for him, seems to be blessed with a very strong stomach, and his pack leader took great pains to teach him to use the toilet so his toxic droppings aren't left outside.