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.

Tian Youyadeyun is a court poet, a Shiren, in great favor among the Hua Chaoting of the JavaTiger Clan. Among the clan he has earned great success and admiration... even commendations from the Taizi, himself, for his undeniable talent. Even that, however, could not protect him from the whims of romantic love. Very soon, he became enamored of one of the Rose Princesses that made the Clan their home. SHE, for her part, did not acknowledge him. Just at this time a lovely dancer arrived at the court with the idea of catching the eye of one of the emperor's male descendants... perhaps EVEN the Taizi, himself. She also was cruelly rejected. The poet, meaning to give her comfort, wrote a lovely poem and left it for her to find. The pretty dancer found it, was greatly moved, and made it her mission to find the artist that had written those words... she had fallen madly in love with him, though the two had not yet met. It wasn't too long after that that two found true love with each other.