Spirit Ward Dragons are a special breed that ward off evil spirits—at least, that’s what the legends say. During nighttime festivals, people love to see these dragons, because they believe that the dragons guard against evil spirits. The dragons are dark-colored, but glow with a flame-colored internal light that has an intensity that they control.

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.

Padri'ghi lives in a shabby, literally half-burnt lodge hidden somewhere in the arid, forested mountains of Archanea. She is a self-proclaimed biologist and, according to the state of her home, somewhat of a hoarder—one wall is lined with jars containing specimens ranging from insects to fish to dragon embryos. Skulls, vertebrae and skins lie wherever they fit, whether it be on tables, shelves or walls alike. Living creatures of wild assortments lurk within chipped terrariums wedged between assorted osteological specimens. Fully articulated skeletons—including those of dragons—gather dust as they stand in powerful poses. And hanging from the ceiling, a Night Glory Drake locked within a cage.

Padri'ghi seldom sees other dragons unless she herself sets on out to find them. The few who have been allowed to view her collection ask how she reconstructs such magnificent skeletons with just her talons and teeth: practice, Padri'ghi says.