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.

Grimblefrit belongs to a pack of Turpentines, although she is a bit of an outcast among her peers. While most in the pack find mates of their own breed, she has her eyes set on a female Cassare dragon that sometimes hangs around their grounds. Since magic is valued in the pack, especially because it is in the lacking, the pack leader disallows Grimblefrit, or ANY pack member, to interact with the Cassare. This never stops Grim from sneaking out to see her sweetheart every night.

Though most of her magic feels dulled while she's around her, a different kind of magic fills her heart, balancing her out.