Royal Crimson Dragons are so named due to their massive size and confident, regal bearing. Most of the time they are laid back, ignoring non-prey creatures smaller than themselves, although they will occasionally take fresh kills from other dragons as a reminder of their place in the social order. Although there are few other dragons large enough to pose a threat to Royal Crimsons, they have little tolerance for potential rivals and will fiercely defend their territory from such intruders.

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.

Valentine was raised in a foreign land by a group of tribal peoples known as the Sarrakota, with whom he has lived for generations. They once lived in a peaceful valley for many years, until being chased from their home after a violent and sudden volcanic eruption, after which they wandered for months before finding safety among their new Clan.

Valentine lives with the tribe in their own small territorial claim with his mate Asiphiris, but unlike her, he has no sole rider and is instead an ally to all his people. He has learned more about his Clan's native language than most of his tribemates, and so to the Clan's dragons, he is often seen as a representative of the tribe and a vital translator; he fits this job well, being that he is also very kind and diplomatic.