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.

Tereben is a long, lean, sometimes cranky Turpentine dragon who is more aggressive than most other dragons in her pack. However, the dragons in her pack have learned not to take her seriously when she insults them because she usually doesn't really mean what she says; she is just naturally sharp-tongued. Her tongue isn't the only sharp thing she has, though; her senses are equally sharp and because of this, she is very important for the pack's hunting or foraging. It is usually Tereben who is the first to spot a kill that another dragon has made, or smell a carcass, or hear live prey moving about on the ground below. Her pack usually looks to her for guidance, and in return, she is nearly always successful in finding them food. She is also an excellent fighter, able to use skills for both pack fighting and individual fighting. Her bright markings also serve as a warning for the mildly toxic oil on her scales, and, combined with her pack, she can often easily discourage attackers.