Perhaps among the most venerated of dragon breeds is the Zyumorph, a breed whose selfless heroism and strong moral compass are nearly unparalleled by other dragons. Zyumorphs have an innate urge to fend off wrongdoing, and as such, are often sought after in times of peril. Although they are independently quite capable fighters, it is said that their true might is not unlocked until all six Zyumorphs are brought together in times of great duress.

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.

Volcano Alert's living quarters are at the end of a long tunnel in a mountain. Those who wish to trade or get help from him must visit him in-cave. The tunnel starts with a slope, then a climbing wall, then a series of maze-like passages with the correct route lit by candles and blue mushrooms. Following those is an obstacle course and lake where magic is nullified. Travelers must swim across the lake (the ceiling prevents flying), then wade through the shallow water for a long while. It's very muddy and rocky in the shallow area, and there are a lot of parasites. Most people are wormy, bleeding, and queasy by the time they see Volcano Alert's welcome sign at the other side of the lake. He heals all visitors and teleports those who get stuck, and he tallies the number of people he helps using cards on a score-wall. The number of cards increases by about one each day. Most of Volcano Alert's cave is easy to navigate, even the magic-free obstacle course—the wading is the hardest part.