Neotropical Dragons are a breed that originate in rainforests. They are fun-loving and enjoy lounging on tree branches, eating whatever fruit they find. They are also often found sunning themselves on rocks, using their large wings to soak up the rays. In the summer, males compete for mates by showing off their striped wings and gliding in spirals down the tree trunks. It is said that the larger the wings, the more likely the male will attract a suitable mate.

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.

Unlike her parents, Bananabell Lee comes from a noble lineage. All the Madder Jungle neotropicals are afraid that a cold, polar sea-wind from the northwest will come after Bananabell with dracocidal intent to chill her to death, and so make a point to shield her from it as best they can. It doesn't matter that the Madder Jungle is well inland and just south of the equator, nor that—even were a storm to reach the area—it would most likely be a hurricane from due east. Bananabell herself is more afraid of tiny, feathery black marrows, particularly those that can stand still for incredibly long periods of time. She is certain that one of them is trying to hypnotize her father and eat his soul raw. And souls, she is certain, are not tasty unless melted with a touch of sugar and served over ice cream in a banana split. To eat one in any other way would be blasphemy.