Mutamore Dragons are a mostly solitary breed, preferring to be alone in the waterways of the world for most of the year. However, when winter begins to wane, these normally grouchy dragons undergo a massive personality shift and become excessively chipper and incredibly social with the solitary focus of pairing up themselves—and other—dragons. They become such annoyingly happy and persistent match-makers that other dragons have been known to pretend to be pairs when one is in the area, just to avoid the attentions of the Mutamore Dragons. This temporary pairing up tends to lead otherwise disinterested dragons into a better appreciation of one another, resulting in lasting relationships. This has given the Mutamores the false reputation of being good at match-making.

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.

Merlot is an unusual Mutamore. For some reason, his personality is less predictable than usual. Throughout the year, he cycles unpredictably between various moods. Sometimes Merlot is gregarious and open, willing to share his drink and his time with anybody. Other times, he is morose and weepy, wanting only to brood in solitude. Still other times, the Mutamore is brash and angry, even violent. He won't hesitate to snap at any dragon no matter how powerful. And so on. During early spring, when other Mutamores are in their matchmaking mode, Merlot joins in, but he is often staggering and silly, and may veer unpredictably into unusual moods or behavior. Other Mutamores whisper to each other that he eats too many fermented fruit, and steals too many casks of alcohol from humans. His hoard consists largely of such stolen liquors. Some dragons even bring him more in return for gold, or help impressing a dragon of the opposite sex. Merlot just holds his head high and pretends not to hear.