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.

Like all desert dragons and most reptiles, Turpentines like Gold Walking enjoy the sun. She and her mate, Obsidian Sunray, can be found in the early mornings, sunning together on the rocks of Ultraminor Plain. Obsidian and Gold are the new leaders of their pack, Tar Yucca. Their ancestry and Obsidian's hereditary rights to the position made them the leaders and decision makers. Gold Walking comes from very noble parents, ancestors noted for bravery, and her father was very close to Obsidian's father. They defended the colony side by side and took council together. Their children grew up together, so when Obsidian and Gold chose to spend their lives together, the joining was smiled upon.