Fire Gem Dragons are a colorful, flamboyant breed often found in hot climates, particularly around active volcanoes. Their broad tails store the flames they breathe, which are colored by the heavy amount of minerals in the water they drink. These dragons come in a variety of colors, and will collect shiny trinkets and stones that match their own coloration. Despite their hoarding tendencies, though, Fire Gem dragons are social and will often congregate in groups and show off their collections while fawning over the stones their friends and rivals have gathered, occasionally arranging trades.

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.

Gestvlyn is the Queen of the Fire Gem Dragon Clan's Red Gem Tribe, subordinate to the Grand King Arlamir of the Blue Gem Tribe. Gestvlyn has just about had it with the Grand King- he never listens to her concerns, or to any other dragon's desires. She knows he looks down upon the Red and Green Gem Tribes, refusing to treat even the leaders of the other Tribes as equals. Despite her bitter dislike of Arlamir's method of ruling, she cannot deny that he has done well in defending the Fire Gem Dragon Clan from outside threats. She has a grudging respect for his strength, if nothing else. Gestvlyn has a close friendship with Naijes, the Deputy of the Blue Gem Tribe, who is also dissatisfied with the Grand King. The two dragons can often be found basking together, sharing their concerns. When she is not busy with her duties as Queen or talking with Naijes, she is working as a member of the Rescue Legion, locating and saving abandoned hatchlings and eggs from distant lands.