Undine Dragons are named for the water spirits with which they share territory. They have close relationships with these spirits, and are able to communicate with them. In exchange for protection and respect of their mutual freshwater homes, laid eggs are often protected by a blessing. This blessing stays with the dragon into adulthood, and with it they gain potent magical abilities. Sometimes when an Undine Dragon becomes very upset, the ground at their feet may frost over or begin to steam. They have also been observed to manipulate water directly, rerouting raindrops or creating puddles from groundwater. Undine Dragons always live near forest pools, streams, or waterfalls. Both genders take equal part in the raising of young and are very good parents—though they may not remain mated after the offspring are grown.

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.

Ayelthas was the firstborn son of Iryani and Aventi, two Undines of a close-knit community deep in the forest. When his younger brother, Zarethas, was born, he decided the tiny golden Undine was his to protect, and he promised that he would be the best big brother ever. As the siblings grew, that promise became harder to keep. Eventually, Zarethas grew discontented with his life in the community, saying that there was nothing there for him. Ayelthas did his best to persuade his brother otherwise, saying, "This is where you belong, with others like you." Zarethas only shook his head. "Look around you, brother, there are no others like me." Ayelthas reluctantly agreed to take Zarethas to a place where he felt he could fit in. After several days of travel, they found an older golden Undine named Kytaria who agreed to take him in. As the two were about to part ways, Zarethas spoke. "You could stay, you know." Ayelthas smiled sadly. "You have found your place, brother, but it is not mine."