Pyralspite dragons are small, swift dragons that can breathe an intensely hot flame. They get their name from their resemblance to and affinity for garnets of the pyralspite family—they hoard such gems, preferring garnets that match their variant, and can tell the type of garnet from how it tastes. The orange variant is called Spessartine. These Pyralspites are more fun-loving and mellow than others, and are optimistic as a whole. Their preferred habitat is coastal areas.

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.

Tipsy Pearl is neither tipsy nor a pearl. She doesn't understand her own nickname, and she must admit that she may not be the brightest. She does her chores and takes care of her clan's little farm, and they provide all of the other comforts of life, so she feels she's in a good place. Tipsy Pearl tries everything her friends and family suggest, and she makes an honest attempt to understand what it's about. She is a member of the Players-of-Words club, convinced to join by her guardian friend, Aria Dung. Once a month, they gather to discuss languages and wordplay. Tipsy Pearl and her friend are part of a subgroup in the club whose members rearrange letters in words and phrases to make different words and phrases. Or at least, that's what others do—Tipsy Pearl can't form any words, so she just watches everyone else with interest. It is at one of these monthly events where she was given her nickname, and while she doesn't get what it means, she appreciates the cool moniker.