Ridgewing Dragons live just below the snow level on the upper slopes of mountains. They are a friendly, playful breed and enjoy dancing in wind currents near their homes or plummeting down into valleys from great heights. Their wings, by far their most striking feature, grow in fin-like ridges along their backs. While their bodies lack markings to blend better with their surroundings, a ridgewing’s wings have bright markings in the colors of the flowers that grow in their mountain habitat. Occasionally different-colored individuals can be found, but they are rare because their striking coloring offers little protection.

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.

Pampered and preened by all the members of the Mountain Court since the moment she gendered, one might think that Empress Amantine would have grown up to be a demanding royal pain.  Interestingly enough, she instead rebelled against the frills and trinkets a female might use to adorn herself, and developed a strong sense of self and an independent spirit.  These traits lend more to her regal air and natural beauty than any fine jewelry.  When she came of age, she gently but firmly began reshaping the Court into a matriarchy.  The small mountain kingdom now flourishes under her guidance, and that of her ever-devoted mate, the Emperor.