Spinel Wyverns are small, sleek dragons that zealously collect spinel gemstones to line their nests. They are very affectionate with those they bond with, and will happily spend hours grooming a dragon of a different species if allowed to. Spinels are well-known for their even temperament, but when offended, they are very slow to forgive and will never forget. These wyverns will readily perform tasks in exchange for spinels, and occasionally other stones. Occasionally, they can be born with iridescent pale green scales instead of the usual rich red-violet.

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.

Alt isn't the smartest dragon around. Trick questions and puzzles don't trick or puzzle him because he doesn't even understand what any question is about if it isn't literal. If one were to walk beside him, one could hear him mentally broadcasting, "Step-2-3-4, step-2-3-4," as if he needed a guide, and he is easily thwarted if someone wants to hold a conversation with him while he eats. His instinct for self-preservation is very sharp, however. His father cared for him alone since Mother left to be a clam or something, but he was a wings-off sort of parent. Whenever any danger presents itself, including things like excise men and needle-bearing medics, Alt is gone in a shake of the tail. The resident white dragon assigned to him has to distract him with gems (or even pictures of gems) to treat his illnesses or injuries.