Turpentine Dragons are named for the oil that covers their scales. This oil resembles turpentine in odor and is mildly toxic; it will not kill but it burns to the touch and will cause illness in anyone who ingests it. Turpentine Dragons roam in large packs, often stealing food from larger dragons, though they are able to hunt for themselves if necessary. Many other breeds consider Turpentine Dragons to be pests, so they primarily breed among themselves.

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.

Terebinth's father had been working with a Black Tea family for as long as either group could remember, and it wasn't long until Terebinth joined the team. He was the youngest of the group, and together they transported goods all across the land while the head Black Tea negotiated and led the trades. Terebinth found himself completely enamored with the Black Tea's daughter, Chamomile, when she joined them on their journeys, but quickly fell out of love when he saw that she was oblivious to his attempts and he could not win her over. They were still very close, though, and valued each other's companionship through the disastrous time when her father and the other Turpentines died in a sudden forest fire. Chamomile never stopped depending on him, however, and he soon found that she considered him her mate. He stays with her out of love and pity, but still wishes he had the freedom to choose a mate that he loves just as much as they do him.