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.

Cloud earned his role as leader due to the fact that he was the first hatched of the Spessartine Dragons. As soon as the others emerged from their eggs they fell in line behind the friendly, spunky orange Pyralspite, happily following his easygoing lead.

The most playful of the Pyralspite leaders, Cloud is often not taken seriously. The others find his games and attitude irritating, especially Vortex, who despite her vainglory is quite conservative.

Cloud doesn't really regard the actual leading aspect of being a leader. He would much rather lead his dragons in a game of tag than well, whatever else leaders are supposed to do. The other Spessartines don't mind. They don't really notice, actually. They are content to play all day and run around the cave like hatchlings.

One thing that Cloud does take seriously is his garnet collection. Like a child attracted to shiny objects, Cloud is mightily attracted to the vivid orange hues of the Spessartine garnet.