Balloon Dragons are so named because they are filled with a gas that makes them almost lighter than air, similar to balloons. However, they are not prone to bursting, as they are covered in tough skin and can deflate themselves if necessary. In addition, they generally are slow moving. They use their gas bladders to float to the tops of trees, where food is more abundant. They can shift their weight from their backs to their fronts, allowing them to reach leaves and fruit.

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.

Balloon Animal is a very odd dragon. For one, he can't seem to remember his past, although sometimes he dreams that he was actually not a dragon at all, but a real balloon, which was bent into the shape of a real dragon. The dream always ends with him popping.

Balloon Animal is very high-strung because of these dreams. He also has a morbid fear of pointy objects, even though his tough hide can't be penetrated. This makes living in a cave, especially as a balloon dragon, very difficult. He often floats in his sleep, only to wake up and find himself inches away from a pointy stalactite.

At least he doesn't have claws.