Horse Dragons have equine-shaped bodies and hooves instead of claws, which allow them to be fast runners. They specialize in running takeoffs, which are quicker than taking off from a stand-still. Horse dragons are able to stalk their prey from the ground then quickly execute an aerial attack for the kill.

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.

Haldyn is calm, gentle, and noble, and he dreams of someday becoming a legendary hero like the guardian Kalazor.  He began as a hatchling-tender at Flowernest Weyr, but soon found the quiet weyr too dull for him and set off to find something more exciting.  Haldyn decided to travel to Dragonroost Castle, remembering stories of its legendary red dragon protector Trakar Flameglory, and arrived to find the castle inhabited only by the reclusive magi Felshara and badly in need of a protector.  Felshara, for her part, was delighted to have another dragon to talk to (not to mention someone to help with the hunting), and she and Haldyn soon became close friends (though he eventually chose Selroa to be his mate).  Haldyn has become especially popular with the children of the nearby town—his favorites even get to ride on his back—and he is glad to serve as a bodyguard when they decide to play outside the town's boundaries.