Black Dragons are warriors. They are strong and capable in battles of force, but also ample magic users, capable of devastating opponents with their spells. Their bright eyes give them excellent night vision, which is why they generally hunt during the night.

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.

Onyxala, named for the commonly black onyx, is the fierce female warrior of the dragons taken in by her owner. She tends to keep to those she is familiar with, such as her dragon family and owner, and doesn't care much for getting to know outsiders. Her primary mate is Terradus. They have several grown dragon offspring as well as some grandchildren. Though she has mated with Aquoros once, Terradus and Onyxala share a special bond due to the similar magical natures of their different breeds.