Vampire Dragons are members of the undead. They sustain themselves by drinking the blood of others. It is said that they are only “alive” at night, and seem dead or asleep during the day, as they cannot endure sunlight for long periods of time. Vampire Dragons can only reproduce by changing the eggs of other dragons, puncturing the shell with their fangs and injecting venom that kills the baby inside.

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.

Cruelty is true to her name, although she keeps it well hidden. In her corner of the clan nest lie heaps of small bones and squirrel pelts, while ominous patches of purple and brown decorate the walls. She is also responsible (in part—all the spontaneous fighting around can shelter eggs too) for the anxiety new mothers often experience. Although vampire bites aren't necessarily painful, it's hard for parents to see the motionless hatchlings sprawled in Cruelty's nest. She only leaves the nest to claim prey and, monthly, scout new eggs. Otherwise, she sees no one and no one sees her, just eggs, squirrels, and wood disappearing into the dark. The clan's first vampire definitely will not be its last.