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.

Alcarin Quesse, or Glorious Feather, has been producing lighter and lighter gas since her egg was discovered. At first, the change was barely noticeable. Every day the egg would be floating above the ground a little more than the day before, but it wasn't something anyone paid any attention to. When Alcarin hatched, Stealthy noticed she couldn't deflate herself completely, so the young dragon was tied to a stalagmite to ensure she wouldn't float too high. The rope remained slack, so she was untied upon reaching adulthood. Now she floats half-way to the roof of the highest cavern, relying on other dragons to push her down so she can feed.