Dragons are creatures with nearly unlimited life spans. They can survive for long periods of time, and no one has found a dragon that has died of old age. Adolescence 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. Once they hit adolescence, hatchlings change quickly, maturing to their full forms in only 2 years.

Dragons don't communicate with each other verbally, but they will growl to scare off predators and frighten prey. Young dragons will emit an extremely high-pitched squeal when they are frightened. To communicate, they use telepathy with each other and to speak to other creatures.

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.

This dragon cares deeply about the lands where she lives, and has fought in several wars to prevent invaders from coming through the mountain pass to destroy the valleys below in their lust for power.  Thrice during her nightly hunts she has spotted scouts from approaching forces and prevented them from reporting back before the war even began.  

Her greatest reknown comes from a skirmish against the enemy beginning about four hours before dawn.  With her excellent night vision and magic, she was able to quietly soak their explosives with water, cause arrow and spear shafts to warp and break, swords to rust, and tents to go up in flames (which spread quickly as she fanned her wings).  She then chased off all of the cavalry mounts and pack animals, driving them in a frenzy for over an hour.  Finally, she loosed the support under preset boulders which avalanched through the camp, destroying their supplies.  The invading force had no choice but to turn back because of her.