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.

Neotropical dragons are a breed that originate in rainforests. They are fun-loving and enjoy lounging on tree branches, eating whatever fruit they find. They are also often found sunning themselves on rocks, using their large wings to soak up the rays. In the summer, males compete for mates by showing off their striped wings and gliding in spirals down the tree trunks. It is said that the larger the wings, the more likely the male will attract a suitable mate.

Niwakaame's name means "rain shower."  He dwells in an area far from the rest of the dragons, who live in a more temperate climate.  This dragon greatly enjoys the rain, hence his name.  While most days will find him lounging lazily among the trees or in the fronds of some tropical plant, rain will inspire him to dance and to warble in the dragon equivalent of singing.  The few dragons who have ventured into his area and encountered him have said he smells of crushed fruit and plants.  They also say he is good-natured and congenial, if a bit selfish.