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.

The first daughter of Achubiaeth the black dragon and Chwithau the white dragon, Paliau grew up with her egg-brothers Arunar and Ashunar and her egg-sister Mephau. Anhoffter and Brydiau (mated egg-siblings of her parents) occupy the position of uncle and aunt, while Andemonar, Airenar, Kristau and Shentau are her older cousins, and Andulvar is her older brother. Although she has never known any other clan matriarch but Zyrieen, she is a warrior daughter of a warrior father, and she does not take the protection of her extended draconic family lightly. As her mothering duties allow, she also takes part in military manoeuvres with her father, uncle, brother, and cousins.