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.

Dorsal dragons are so named because they have large fins along their backs that can be raised and lowered at will. They use these fins to regulate body temperature; they raise them to cool off when they become overheated. The bright colors on the fins double as a means of attracting mates.

Shar'Drahn is an imposing figure in Silvora's cave. When he flares his large dorsal fins, he can appear twice his size. Truthfully, he isn't looking to frighten any of the other dragons when he does this. The membranes of his fins aid with thermal regulation. With their help, he can warm up and become active faster than the other dragons every morning. Being first to move means first to hunt, and this dragon has an insatiable appetite. He sometimes clears most of the game from around the cave, so the other carnivorous dragons must range farther to hunt. His active lifestyle keeps him lean, and he sometimes catches more than he can eat. The occasional free meal keeps the other dragons from getting too upset with him.