Nebula Dragons are nocturnal creatures. With the best eyesight to be found, they are often seen staring into space. Each dragon tends to observe a particular nebula and will eventually change their colors and patterns to match it. As the nebula changes over time, the dragon changes with it. The more intricate the design of the nebula, the better chance an individual has of attracting a mate. It is said that the markings on no two Nebula Dragons will be exactly the same.

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.

Having spent months memorizing and tracking the constellations in the night sky, Odotai is the family authority on sky navigation. When the nocturnal hatchlings are old enough to leave the caves on their own, she insists that they sit through a few stargazing sessions with her, so they can learn how to find their way to hunting grounds and back to the caves at night. The sessions end with a practical exam of sorts, involving the hatchling navigating to certain landmarks in the dark while Odotai accompanies them.