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.

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.

Utkena has chosen to seek the path of power through blending physical and mystical talents rather than favoring one or the other as many black dragons do, and she seeks out anything that will enhance her combat prowess, not just the obvious. As a result, she has become a subtle, deadly opponent, capable of wielding her arcane war-magics even during pitched melee or claw-to-claw combat. There are many mages and warriors mightier than she, but not so many able to blend the two disciplines as effectively or potently. She is not bloodthirsty, though, just territorial. She once led her pack, but the coming of Rises-Upward-From-Shadow ended her reign; she could dominate the others, but the larger, more powerful night dragon defeated her. Now she is his second-in-command, submitting only to him and keeping the rest in line.