Shumoga Dragons are a skittish breed, more likely to spit fire at a threat and take to the air than stand and fight. However, if cornered, they will wield their fiery breath and sharp hind claws in lethal defense. Their claws are also a powerful weapon for hunting—they drop down on their prey from above and disembowel it with a swift slash. Pale Shumoga Dragons are rarely seen in the wild, as their coloring only fades to a soft orange if the hatchling remains in their egg for a long period of time. They tend to be scorned by their dark-winged brethren because they are considered weaker, but they have a much calmer and more friendly temperament. Unlike their wild kin, they do not force eggs to hatch but rather allow their hatchlings to choose when to emerge.

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.

Haylie works at Cordovan Castle as Head Gardener, a position she's proudly held longer than any other dragon. It's mainly because she's the first one to be Head Gardener, but that's a minor detail. She does intend to be the best, with no one who takes the job after her surpassing her in leadership, craft skill, and knowledge. The Lord and Lady like Haylie very much, and though they've never spoken to her in person, others in the castle report that they say she's great at communication and does a fabulous job gardening. All those heads must be so difficult to keep in good shape, and the expressions they wear are all appropriate for each section of the gardens. What magical skill Haylie must have to keep them plump and fresh-looking. Sometimes, visitors and important people come to Cordovan Castle offering a great deal of money for one of the heads. Haylie doesn't deal with them; that job goes to one of the liaisons.