Brute Dragons are among the larger dragon breeds. They prefer to live in solitude or small groups, nesting in high, mountainous regions. The only time they openly seek the company of others is during the mating season, when males will fight for the attention of females. The thunderous crash of Brute Dragons butting horns against each other in competition for mates can be heard nearly a mile away.

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.

Second only to Zirnava to hatch, Zatlas was the first victim who fell prey to his superior's wrath. He was pushed around, beaten up, and was just plain miserable for most of his childhood. However, since he was also a Brute Dragon, a male one at that, he got special attention too. The males of the cave taught him how to defend himself, and helped him develop the vicious confidence that Zirnava had. However, like most other dragons, Zatlas refuses to test her.

Zatlas is the least belligerent of the Brute Dragons, due to being bullied by Zirnava. He is still an imposing force when angered, but he finds that one is better respected when one isn't stomping around the cave like a demon. When his group is going on a rampage Zatlas simply sits back and watches, knowing that he can't do anything, much less the other dragons.