Balloon Dragons are so named because they are filled with a gas that makes them almost lighter than air, similar to balloons. However, they are not prone to bursting, as they are covered in tough skin and can deflate themselves if necessary. In addition, they generally are slow moving. They use their gas bladders to float to the tops of trees, where food is more abundant. They can shift their weight from their backs to their fronts, allowing them to reach leaves and fruit.

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.

Gai-Tu knew his keeper appreciated the fact that he was the first (and probably last) balloon dragon she ever had, but at the same time, couldn't shake off the feeling that she was tempted to tell him not too eat too much and lose some weight. Well, to be honest, he doesn't eat all that much. The problem was in telling her that his inflated belly wasn't due to food, it was completely natural for his breed to look like he does. Perhaps he could try to motion for his keeper to lose weight instead, she was beginning to look rather round...