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.

Harga spends most of her days floating at the top of trees, enjoying the peace and serenity that comes where few other dragons stay. Usually, Harga drifts in and out of a light slumber until the sun starts to sink and the cool air wakes her completely. Occasionally, Harga's rest is disturbed by other dragons who are foraging near the tree tops. The most annoying are the chatty Canopies who cannot understand Harga's desire for rest.