Blacktip Dragons are a small, shore-dwelling breed that tend to nest on sheer ocean side cliffs. They live in groups under a dominant female, who prevents her subordinates from breeding. During the mating season, a group of Blacktips can be very noisy and smelly indeed; males produce a distinctive musky odor and loud, low-pitched honking noises in an attempt to woo the alpha female.

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.

Even as an egg, Xiao had a strange way with sapient creatures. Filari felt a strange compulsion to take him from the abandoned pile mere moments after seeing the salt-scented egg. In his hatchling years, the other hatchlings would be drawn to him. Adulthood has not seen the end of this, though it may be because he is the first Blacktip in the clan. He personally suspects that his Silver heritage is at work, but that only explains a liking for flowers and waterfalls despite preferring the coast. It may be in his placating, uncomplicated manner, though some suspect undocumented Desipis ancestors.

Speaking of Desipises, Xiaolac is deeply unnerved by them. Especially female ones. His approach towards them can best be described as "fly to the opposite corner of the dwelling, cower dramatically, and toss fish in their general direction as peace offerings." Making matters worse, a couple of the mind-bending dragons have shown romantic interest in him that he does not reciprocate.