Nebula Dragons are nocturnal creatures. With the best eyesight to be found, they are often seen staring into space. Each dragon tends to observe a particular nebula and will eventually change their colors and patterns to match it. As the nebula changes over time, the dragon changes with it. The more intricate the design of the nebula, the better chance an individual has of attracting a mate. It is said that the markings on no two Nebula Dragons will be exactly the same.

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.

Mandragora Helix loves to play tricks on humans. On full moon nights, he will fly across the sky, blocking the moon from their view. The humans believe it to be a lunar eclipse, known locally as "Mandragora swallowing the moon". Helix is always very pleased with himself when he hears the humans saying his name. He knows the cave mistress is unaware that at night he whispers his name into the ears of sleeping humans.

Helix's lifetime partner is Stealer of Souls and no one, except perhaps Souls herself, is surprised by this. The two grew up together and Helix always admired Souls' ability to make any dragon believe whatever she told them. Helix often has to assure the younger and smaller dragons that his mate has not really stolen their souls. Late at night, though, when Souls has gone off to visit her brother, Helix does allow himself to wonder whether Souls is serious after all. Regardless, he loves her dearly and will never leave her. His soul is hers, first, foremost, and forever.