Horse Dragons have equine-shaped bodies and hooves instead of claws, which allow them to be fast runners. They specialize in running takeoffs, which are quicker than taking off from a stand-still. Horse dragons are able to stalk their prey from the ground then quickly execute an aerial attack for the kill.

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.

Maolaj was the smallest of the eggs in a wild Horse dragon's nest. The mother didn't want the egg, so she kicked it out of the nest. Found by Ulsia, the egg was brought to the clan's nest. Maolaj still remembers the sotry of when he was just an embryo, and always thinks of it. At the beginning of his life, he was small, and weak. Today he is a strong hunter that prefers to eat just the things he kills. Maolaj has a brave personality, and he has no problem with it.