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.

Herb is unusually playful for an adult dragon, he enjoys using his ability to float to make hatchlings laugh and entertain them.  Herb slowly began to feel lonely and sought to have a mate.  Before he made any real effort to find one Herb quickly doubted himself, it would be like a jester seeking a queen in his own mind.  Herb thought it would be impossible for any female to see him as more than a floating fool that could entertain hatchlings.  One day Herb wandered down to Aurora's Heart ridge to be alone with his thoughts, wishing he could have been a more respected breed like a black dragon.  Then he caught the attention of a very beautiful young bright breasted wyvern named Lara.  She caught him thinking aloud and she whispered behind him, "that's not what I think". He was surprised but flattered, it was the greatest relief to know someone thought he was still a good dragon.  The two became friends and did everything together and one day, mates.