Vampire Dragons are members of the undead. They sustain themselves by drinking the blood of others. It is said that they are only “alive” at night, and seem dead or asleep during the day, as they cannot endure sunlight for long periods of time. Vampire Dragons can only reproduce by changing the eggs of other dragons, puncturing the shell with their fangs and injecting venom that kills the baby inside.

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.

Cinder's relation to the famous Tan Galw leave many in awe of her influential and powerful relative, who plays with fire as naturally as the moon pulls the tides. Yet with her pride comes jealously, as Cinder has spent many, many nights staring at the dying embers, willing them to relight, dance, anything, anything that will connect her with her heritage. Born as a horse dragon, Cinder holds no grudges against anyone for her transformation into a vampire, such is her respect for her ancestor's judgement. Deep down however, she wishes she could have influence over the raw energy that is flame, that she could walk within it without being burnt, that she could light up the cave with her acts. But she never will. So she contents herself to stir the flickering sparks, hoping that one day the powers she is sure she deserves will come to her. Cinder tends the cave's campfires, hauling logs from the pile to the fire pit to ensure that none go out.