Nilia Pygmies reside mostly in mountainous regions, tending to live in large flocks. They are a curious, hyperactive breed; their curiosity often gets them into dangerous situations. Despite this, they are wary around other dragons and animals outside their breed. They are naturally shy and seek their own kind for companionship. Once the trust of a Nilia dragon is earned, they are highly loyal critters, sometimes to the point of being annoying.

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.

Pygmy dragons are the smallest category of dragons, being on the same scale as domesticated animals. They are often found around concentrated populations of dragons, relying on their larger brethren to ward away potential predators and leave scraps. As such, the majority of a pygmy’s diet is scavenged. Due to their tiny size, pygmies do not breed with larger varieties of dragons.

Byrd has been Larathen's closest companion for years, ever since the magi dragon bent down to examine a rocking blue egg just as it hatched (Byrd still loves to call him "Mommy" at inopportune moments). He serves as adviser and annoyance in equal measure, keeping Larathen from making bad decisions or taking himself too seriously. For all his teasing, Byrd truly likes Larathen, and has been known to brag about him when he isn't present. He's especially fond of Larathen's stories, especially the ones where he plays a starring role. Now that Byrd has a small annoyance of his own—Spitfyre Lady—he's mellowed toward Larathen, but only slightly.