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.

Shadow Tinsel is often bored with the attention he receives as the Prince of the Shadow Tinsel lineage, and the countless mates he has been given in order to keep the bloodline even. He loves many dragons of "messy blood", and often has children with them. However, as the immortal Prince, he knows his duties will never end and faithfully mates with the dragons chosen for him by his keepers. Overall, Shadow Tinsel is like a juvenile delinquent and very vain. He enjoys playing practical jokes on the other dragons, so has few friends, but contents himself by standing in front of a mirror or above a still pond, picking over his scales and basking in his silvery beauty.