It was previously believed that purple dragons were exclusively female, but this is not the case. Recent environmental shifts have revealed the existence of both genders of this breed. Female behavior is well known; they are primarily herbivores but will eat meat during mating season. On the other hand, very little is known about the behavior and habits of male purple dragons.

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.

Cri du Coeur has never felt at home amongst the half-insane dragons that adopted her. Her protest (or literally, "cry of the heart") against the violence that pervades clan affairs has always been ignored, however; ironically, since she is a pacifist, she cannot fight for her feelings. At times she counts herself thankful that no dragon has made a pre-emptive strike. Her mate Force Majeure also prefers speaking over attacking, but shows no interest whatsoever in encouraging others to take over his job.