Horse Dragons have equine-shaped bodies and hooves instead of claws, which allow them to be fast runners. They specialize in running takeoffs, which are quicker than taking off from a stand-still. Horse dragons are able to stalk their prey from the ground then quickly execute an aerial attack for the kill.

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.

Energetic and unruly, Nogardes is very headstrong and a force to be reckoned with. He proved to be a great surprise to the Carer, whose charges until now had been quite mild-mannered, and "playful" at most. Nogardes taught her patience and the importance of discipline. Though not of a malevolent nature—no, far from being evil—he was somewhat coarse and physically rough, a trait that carried on past adolescence and well into adulthood. Aloof though not unfriendly, he has the unfortunate tendency to hurt things unintentionally as a result of his strength and predatory instincts.