Gold dragons are the ones most often killed by humans, who consider their scales to be extremely valuable. These golden scales grant them a high level of protection, similar to armor, and they use this to their advantage in battle.

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.

No one honestly knows why Kovacs is considered part of Kadoatie's clan at all, given he shows up but once every few centuries. Off in one corner, where a coven of electric dragons hold sway, a ragged sign reading "Harlan's World" still indicates his birthplace, but it's a run down and little-visited alcove. All the bright dangers of the universe lie outside the clan, which is quirky but not too competitive. Kovacs, an embittered, cynical, and unnaturally violent dragon, chose to take his limited options outside. As a free agent, "Tak" is worth fearing.