Dorsal Dragons are so named because they have large fins along their backs that can be raised and lowered at will. They use these fins to regulate body temperature; they raise them to cool off when they become overheated. The bright colors on the fins double as a means of attracting mates.

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.

Rise is a bit jealous of Red Dorsal Dragons, because they are considered less common and therefore more desirable than Purple Dorsal Dragons. That both her parents are the red variety of her species, and that they abandoned their purple egg, only helps reinforce her rather low opinion of them. She thinks that, as there are more of her own variety, they should unite and rise up to proudly tell the world that purple is much prettier than red! She can often be seen arguing about this topic with other dragons, gesticulating with her foreleg to stress her point.