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.

Stanchion was so named because his enormous dorsal fin acts as a warning flag if he senses any sort of potential threat. He raises it in a silent signal to alert the pack to the approach of any creature great or small that does not "belong" in their territory.

Like Bitty Jade and Pipkin, he is more useful as a warning than as a means of defense—although he is large enough to be intimidating, he is too passive (and afraid of damaging his beautiful arching fin) to get involved in physical conflict.