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.

Delvoth Stronghunt is the leader of the Dorsal Hunters. Because the Dorsals are flightless, they instead specialize in large herbivorous prey that dragons whose frames are built for flying are unable to carry home. Delvoth is considered the most attractive Dorsal in the clan by many females, due to his glossy scales, Shining fins and Scars from many battles fought with much larger prey that a single Dragon would normally dare to attack. His mate, Diana Intenta-Dorkface, dislikes his habit of attacking dangerous prey, and fusses over every single new scratch and bruise.