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.

Chridhe is delicate, fastidious, and somewhat self-centered. He is inordinately proud of the impressive dorsal fin growing along his back, and spends a great deal of time fanning it, making a faint humming tone that sounds almost like the drone of a bee.

By alternating the position of his dorsal spines, he can create a sort of music with his fin when he fans it.

This soothing music helps to keep the hatchlings occupied when they are bored with other pursuits (like climbing on Stegodon or chewing on Belle's crystals). And as everyone knows, a bored dragon hatchling is a recipe for disaster.