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.

Pandorraa is a lot like her mate, Apocolypton. She also has a strange power over the things around her, making small misfortunes happen wherever she goes. But unlike Apocolypton, who is quiet and controlled, Pandorraa is wild and unpredictable, with a sharp tongue and flaring temper. Half the cave almost collapsed spontaneously when another mischievous dragon stole Pandorraa's food, and was barely saved by the earth and stone dragons. Pandorraa and the dragon who stole her lunch (Taliwonna) have hated each other ever since, and take every opportunity to harass each other. Some of the other dragons are afraid that one of their children, who would have the combined strange formidable powers of both parents, might blow up the moon or something.