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.

Shade Ark is a stoic dragon. He can remember the day he was given away, and this makes him bitter and confused. Shade wants to know why his mom and dad abandoned him in front of a cave. He fell in love with Sophie Mouski as a hatchling, and now they are married. She is the only one that he loves, besides his new "mother", Louise Reed. She took him under her wing (ha ha) when they were both young. In fact, it was Louise who introduced him to Sophie. Shade likes to eat chocolate chip ice cream. Shade dislikes Ebon Bass even though they are alike in many ways. It has been discovered that he and Sophie are unable to have kids together because of the breeds that they are. Instead of moping about, he has arranged to help the other couple like them, Ebon Bass (ironically) and Mimi Capella. He and Sophie will receive the children that he and Mimi produce, and they will receive the children from Sophie and Ebon. He has finally had a child, who he treasures.