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.

Osteo is fascinated by genetics. Ever since she saw a black alt dragon running about, she has had an overpowering curiosity to research genes and the effect that they have on future generations. Osteo has spent the last decade of her life studying the black and vine alts, the stripe dragons, and the varying colors of the dorsals. So far she has made huge breakthroughs on the stripe dragons and made some progress with the dorsals, though in both cases there seems to be some wild cards she just can't figure out. However, she is completely mystified by the alt dragons. She can't find any pattern at all!