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.

Corporal Nobbs is short for a dorsal dragon, and despite his unusual appearance and odor, he's definitely a dragon. He carries a document to prove that, and both his parents are dragons. He acquires things. He is good at acquiring things. He used to take a lot of things when he was young and had no one to depend on, and that habit has remained with him in adulthood. He moves from cave to cave because he keeps running out of room for his hoard. He can recognize when authority tries to use him and knows how not to get in trouble. However, Nobbs isn't evil. He looks after his friends as they would for him.