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.

Yissy is a very, very insecure dragon. Even on his best days he's as nervous as a Pyralspite in a room full of rocking chairs. He's constantly asking if he's doing things right, apologising for offending others (in some way no-one's ever been able to figure out), or trying to correct a mistake only he can comprehend.

The tragedy of it is, when he's not doing these things, Yissy is actually quite competent at whatever he sets his mind to doing. Unfortunately the more flustered he gets, the clumsier he becomes, until he's knocking things over with every turn.

His constant apologies grate on the other members of the flock, leaving him with few friends. Those who have stuck by him are trying to get him to be more confident in himself, but it's hard-going, and there are days when they feel like they're just going backwards.

Naturally, he apologises for his inability to change as well.