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.

Kolto was originally to be kicked out of the tribe as soon as she grew wings. There was no need for a female fin, and the females largely outnumbered the males in the tribe. The other dragons had agreed that it was the right thing to do, as they could not afford to feed and care for another dragon that was not needed. The day before she was to be chased out, she brought back a small berry back from her walk. This berry turned out to be the very rare ingredient in a much-needed medicine at the time. Kolto had the ability to sniff out the berry! She was allowed to remain in the tribe on one condition, that she find enough of the berries to make a hundred vials of the medicine before she grew up. She worked hard, traveling nonstop to complete her job, and eventually she reached her goal. She got to remain in the tribe, but all the traveling on her tiny legs caused them to be stunted. As a grown dragon, she can only walk a little bit before she is tired and has to fly the rest of the way.