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.

Wallenstein was a very successful commander of a dragon fighting group in his youth. But at the height of his career, just as he was about to become the leader of his whole clan instead of just its chief fighter, the clan's chief discovered Wallenstein's disloyalty and banned him from the clan's land forever.

After wandering the world for many years, always on his own, he finally came to the lands of Herk's clan. And although Fumee, leader of the clan's defense force recognized him for what he was and knew his history, it was decided to grant him a place among the clan. Wallenstein is old now and tired of his wanderings. He is very content with living a simple life, only fighting for the clan when he is called upon, resting the remainder of the time and enjoying his new life.