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.

Shang insists that his dorsal fin is a richer purple than that of other dragons in his species, and claims that he owes the color all to the gobbling of damsons. As a hatchling, Shang displayed an unusual affinity for the fruit. He once nearly drove Tarak, self-appointed guardian of the hatchlings and eggs, to distraction by sneaking off alone one summer's night and consuming so many damsons that he was sick for days. Tarak kept him under strict guard from then on!

Shang even brought his obsession for damsons into play when he chose his name...a fact that some of the more obnoxious dragons delight in teasing him about.