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.

Shaydaran was rescued as a small little egg and grew up alongside Spyraken, whom he sees as his 'twin'--they share almost identical likes and dislikes and find it hard to disagree with one another. Shaydaran is intelligent and normally very quiet, but these traits are often overshadowed by his lack of self-control. When he gets excited, he REALLY gets excited. An insufferable optimist, he finds wonder and adventure in all things and is often spotted running along and just enjoying the world around him.