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.

Sir Francis is a brave and adventurous dragon who loves to explore, and has done much to survey the wild territory beyond his clan's lands. He is devoted to his clan's eldest dragon, the wise but temperamental Elspeth ferch Twydyr, and would do anything for her. (Almost.) He frequently brings back rare jewels, new foods, or other interesting and decorative items to lay at her feet, and she is graciously pleased to accept them, and to favor him with her praise and her company. His relationship with Elspeth, however, is by no means all one-sided—she is a dragon of great power and influence, due to her age and pre-eminence in the clan, and is always prepared to help his explorations along with supplies or a letter of introduction to other clans.