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.

Quentaal the Dorsal is a purple dorsal dragon. He is quite intelligent and analytical, if not a bit strange and eccentric. Often secluding himself from all of the other dragons, he loves to spend his days pondering problems that don't have answers. He also likes to build little machines and contraptions out of sticks and stones, though they do not last long, since they don't have anything to hold them together. Nevertheless, he still enjoys constructing them, and many dragons come to watch his things in action. Also, he is a close friend of Neegy the Penk Canopy, and the two can sometimes be seen working on their latest 'toy' or problem.