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.

Elanor is a forceful but elegant dragon. She is good at giving orders and charismatic enough that others want to follow her. Ancallagon, the clan's Chief Elder has noticed this in the young dragon and has begun grooming her for leadership. Ancallagon is wise enough to know, however, that Elanor needs a fair dose of humility before she will be fit to lead others. To this end, the old dragon has put Elanor in charge of some of the clan's most unruly and wayward dragons in the hope that both Elanor and the dragons she commands will learn valuable lessons.