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.

The French Toast is a purple dorsal dragon. He is quite strange and unique, and spends his days taking wild wheat, mashing them into dough, and 'baking' it to make something he calls 'bread'. None of the other dragons really care about bread, and they don't eat it anyway—it tastes strangely crunchy and it isn't very solid. However, The French Toast is also known for his trips into the forest to 'milk' wild cows for their white liquid, which he churns inside hollowed out logs. The result is a yellowy substance he calls 'butter', which he then spreads over his bread using a stick. He calls his creations 'french toast', and although most of the dragons avoid it and generally think of it as some sort of disgusting dish, some of the more intelligent and refined dragons (including one of his clan's leaders, Isendae Anamatus) are big fans of this 'delicacy' and consume it daily, much to the delight of The French Toast, who enjoys making the dish.