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.

Glistening Dorsal has lived a long, and strange life. Her mother was Golden Swirls, Queen of a dragon island called simply 'Claw,' since that was the shape of the island. Her father was Aseuita Jaques. One night, a robber came, stole several goods, but worst of all, blamed Aseuita. Golden Swirls divorced him, giving him the only thing precious to him: their egg. Aseuita was poor, but raised Glistening Dorsal. Humans saw how weak he was, and attacked. Glistening Dorsal mourned, but ran across a family willing to take her in. She's lived with them ever since. What happened to Golden Swirls, no one knows.