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.

Cloak of Purple Darkness has a bizarre fetish for fall leaves. When it isn't fall, she is quite grumpy and sulks around. However, she has a hidden soft spot for her firstborn, Deepest Red (although she's also a little disappointed that it didn't inherit her purple fins). The reason she is obsessed with fallen leaves is because they remind her of her fins, and the only ones she keeps are the ones that are that perfect shade of purple (yes, she is obsessed with purple).