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.

Otvena is a proud dragon--likely the proudest of all the dragons raised by Slaerakuyume. Her name means "fiftieth," and with good reason. Otvena's birth marked the 50th dragon raised by her owner, securing her place as one of the most important dragons on her master's scroll. This fuels Otvena's pride, causing her to push around hatchlings and mouth off to all dragons above and below her (though Slaerakuyume's oldest dragon, Glowing Fang, never is messed with). The only thing Otvena seems to worry about is what will happen when dragon number 200 comes around...