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.

Dura is the Latin word for harsh. Harsh is a perfect word to describe this unforgiving dragon. The day she hatched, a stranger's hatchling said that Dura looked funny. Avanish told the other owner to take their hatchling away from his sensitive little hatchling, but they said it was good for her to learn to deal with insults. The other hatchling had Dura nearly in tears by the time it was done talking. Avanish and his other dragons chased the owner and his rude hatchling away, but the damage was done.

Dura grew up harboring feelings of hate. Now all she does is treat other dragons the way that hatchling treated her. She believes that it's unfair that such a horrible thing happened to her and other dragons should have to feel the pain she felt. Avanish doesn't stop her from insulting other owner's dragons.