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.

Black Lace is named for the veining on his dorsal fins, black and intricate on the purple. He is very proud of his coloration, and spends a large part of the day preening, stropping his claws, and polishing his scales. Even with his vanity, he is an excellent gatherer of edible plants. He can name almost any plant that grows on the mountain or down the valley in front of the caves, and delights in teaching the hatchlings to do the same.