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.

Despite her silly name, as a way of indicating 'Hey is a serious dragon. And she doesn't consider her name silly! Her father decided upon "as a way of indicating 'Hey" after speaking to a great deity during the period her mother was expecting an egg. Still, she accepts nicknames given to her, and she's usually addressed "Asaway" by everybody except her partner. Asaway is a floor manager at the Academy and is focused on safety and cleanliness. For unknown reasons, she's naturally skilled in siphoning magic and knows every method to dispel the students' magical effects and tricks before they get out of hand. Nobody, even the staff members, dares run through the hall when she's on duty. The three dragons at the Academy who have gone out of their way to get to know their colleague better and befriend her are surprised at the style of furnishings in her cave and even more surprised to learn that she's the "Finned Writher" at the Mahogany Morphodrake on weekends.