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.

Xayien is very different. His head is often stuck in the clouds. He has a strange obsession with pine cones and other natural objects, collecting them, but he bores easily and will forget about his stash and start a new one. He is a bit scared of females, and is locked in his shell most of the time. Xayien doesn't seem to have any friends other than the natural, odd bits of nature that he collects. He doesn't seem to be lonely, but with him emotions are no clearer than his devotion to pine cones.