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.

Among the more tame of Streak and Black's children, Ridge doesn't go for the same action and thrills as his more bold siblings. Instead, he enjoys exploring the dangerous forest his family lives near and observing the wildlife. He takes careful note of all the poisonous insects, reptiles, and plants as well as the menagerie of ravenous animals. Of all the family, he's the monster expert. He knows exactly how to handle any threat that comes near, and, for this, a lot of them rely on him. Of course, not only does he use his studies to help his family, he also kind of uses it to hurt them with vicious pranks. Tricks such as poison ivy in morning tea, venomous snakes in nests, and wild bears being attracted to the home, Ridge loves to stir chaos. He somehow becomes the most useful and most hated member of the family, which is a position he revels in. Like his brother, Redstripe, Ridge sort of enjoys being hated, though maybe not to the extreme his brother does.