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.

Mihdel leads a rather dark life. As a hatchling, he was trained vigorously for battle with other dragons. When he reached at least adolescent age, he was pitted into several life-or-death battles with dragons he had no fair hope of beating without injury. As a result, his body is riddled with deep scars, and he never makes a single sound around other dragons. Now in the hands of a new handler, Mihdel still seems to be very anti-social, resigning himself to a corner and spreading space between him and other dragons. Understandably, he is very wary of strangers. One must work with him tirelessly in order to gain his trust.