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.

Elanefinnsish or, lani as he's called, is a lucky dragon. He was found by Purpletail as a tiny hatchling abandoned at a wild dragon cave. As soon as she got him back to the Sanctuary, Purpletail saw there was something wrong with the hatchling. She quickly placed him among the white dragons to get him better. Nemosish, the first Dorsal, quickly took to Lani and treated him like a younger brother. Lani turned out to be a quieter, more timid dragon who prefered to watch rather than be in the action. Being very observant and having a fair judgement quickly came of use and Lani became somewhat of a referee when any of the dragons would play their games.