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.

Black Shot is a really wicked and cold-hearted dragon. She bites and hurts the hatchlings and tries to smash the eggs, she also is very violent with the adult dragons who chase her off and with flitzthesoulreaper. Flitz thinks this behavior comes from the fact that Black Shot grew up alone. When Black Shot was a hatchling herself someone abandoned her in an unfamiliar cave and she would have died if Zaku of the wind hadn't heard her desperate growl. Despite her dominant way of acting she respects two of her elder dragons, Wings of the forest and Summer's Firstborn, because of their strength.