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.

This mellow female is often seen sunbathing, but is only very rarely seen moving. This has led some dragons to poke fun at her, asking why she's so intent on soaking up the sun's energy when she never seems to use any of it herself. Such dragons soon regret their words, however, when she suddenly rockets at them at upwards of sixty miles an hour, slamming into them with massive force and often leaving them cross-eyed and unconscious. She then trots slowly back to her basking spot, pondering to herself that it's much more fun to save energy up for a few great feats then to spend it on many more mundane actions.