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.

TussleFin is the Red Dorsal brother of FireoneFin. As far as nature is concerned, he is the polar opposite of his brother. Dour, sulky and ill tempered, he does not tolerate playful hatchlings or other family members and often goes out of his way to wound younger dragons with his sharp fins and intimidate smaller dragons. He stays in his cave most of the time, occasionally venturing out to eat and stretch his legs. With the exception of the fiercest and the strongest dragons most of his family gives him a wide berth, and the corridors are mostly clear when he goes out on his rounds. While he has not gotten himself into any serious fights, it is obvious to most that he is asking for trouble, and the bullied members of his family are laying bets as to which of the stronger dragons will finally teach TussleFin a lesson.