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.

Paufen and Ierox have been a part of each other's lives since their cast-out eggs rolled into the same shallow depression in the earth. It would be a stretch to call them friends, however, though Paufen would certainly like to be on better terms with Ierox. Ierox was looking out for Paufen from the very start, snapping at her until she left the remnants of her eggshell and stumbled to safety, and continues to protect her from other dragons. When Paufen tries to tell Ierox how much she means to her, though, Ierox just snaps at her.