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.

Pemilo, a vain purple fin dragon, thinks she is superior to other dragons because of her small, but admittedly beautiful, fins. She takes great care not to harm her fins, even refusing to fly because there is a chance her fins might suffer damage. Her only friends are weak, doting dragons who think she can do no wrong and dragons that are just too lazy to tell her to leave them alone. Since her fan club cares for her every need, she expects the other dragons to do the same. Of course, when they don't, she throws a fit and starts some rumors about her offenders. No one is completely evil though, and Pemilo proves this by going out of her way to care for the birds of the forest, making many feeders and houses for them.