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.

Because of his father's distant and cold nature, Lavender Penalties has grown up thinking that he was never good enough for anything. He feels as if he is worthless since Mauven Illustral, his father, has never even spoken a word to him, instead leaving him in full care of his Skywing mother, Swentravia, who never has enough time for him because of her flying obsession. Neglected, Lavender Penalties has extremely low self-esteem and keeps away from everybody, hoping that no one would notice him. These days however, he is slightly more confident than before ever since Moonhanger, a Sunset dragon, befriended and mated him. Still, though, she is making great efforts to raise his self-esteem.