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.

RoseBud's life is perfect. She lives with her father Geckoli, a purple dorsal dragon in his underwater lair and she works at a circus with her mother Igneous, a red dragon. She gives human and dragon children alike rides on her back outside the circus tents after her act. The children and everyone else love her very much. The fact that she is red unlike most dorsal dragons only makes her more appealing. She loves to pick roses in the fields around the east side of the circus. She waters them all, even the buds, for eventually, they will bloom. When her and her mother get home at the end of the day, the sing and play with her father. Rosebud will decorate the lair daily with roses as well. Her parents have always told her she is like the buds: Small, fragile, elegant, beautiful and waiting to bloom.