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.

Alex Bloodstain hates his life. He hates that he was gifted, though his parents remain close to him. Alex tried to kill himself on numerous occasions, but Bianca Frost, a winter dragon, gave him a reason to live. He is silently clingy and Bianca enjoys the company that he gives her. They are in love with one another and have one child, Chloe Bloodstain, together. Alex adores his daughter and frets over her like a mother hen, which gets him ridiculed by some of the other dragons. He has learned to ignore them and focus on his child and wife.