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.

There Are Fins on My Fins is one of the reasons why some of his clan's dragons avoid purple dorsals at all costs. Now, this may seem a bit extreme to outsiders, until they actually learn what There Are Fins on My Fins does. And the truth is rather disturbing, indeed, for although this insidious dorsal disappears completely during the day, at night he can be seen wandering through his clan's camp, blabbering like a madman. The only thing he talks about is his fins, though few have heard his ramblings, and those who are close enough to hear him are already doomed. For anyone close to him is inevitably found and forced to listen to him as he, whispering as if he was paranoid of eavesdropping listeners, speaks of how there are fins on his fins. "I have fins on my fins," he would say softly, "and fins on those fins. Fins, fins, fins. There are fins on those fins, and smaller fins on those fins. I can feel them move at night. They... they speak to me..."