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.

Dolieth is one of clan Kadesh's finest hunters and as such is responsible for feeding Gelenn, a guardian. Because of his skills he has always survived well alone, but the desire to belong somewhere has made Dolieth a loyal member of his clan. He has always been attracted to Exquisite Flame, a silver living on the mountainous edges of his clan's home valley. Dolieth was overjoyed when, after what seemed like a lifetime of wooing, Flame accepted him as her mate. He has tried to convince her to nest closer to the valley floor ever since, so that his hunting trips to Gelenn wouldn't be so long. The silver female, jealous of his attention, doesn't plan on leaving her high altitudes however.