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.

Sometime in mid-Summer, Estrey was abandoned, left by his keeper. But being leashed to a tree was not this little dorsal's cup of tea. He tore through his binds and wandered around cave to cave hoping for freedom, looking for a home. At last he came upon Karin, a young dragon keeper with a large yet empty cave. He came to be the first of the Kes Clan's dragons and now watches over all newcomers and inhabitants with his mate Ril Kes. Although he himself lacks the Clan's name, he is a large part of the cave and is forever counted as one of the clan. He is sometimes called the First.